God's harsh reaction to the complaints in the wilderness erupts with sudden force, specifically targeting the most secure, powerful, and respected members of society. Physical strength and social status offer no protection when divine anger is awakened, bringing down those who feel safe in their wealth and power.
The awakening of this anger is compared to thick smoke rising in a person's nose [רד״ק], or to a sudden, kindled flame [אבן עזרא]. On a deeper level, this anger acts almost like an independent agent of destruction. Left to run its course, this destructive force would have wiped out the entire nation without distinction, consuming even those who simply stood by and failed to protest against the complainers [אלשיך].
The primary approach among commentators is that this wrath strikes the physically healthy and strong [רד״ק, מאירי], taking down the camp's leaders and wealthy individuals who are accustomed to a life of luxury [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some view this specific group as the instigators—the elders and leaders who originally craved meat [רש״י, אלשיך]. Alongside them, the elite, chosen young men of the nation are also struck [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Their downfall serves to emphasize that natural physical might is entirely useless against God's judgment [אבן עזרא].
The punishment brings these individuals to total defeat, literally causing them to collapse and fall to their knees [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, מאירי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Yet, within this severe response, a careful distinction is made between two groups and the severity of their punishments. The instigators who actively craved the meat are killed completely. In contrast, the elite youth of the Israelites, who are merely dragged into the complaining and weep along with the others, are only brought to their knees and subdued. This difference reveals God's active intervention and mercy. By holding back the full force of His anger, He prevents total destruction and chooses only to humble the Israelites who are followers rather than leaders [אלשיך].