Each generation of Israelites rebelled against the Lord. They refused to obey the commandments he gave them.
Each time, the Lord warned that he would pour out his fury (his strong anger) on them (Ezekiel 20:8, 13, 21). But he held back his judgment. He did this for the honor of his name.
If he had destroyed them, the surrounding nations might have thought he was too weak to bring his people into the promised land.