What event is Paul rehearsing in Hebrews chapter 3?
Paul rehearses Israel's rejection of the land of promise, Canaan, at Kadesh Barnea. God had promised to drive out the Canaanites, but the people refused to enter because of unbelief, saying they were like grasshoppers and could not take the land since its cities were walled.
Les explains that Hebrews chapter 3 is a graphic illustration. Paul rehearses the activity of Israel when they rejected the land of promise, Canaan, at Kadesh Barnea. God had promised to send hornets ahead of them to drive out the Canaanites, so that by the time Israel was ready to settle, the inhabitants would be moving out ahead. But the people rejected it, saying, "No, we can't take the land. We're like grasshoppers. The cities are walled. We can't defeat the Canaanites." This illustrates unbelief, which the surrounding context ties to rejecting God's pardon.