Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 16:32. It's a pretty dramatic passage about God’s creation and a significant event in the story of Noah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is creating the world – everything you see around you – and he’s doing it in a really powerful way. He’s taking something very big, like the Earth, and using it to swallow up everything that belonged to Noah and his company of men. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the earth opened her mouth…” – This is poetic language, suggesting a vast, powerful opening. It’s like the Earth is taking a huge breath or making a statement. “…and swallowed them up…” - This is the main action. The Earth is actively consuming everything within its reach. "...and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods.” – This is where it gets more specific. “Korah” was a group of men who were part of Noah’s company. The verse says: "Their houses..." - Their homes, possessions, everything they owned. "...and all [their] goods." – This means everything they possessed – their money, belongings, even their lives. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse describes a catastrophic event where God’s creation was completely overwhelmed and destroyed. It signifies a moment of immense power and a clear sign that everything is under His control. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about humanity’s potential to disobey God and bring about destruction through their own actions. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and responsibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Provide context for the story of Noah? Discuss the meaning of “Korah” or its significance?