Definition: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a pretty dramatic and significant passage from the Book of Numbers, and it speaks about a terrible event involving Joshua and his company. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Joshua’s Company is Invited: Joshua was leading an Israelite army when God told him to invite a group of men called Korah into their camp. Korah was a bit rebellious and wanted to do things on his own terms. A Fire Comes Out: Suddenly, a massive fire erupted from the earth. This wasn’t just a regular fire; it was a controlled fire that devoured everything in its path. 250 Men Lost: The fire killed 250 men from Korah’s company. A Huge Sign: This is where it gets really important. The fire didn't just destroy the men; it transformed them into a massive, visible sign of God’s power and judgment. What Does It Mean? The verse isn't saying the fire was just destroying people. It’s suggesting that God used this fiery destruction to show His power and judgment. It’s a powerful image: God's Justice: The fire represents God punishing sin and wrongdoing. Judgment is Imminent: It shows that God is watching and is taking action against those who are displeasing Him. A Warning: It's a warning to the Israelites – to be careful not to disobey God’s commands, or he will punish them severely. In Short: The fire consumed 250 men from Korah’s company, leaving behind a huge, visible sign of God’s power and judgment. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a reminder that disobedience to God's instructions can have serious consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail? Talk about what it might symbolize (like a test or a punishment)?