In Deuteronomy 9, Moses reminded the Israelites... "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.... From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD..... and have become corrupt... have turned away quickly from what I commanded and have made a cast idol for yourselves.... doing what was evil in the LORD's sight and so provoking him to anger....you rebelled against the commands of the LORD your God. You did not trust him or obey him. You have been rebellious against the LORD ever since I have known you."
And Moses prayed to the Lord and said, "O Sovereign LORD, do not destroy your people, your own inheritance that you redeemed by your great power and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of this people, their wickedness and their sin.. they are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm."