14 The assembled people cried loudly that entire night, 2 and then they started to protest against Mosheh and Aharon. They were all saying, “If only we’d died in Egypt or back there in this wilderness. 3 Why did Yahweh bring us to this place only to be slaughtered in battle with our wives and children being taken as plunder? Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 So they said to each other, “Let’s choose a new leader to take us back to Egypt.”

5 Then Mosheh and Aharon fell to their knees with their faces bowed in front of all the assembled Israelis. 6 Then Nun’s son Yehoshua and Yefunneh’s son Kalev, two of those who’d explored that land, tore their clothes in grief 7 and spoke to all those Israelis gathered there, “The land that we passed throughout and explored is a very, very good place. 8 If Yahweh is pleased with us, then he’ll take us into it and give it to us—that land flowing with milk and honey. 9 However, you all mustn’t rebel against Yahweh, and you mustn’t be scared of the people in that area because they’ll be like bread for us. There’s nothing left to protect them as Yahweh is with us, so don’t be afraid.” 10 Then the mass of people talked about killing them by throwing rocks at them, but Yahweh’s brilliant light suddenly appeared to all the Israelis from the sacred tent.