14. But that would have disgraced me, because many other nations had seen me bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
15. Instead, I told them in the desert that I would not lead them into the beautiful, fertile land I had promised.
16. I said this because they had not only ignored my laws and teachings, but had disgraced my Sabbath and worshipped idols.
17. Yet, I felt sorry for them and could not let them die in the desert.
18. So I warned the children not to act like their parents or follow their evil ways or worship their idols.