21 I took that sinful calf you made and burned it. I crushed it, grinding it thoroughly until it was as fine as powder. Then I threw the powder into the river that flowed down the mountain.
22 You also made the Lord angry at Taberah, Massah, and Kibroth Hattaavah.
23 When the Lord sent you from Kadesh Barnea, he said, “Go and take possession of the land I’m giving you.” But you rebelled against the word of the Lord your God. You didn’t believe him or obey him.
24 You’ve rebelled against the Lord as long as I’ve known you.
25 I threw myself down in front of the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights because the Lord said he would destroy you.
26 I prayed to the Lord and said, “Almighty Lord, don’t destroy your people. They belong to you. You saved them by your great power and used your mighty hand to bring them out of Egypt.
27 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Disregard the stubbornness, wickedness, and sin of these people.