Numbers 14:26-35

Reader! remark with me, with what precision and exactness even in divine judgments, a man's own ways determine the event. The people had waited for the spies' return very patiently 40 days: was it not just that in their punishment for unbelief they should wait 40 years for the fulfillment of GOD'S promise? It should be remembered however, that in this 40 years, the whole of their journey from Egypt to Canaan is included. And was it not a suitable punishment corresponding to their sin, that they who wished to die in the wilderness should also be buried there? The Patriarchs, their fathers, who died in the faith of the promised land being possessed by their children, commanded even their dead and dry bones to be lodged there. Whilst their unbelieving followers seemed to covet, that neither in life nor death would they lodge in Canaan. LORD! keep my soul from that most dreadful, base, and vile affection, which so much marks the character of our fallen state, an unbelieving heart; and from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and commandment, I would say, Good LORD deliver me!