Final answer:
The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the Sinai Peninsula, facing hardships such as scarcity of resources. Led by Moses, they were sustained by miracles until reaching the border of Canaan, but only the younger generation was permitted to enter the Promised Land.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Moses' recounting in Numbers 2, the Israelites are condemned to wander for 40 years in the desert as punishment for their lack of faith after their flight from slavery in Egypt. According to the biblical narrative, this wandering took place in the Sinai Peninsula, a desolate and challenging environment. Throughout this time, they faced many hardships, including scarcity of food and water. However, under Moses' leadership, they were sustained by miracles, such as manna from heaven and water from a struck rock, reinforcing their faith in Yahweh. Their journey culminated at the border of Canaan, the Promised Land, though only the younger generation, who had grown up free from the mindset of enslavement, were allowed by God to enter due to the faithlessness of their parents.