Because of disobedience to God, He said the first generation that left Egypt would die and never enter into the Promised Land. Even Moses out of disobedience to our Lord was not allowed to enter into the Promised Land. Moses is the only one in the Bible to speak face to face with our Lord and was call a friend by God, but because of his disobedience he was only allowed to look upon the land of milk and honey and not enter. Mass amounts left Egypt and only two of the original generation entered in. It is a fulfillment of the promises God makes to us. Have no other God above Him and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Why Did It Take The Israelite's Forty Years To Reach The Promise Land When It Was Only A Two Week Trip?
The God of the Jews is a spiteful, petty, vindictive God, and there weren't any maps. Besides, you try walking from Alexandria to Jerusalem with a whole bunch of women, kids and all their possessions, see how long it takes you!