Charles Ellicott Commentary Numbers 14:12

"I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a nation greater and mightier than they." — Numbers 14:12 (ASV)

And will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they. — A similar promise had been given to Moses on the occasion of the rebellion at Sinai, and Moses on that occasion interceded with God on behalf of His people in the same way as at this time (Exodus 32:10–12).