Israel’s Rebellion

(Deuteronomy 1:26–33)

Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them,“If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?”

4 

So they said to one another,“Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”

5 

Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel.

6 

Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the whole congregation of Israel“The land we passed through and explored [is] an exceedingly good land. 8 If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us Their protection has been removed and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

10 

But the whole congregation threatened to stone [Joshua and Caleb].

Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting. 11 And the LORD said to Moses,“How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them? 12 I will strike them with a plague and destroy them — and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are.”

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