The people thought their issue was a lack of power, or direction, or their leaders. But it was a lack of faith: they refused to trust God even after he brought them out of Egypt and provided everything for them. They were holding God in contempt. Unbelief is a great sin before God. God was going to destroy them and start over with Moses. They really deserved no better.

Moses interceded in prayer, remembering how God revealed himself to the world through powerful acts when delivering these people from Egypt. They were bound to his name. God's great strength is shown through this: he is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. God willingly forgave the people (20). God cares about justice: he does not leave sin unpunished. They disobeyed and tested God ten times. They would be disciplined for their rebellion. Not one of those who treated God with contempt would see the promised land. God wanted to break the pattern of rebellion and testing, with hope that the next generation (and us 1Co 10:11) might learn from this. God also blessed Caleb's faith. In a rebellious generation, we are called to have a different spirit; to follow our God wholeheartedly, trusting in his reward.


Application: Father, your mercy and justice reveal your great strength of character. Help me to follow you wholeheartedly, and intercede for this rebellious and sinful generation on the basis of your love.
One Word: Forgive our sins based on your mercy