The answer is: They were swallowed up by the earth

Num 16:1-35

Korah’s story in the Book of Numbers is dramatic and profoundly instructive. He, along with a few notable rebels, challenged Moses’ leadership and sought advanced priestly status. In a way, their ambitious move was like someone auditioning for roles outside their skill set; in this case, it didn’t end well.

When the ground opened up to swallow Korah and his cohorts, it served as a striking warning about the dangers of jealousy and ambiguous leadership challenges. Interestingly, in some interpretations, this act symbolizes not just divine judgment but a clear indication of the importance of the roles laid out by God. Moses was established not just as leader but as the mediator of divine will, while the priests appointed by Aaron held specific sacred roles.

To add a little trivia, the rabbinic tradition recounts that the fear from this incident was so severe that people across the camp began to spread tales about the phenomenon, perhaps akin to modern urban legends. Interestingly, this story echoes across cultures' governance narratives where overreach often leads to downfall, perhaps imploring us to identify and stay true to our designated roles in both spiritual and community life.

Korah’s fate reminds us that the pursuit of titles or recognition at the expense of order can lead to perilous outcomes—definitely something to ponder in our own endeavors! Not only do ancient tales have profound lessons, but they reverberate through time into our very modern interactions.