"It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known My
ways."--_Psalm 95:10._
AFTER the Commandments were given the Israelites went on their journey.
The Ark, or chest, where the Commandments on their two tables of stone
were kept, was carried before them; and God still showed that He was
with them, for He made a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night go
along with them, and rest on it.
[Illustration: THE SPIES RETURNING FROM CANAAN.--Num. 13:24-26.]
When they came near the land of Canaan, twelve men were sent on to see
it. They came back, bringing such a great bunch of grapes that two
had to carry it between them on a pole! But they said that the land
was full of strong cities, and very strong men, and they should never
be able to win it, but would all be killed. Only two men, Joshua and
Caleb, recollected that there could be no fear, for God had promised to
save them and bring them in. The others all cried, and said they would
go back to Egypt, and threw stones at Moses and Aaron when they wanted
to quiet them.
Then God showed His glory, and would have cut them all off in a moment
if Moses had not prayed for them. But He said none of those who had
said they would not go into the good land should go. They were to stay
forty years longer in the dismal wilderness, till all the grown-up men,
except Joshua and Caleb, should be dead, and their children be grown
up in their stead. Then their children, who had learned to trust God
and do as He bade, should be the ones to go in and live in the promised
land.