Hebrews 3:10

Grieved. Or, “vexed,” “provoked,” “angered.” In the language of man (vs. 9-11) God declares the utter futility of further attempts to win the confidence and cooperation of the generation of slaves He had delivered from Egyptian bondage. As a group, though not necessarily as individuals, their probation closed at Kadesh-barnea. Events had amply proved that their character, as a group, was fixed beyond the possibility of change, and nothing was to be gained by bearing longer with them.

That generation. That is, the adult population, above 20 years of age, that had come out of Egypt (Num. 14:29, 35).

Alway. Repeatedly, when brought to a test, the children of Israel had failed to exercise faith in divine providence (see Num. 14:22).

Err. Gr. planao, “to wander,” “to go astray” (cf. on Matt. 18:12).

In their heart. Israel refused to understand the will and providences of God and to follow His leading. The refusal was willful and deliberate, and persisted in spite of all the evidence God had provided. Compare Hosea 4:6.

Not known my ways. They took the providential provisions of God in the wilderness for granted, as their due, and failed altogether to appreciate His lofty purpose in calling them out of Egypt and in making them a nation (see Vol. IV, pp. 26-30). They did not realize that God had designed their wilderness experiences for their good, to teach them to trust and cooperate with Him, and thus prepare them for the occupation of the Promised Land.