Numbers 16:20

¹⁹When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation.²⁰And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,²¹“Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.”

Summary

In Numbers 16:20, Moses and Aaron intercede on behalf of the rebellious Israelites who had challenged their leadership. The verse illustrates the humility and compassion of Moses and Aaron as they seek to prevent God's judgment from consuming the entire congregation. Their actions demonstrate the importance of prayer and mediation in times of crisis, showing a willingness to stand in the gap for others. This passage also serves as a reminder of the power of intercessory prayer and the potential for God's mercy to avert disaster when His people seek His favor.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

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 (Lev 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."