So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the Lord. All of them were leaders of the Israelites.

That place was called the Eshcol Valley, because of the cluster of grapes that the Israelites cut from there.

We even saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak came from the Nephilim), and we seemed liked grasshoppers both to ourselves and to them.”

They said to the whole community of the Israelites, “The land we passed through to investigate is an exceedingly good land.

However, the whole community threatened to stone them. But the glory of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the tent of meeting.

“How long must I bear with this evil congregation that murmurs against me? I have heard the complaints of the Israelites that they murmured against me.

“Speak to the Israelites and tell them, ‘When you enter the land where you are to live, which I am giving you,

“Speak to the Israelites and tell them, ‘When you enter the land to which I am bringing you

But on the next day the whole community of Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the Lord’s people!”

And the staff of the man whom I choose will blossom; so I will rid myself of the complaints of the Israelites, which they murmur against you.”

So Moses brought out all the staffs from before the Lord to all the Israelites. They looked at them, and each man took his staff.

You will be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the care of the altar, so that there will be no more wrath on the Israelites.

I myself have chosen your brothers the Levites from among the Israelites. They are given to you as a gift from the Lord, to perform the duties of the tent of meeting.

The Lord spoke to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion of property among them – I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites.

And you will bear no sin concerning it when you offer up the best of it. And you must not profane the holy things of the Israelites, or else you will die.’”

Then the entire community of Israel entered the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there.

Then the Israelites said to him, “We will go along the highway, and if we or our cattle drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We will only pass through on our feet, without doing anything else.”

And the Moabites were greatly afraid of the people, because they were so numerous. The Moabites were sick with fear because of the Israelites.

So it will be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of a permanent priesthood, because he has been zealous for his God, and has made atonement for the Israelites.’”

“Take a census of the whole community of Israelites, from twenty years old and upward, by their clans, everyone who can serve in the army of Israel.”