The main point of this pericope is that the exodus generation of Israelites failed to obey God’s command to take possession of the land, and because of their unbelief, God withheld the blessing. However, though they failed to live by faith, God's logistical grace was still in operation as He provided for all their needs (food, water, clothing, etc.). God was faithful to His word, even though the exodus generation was not. Moses' history lesson was intended to show the second generation of Israelites the failure of their parents and set the stage for the instruction to follow. Moses wanted his readers to live by faith and pursue righteousness, and if they did, God would would bless them as they moved forward and took the land of Canaan.