How many bad science fiction moves have you seen that have the ground swallow up people who are unwittingly standing at the spot where the earth seems hungry? Or even the TV shows that have the earth open up and expose this huge chasm and people fall into this deep, dark abyss. Well that is exactly what plays out in Numbers chapter 16. The nation of Israel is in typical fashion doing their roller coaster way of obeying God. In verse 28-30 Moses basically says that if the LORD didn’t send him, nothing will happen to anyone. But if the LORD did send him, he will get them:
30 But if the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the Lord.” (ESV)
And then it happened:
31 And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. 32 And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. 33 So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. 34 And all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up!” 35 And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering the incense. (ESV)
Hungry earth and fire from the LORD. You can’t make this stuff up. If someone made a movie out of that it would be a “B” grade movie and totally unbelievable.
Believe it.
And you want to know that saddest part? Verse 41
41 But on the next day all the congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “You have killed the people of the Lord.” (ESV)
THE VERY NEXT DAY! These people had a death wish.
My people ARE idiots. But since you read my blog, you know I don’t like other people pointing it out all the time!
Wow is Numbers 16 what happened in Haiti with a new and different president.
It is uncanny how modern day events mimic biblical stories. However, you won’t catch me saying that God is punishing Haiti for making a pack with the devil or any other craziness that is floating around. Debating such things is helpful to few. That being said, NOTHING happens outside of God’s control. The fun part is finding spots for the hellish things that happen on earth and for God’s sovereignty. They both must fit.