Numbers 14:16

16 'Yahweh was unable to bring this people in the land that he swore by an oath, and he slaughtered them in the desert.'

Numbers 14:16 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 14:16

Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the
land which he sware unto them
That though he brought them out of Egypt, he was not able to bring them through the wilderness into Canaan; and that though he had wrought many signs and wonders for them, he could work no more, his power failed him, he had exhausted all his might, and could not perform the promise and oath he had made:

therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness;
because he could not fulfil his word, and so made short work of it, destroying them all together, which Moses suggests would greatly reflect dishonour on him; and in this he shows, that he was more concerned for the glory of God than for his own.

Numbers 14:16 In-Context

14 and they will {tell it} to the inhabitants of this land. They heard that you, Yahweh, [are] in the midst of this people, that you are seen eye to eye, and your cloud [is] standing over them, and in a column of cloud you go before them by day and in a column of fire [at] night.

15 But if you destroy this people {all at once}, the nations that will have heard your message will say,

16 'Yahweh was unable to bring this people in the land that he swore by an oath, and he slaughtered them in the desert.'

17 But now, please, let the power of my Lord be great, just has you spoke,

18 'Yahweh [is] {slow to anger} and great of loyal love, {forgiving} sin and rebellion; but surely he leaves nothing unpunished, visiting the sin of the fathers on the sons to the third and fourth generations.'