The Lord is God and he is slow to anger, he forgives the repentant heart and does not take away his mercy and compassion. In the passage, we see the result of the whining of the people of Israel. It is interesting to note that they decided it was worth going right back to Egypt after hearing the testimony of the 10 spies after the 12 came back with the report of what they had seen in the land which 'flows with milk and honey'. At this point, they had no remorse or recourse to the experience of God arising and descending, scattering his enemies and providing the need of the six hundred thousand plus people he brought out of Egypt. When the decision of God came out to Moses on the issue, it was a proposal for annihilation of the nation which Moses intercedes against. Then the Lord said I have pardoned the nation and they would not be wiped out (Num 14:20). The interesting thing about the judgement is that it is focused on the experience of seeing the glory and signs of God and yet have put God to the test. The judgement here is that people that planted the seed of revolt and their supporters will not enter the promised land. As many as raised their voice in agreement to the cry that they cannot enter the land and will rather return to Egypt, they shall not enter the land.

This judgment ensured that the people continued their wandering for as long as it took the last of these people to die off (40 Years) before progress could be made other than those that died immediately due to the plague from the Lord.

The one thing that comes to light here is the witness the miraculous work of God bears against as many as partake of it. It should stir a bit of caution in those ministries that base their image on the number of miracles they show to their visitors for it is such that those who do not listen and get converted after many events and participation have these as a witness against them. It therefore means that the probability of being judged is higher for those who participate and do not repent that those who do not participate. Of course nobody is justified for not obeying but it is a heap of extra testimony against those who partake and yet are not changed. It is wise to watch one's attendance of these events especially when they are real and are of God.