And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
All the Israelites who were nearby ran away when they heard the screaming, because they said, 'We need to get out of here before the earth swallows us up too!'
The Israelites were terrified and ran away when they witnessed God's judgment, fearing they would also be punished.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt when a group led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses and Aaron's leadership, accusing them of overstepping their authority. God demonstrated His judgment by causing the earth to open and swallow the rebels along with their families, as a clear sign of His disapproval of their insurrection. This event left the surrounding Israelites in panic, fearing that the same divine punishment might extend to them.
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