John Calvin Commentary Numbers 16:4

"And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:" — Numbers 16:4 (ASV)

And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face. There is no doubt that he turned to prayer in his perplexity, since he knew that the remedy for so great an evil was only in the hand of God.

It is in this respect that the magnanimity of the ungodly differs from the firmness of believers. For it often happens that unbelievers also labor in the defense of a good cause, voluntarily expose themselves to the hatred of many, endure severe struggles, and willingly encounter great dangers; but for them, obstinacy takes the place of virtue.

But those who look to God, since they know that all outcomes, whether prosperous or unhappy, are in His power, therefore rely on His providence. When any adversity occurs, they implore His faithfulness and help.

When, therefore, Moses cast himself upon the earth, this⁹⁰ supplication was of more value than all those heroic virtues in which unbelievers have ever seemed to excel.

⁹⁰ “Telle humilite a prier;” such humility in prayer. — Fr.