14 But that would have disgraced me, because many other nations had seen me bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
15 Instead, I told them in the desert that I would not lead them into the beautiful, fertile land I had promised.
16 I said this because they had not only ignored my laws and teachings, but had disgraced my Sabbath and worshipped idols.
17 Yet, I felt sorry for them and could not let them die in the desert.
18 So I warned the children not to act like their parents or follow their evil ways or worship their idols.
19 I reminded them that I was the Lord their God and that they should obey my laws and teachings.
20 I told them to respect my Sabbath to show that they were my people and that I was the Lord their God.