Definition: They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Genesis – specifically, Numbers 16:33. It's a really dramatic story about a man named Abraham! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Abraham was very old and frail. He had a son, Isaac, who was very young. During a test of faith – a big deal in the Bible – God asked Abraham to sacrifice an animal. Abraham hesitated, but God told him to do it anyway. As he was about to offer the sacrifice, a massive rock fell from the sky and blocked the entrance to the cave where the animal was kept. Abraham was desperate to save his sacrifice. He pleaded with God to let him go through the opening. God, being merciful, allowed Abraham to go through the opening. But then, he and Isaac were trapped in the cave! They couldn’t find a way out. What happened next: They went down into the pit: The cave was very deep and dark. The earth closed upon them: This is a really powerful image – imagine the ground around the cave suddenly sealing shut. It was like a giant, sudden trap! They perished from among the congregation: This means they died. They didn’t survive the ordeal. So, essentially, it's a story about a man facing impossible odds and being tragically lost. Key Takeaways & Significance: Faith vs. Fear: This verse highlights the importance of faith in the face of fear. Abraham’s faith allowed him to act despite the overwhelming danger. God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control, even when things seem terrible. He doesn't always give us what we want, but he often works in mysterious ways. Test of Faith: This story is a classic example of a test of faith – how we respond to challenges and uncertainties. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism behind the "pit"? Discuss the meaning of “perished” in the context of the story?