1. After the Israelites heard the report from the twelve men who had explored Canaan, the people cried all night
2. and complained to Moses and Aaron, “We wish we had died in Egypt or somewhere out here in the desert!
3. Is the Lord leading us into Canaan, just to have us killed and our women and children captured? We'd be better off in Egypt.”
4. Then they said to one another, “Let's choose our own leader and go back.”
13-16. Moses replied:With your mighty power you rescued your people from Egypt, so please don't destroy us here in the desert. If you do, the Egyptians will hear about it and tell the people of Canaan. Those Canaanites already know that we are your people, and that we see you face to face. And they have heard how you lead us with a thick cloud during the day and flaming fire at night. But if you kill us, they will claim it was because you weren't powerful enough to lead us into Canaan as you promised.
22-23. I swear that not one of these Israelites will enter the land I promised to give their ancestors. These people have seen my power in Egypt and in the desert, but they will never see Canaan. They have disobeyed and tested me too many times.
27-28. to give this message to the people of Israel:You sinful people have complained against me too many times! Now I swear by my own life that I will give you exactly what you wanted.