Rashi distinguishes between the way that Bnei Yisrael approached Moshe to request spies to precede them into Eretz Yisrael and the way that they acted at the foot of Har Sinai. During their rebellion the Torah states “all of you” which implies “in confusion,” in which the young pushed the elders and the elders pushed the leaders. There was a total lack of self-control and respect. Regarding Har Sinai, the Torah states, “You came near unto Me, the leader of your tribes, and your elders,” implying a proper and dignified approach, in which the young accorded reverence to their elders….
