Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Kadesh, on the borders of Canaan. With the hope of soon entering
the promised land, all of Israel resumed their march when the cloud
gave the signal. What blessings could they expect, now that they had
officially been acknowledged as the chosen people of the Most
High?
With reluctance many left the place where they had camped.
The scene was so closely associated with the presence of God and
holy angels that it seemed too sacred to be left thoughtlessly, or
even gladly. At the signal from the trumpeters, however, all eyes
turned anxiously to see in what direction the cloud would lead. As it
moved toward the east, where only black and desolate mountain
masses huddled together, a feeling of sadness and doubt arose in
many hearts.
As they moved along, the way became more difficult. Their
route went through stony canyons and empty wilderness, "a land of
deserts and pits ... a land of drought and the shadow of death ... a
land that no one crossed, and where no one dwelt" (Jeremiah 2:6).
Their progress was slow and hard, and the multitudes were not
prepared to endure the dangers and discomforts of the way.
The People Demand a Meat Diet
After three days' journey open complaints were heard. These
started with the mixed multitude, many of whom were always
finding fault with the way in which Moses was leading them, though
they knew that he was following the cloud. Unhappiness is
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