15. And in the desert I swore to the Israelites that I would not bring them into the land I had given them. It is a fertile land, the best land in the world.
16. This was because they rejected my laws and did not follow my rules. They dishonored my Sabbaths and wanted to worship their idols.
17. But I had pity on them. I did not destroy them or put an end to them in the desert.
18. I said to their children in the desert, “Don’t live by the rules of your parents, or obey their laws. Don’t make yourselves unclean with their idols.
19. I am the Lord your God. Live by my rules, obey my laws, and follow them.
20. Keep my Sabbaths holy, and they will be a sign between me and you. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”
21. “ ‘But the children turned against me. They did not live by my rules, nor were they careful to obey my laws, by which people will live if they obey them. They dishonored my Sabbaths. So I decided to pour out my anger against them in the desert.
22. But I held back my anger. I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be dishonored in full view of the nations who watched as I brought the Israelites out.