3
Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?"
4
So they said to one another, "Let us select a leader and return to Egypt."
5
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
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But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes;
7
and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land.
8
If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.'
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Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them."
10
And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.
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Then the Lord said to Moses: "How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?
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I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they."
13
And Moses said to the Lord: "Then the Egyptians will hear it, for by Your might You brought these people up from among them,