“The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with G Korah, with all their goods” (Numbers 16:32).
Glaciers are dangerous. Though beautiful to explore, they can be deadly to the inexperienced climber. Glaciers can form large ice towers called seracs. These giant chunks of ice many stories high can unexpectedly tip over and crush you. One of the most treacherous parts of climbing over glaciers is the hidden crevasses. Snowstorms can build snow bridges over deep fissures and hide them from view.
Slipping and falling into an ice crevasse can be fatal. It is almost impossible for someone to climb out alone, especially if he is injured in the fall. Most mountaineers are extremely wary of crevasses. For safety, they will tie themselves together and carry ice axes to prevent from sliding. Just a few years ago, a Nepali guide on Mount Everest plummeted 150 feet into an ice chasm and died. He was not clipped into a safety line.
The Bible tells of a man who fell into a chasm. Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He was a close relative of the two leaders and challenged their right to rule. After Korah spread discontent, Moses instructed the rebel to bring the other disgruntled princes to the door of the tabernacle where the Lord would determine who His chosen leaders were.
Moses then told the congregation to move away from the tents of Korah and his cohorts. He then stated, “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will” (Numbers 16:28). Then the earth split open and swallowed the men, their families, and all their belongings. Fire also consumed the 250 false priests.
More dangerous than standing near an ice crevasse is the person who determines to scorn those who work for their salvation.
Lord, may I always honour the godly leaders You have ordained to serve Your people.
