Korah's Rebellion — The Earth Opens
The ground splits open and swallows Korah and his followers for rebelling against Moses.
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rose up against Moses and Aaron, claiming the priesthood for themselves. Moses said the Lord would show who was holy. As he finished speaking, the ground beneath the rebels split open, swallowing them and their households alive. Fire then consumed the 250 men who offered strange incense.
God (through Moses)
The wilderness of Paran
What Happened
- 1Korah and 250 leaders challenged Moses and Aaron's authority
- 2Moses called the people to stand apart from the rebels' tents
- 3The ground split open and swallowed the rebels and their houses
- 4Fire from the Lord consumed the 250 incense bearers
- 5The next day a plague struck until Aaron stood between the dead and the living
Key KJV Scriptures
"And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods."
"And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense."
Spiritual Significance
Korah's judgment confirmed that God Himself had chosen Moses and Aaron. It stands as a sober warning against jealous, self-promoting rebellion in the house of God.
Lesson for Today
Honor those God has set in place, and beware of pride that grasps for what God has not given. The Lord defends His own order.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Korah's rebellion in the Bible?
It is recorded in Numbers 16, with continuing fallout in Numbers 17. Jude 11 also warns against 'the gainsaying of Core.'
Were Korah's sons also destroyed?
No — Numbers 26:11 notes that 'the children of Korah died not.' Their descendants later served as gatekeepers and psalmists in the temple.
Who performed the miracle of Korah's Rebellion — The Earth Opens?
Scripture records that God (through Moses) carried out this miracle at The wilderness of Paran. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the water around it.
Aaron's Rod That Budded
Aaron's dead rod overnight buds, blossoms, and yields ripe almonds as a sign of God's chosen priest.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreMichael the Archangel
Michael is the archangel and warrior prince who stands for God's people and contends with Satan himself.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Korah's Rebellion — The Earth Opens
The ground splits open and swallows Korah and his followers for rebelling agains
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.
Korah in the Bible
The Rebel Swallowed by the Earth
Korah Bible Quiz
The Levite who rose up against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
Fallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now o
Moses Parts the Red Sea
Exodus 14:1–31 • deliverance