Deuteronomy 1:29-46
The wilderness was great and terrible. But how had Israel crossed it? In the arms of the LORD (v. 31). To that statement expressing the deepest ungratefulness: "Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt" (v. 27), let us hear how God replies through the mouth of Moses: "The LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son." What tenderness in that comparison! Acts 13:18 completes it: "And he took care of them in the wilderness, like a mother, for about forty years".* The powerful love of a father, the profound tenderness of a mother; God wants to be everything for His own! (see also Psalms 103:13; Isaiah 66:13). What does a love such as that demand in return? Nothing but the complete trust a small child shows who allows himself to be carried in his parent’s arms.
Another proof of the LORD’S faithfulness was the way in which He had opened up the way to His people, exploring the places, then guiding them from one resting place to the next (v. 33). By sending out scouts (v. 22), was that not mistrusting and doubting His tender care?
The fears of unbelief were succeeded by an air of levity and presumption — an attitude which inevitably led to defeat before the enemy and subsequently caused bitter tears to flow (v. 45).
*J.N.D. Version (French)