Moses and Aaron to Separate Themselves From the Congregation of Israel (Numbers 16:20-21).
‘And Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,'
But then Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, and His words revealed His anger at the disobedience of the Levites and the concurrence of the people. Here the phrase is not, as often, a general statement indicating a new section containing the words of Moses, but is simply a part of the narrative.
“ Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.”
He told Moses and Aaron that they must remove themselves from among the people, for He intended to destroy them all. He knew their hearts, and that instead of blaming themselves for the consequence of their unbelief which had barred them from the land, they were blaming Yahweh Himself and His true servants. Not one of them was worthy to remain alive.
These words conclude the first part of the narrative, but lead on immediately into the second part. They are pregnant with significance. At this point Yahweh brings out not only the rebellion of those in open conflict with Moses and Aaron, but also the rebellion in the hearts of all the people, which will manifest itself openly later.