John Calvin Commentary Numbers 16:42

"And it came to pass, when the congregation was assembled against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tent of meeting: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of Jehovah appeared." — Numbers 16:42 (ASV)

And it came to pass when the congregation. From the fact that Moses and Aaron were protected by the covering of the cloud, we understand how uncontrollable was the rage of the people. For, although the glory of God only stood over the tabernacle, so that Moses and Aaron were still exposed to stoning, and any other acts of violence, yet it so dazzled the eyes of these wicked men that they could not touch the holy persons.

Nor can we doubt that they resorted to the sanctuary, because, in their extreme danger, the only hope that remained to them was in the help of God. When, therefore, they had fled to this sacred asylum, God received them under the shadow of His wings.

Thus He testified that the prayers and hopes of His people are never in vain, but that He helps them whenever they call upon Him. For although, nowadays, He does not appear in a visible dwelling place, He is still near to all those who cast their cares upon Him.

It might, indeed, have been that the sign of God’s glory was seen only by Moses and Aaron, so that they might be fully assured that God was near to help them; but, since the expression is indefinite, it is probable that God also threatened the frantic multitude, so that they would not proceed to any further acts of violence, although the light was presented in vain to them in their blindness.