Punishment of Korah
Summary
The punishment of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram recounts a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 community leaders, challenged Moses' authority, claiming that all the congregation was holy and questioning why Moses exalted himself. God's punishment was swift and dramatic: the earth opened and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households, while fire from the Lord consumed the 250 men who offered incense. The story served as a warning against challenging divinely appointed authority.
Biblical Reference
Book(s): Book of Numbers
Chapters/Verses: Numbers 16:1-35
Artworks Depicting This Story
Punishment of the Korah, Dathan and Abiram
Story narrated from left to right: - In the left, the earth opens up to swallow the rebels - In the center, figures offering false fire to the Lord were consumed by the fire - In the right, Moses seeks refuge from Israelites who stoned him - Moses' forehead ray is from biblical text (Exodus 34:29-35)
