16 Moses said to Korah , "You and all your company be present before the Lord tomorrow , both you and they along with Aaron . 17 "Each of you take his firepan and put incense on it, and each of you bring his censer before the Lord , two hundred and fifty firepans ; also you and Aaron shall each bring his firepan ." 18 So they each took his own censer and put fire on it, and laid incense on it; and they stood at the doorway of the tent of meeting , with Moses and Aaron . 19 Thus Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the doorway of the tent of meeting . And the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation . 20 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron , saying , 21 " Separate yourselves from among this congregation , that I may consume them instantly ." 22 But they fell on their faces and said , "O God , God of the spirits of all flesh , when one man sins , will You be angry with the entire congregation ?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 16:16-22
Commentary on Numbers 16:16-22
(Read Numbers 16:16-22)
The same glory of the Lord that appeared to place Aaron in his office at first, Leviticus 9:23, now appeared to confirm him in it; and to confound those who set up against him. Nothing is more terrible to those who are conscious of guilt, than the appearance of the Divine glory. See how dangerous it is to have fellowship with sinners, and to partake with them. Though the people had treacherously deserted them, yet Moses and Aaron approved themselves faithful shepherds of Israel. If others fail in their duty to us, that does not take away the obligations we are under to seek their welfare. Their prayer was a pleading prayer, and it proved a prevailing one.