A group of 12 went into the land to scope things out. 10 of the 12 bring back reports of walled cities and strong men that look like giants so the congregation of Israel decides to appoint new leaders that will take them back to Egypt. This is where the 40 years in the wilderness is mentioned for the first time.

Numbers 14

All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.