It should seem that there is somewhat more of doctrine in this subject, than at first view might be supposed. If the congregation be everyone of them holy they need no Mediator. And if they need no Mediator then might each approach in his own righteousness. Moses therefore refers this decision to the LORD, and calls upon Korah and his company to do the same. It is as if he had said, Make the experiment and do you take the censers of your own righteousness, instead of that appointed by the LORD your GOD. Pause, my soul, over this state of the case. Ask yourself whether you would venture to draw nigh in this manner. What a beautiful view doth the subject at once seem to open to us of the preciousness of JESUS, whom Aaron typified? For, let it never be once forgotten through the whole of the Levitical dispensation, Aaron, in all he did and all he represented, was called of GOD to the service; and it was this appointment which alone gave efficacy to his ministration. Hebrews 5:4.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 16:5
Numbers 16:5-7
5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;
7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.