And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20, 21. the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation-Curiosity to witness the exciting spectacle attracted a vast concourse of the people, and it would seem that the popular mind had been incited to evil by the clamors of the mutineers against Moses and Aaron. There was something in their behavior very offensive to God; for after His glory had appeared-as at the installation of Aaron (Le 9:23), so now for his confirmation in the sacred office-He bade Moses and Aaron withdraw from the assembly "that He might consume them in a moment."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

16:16-22 The same glory of the Lord that appeared to place Aaron in his office at first, Le 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.