Quran

This story provides the clearest evidence of breaking the covenants (by the Israelites). Surat (Al-Ma'idah) begins with the demand to fulfill covenants and contracts, and the affirmation that Allah Has taken a covenant from them clearly in saying, (Allah took a covenant from the Children of Israel). Al-Biqai: 2/428.
Question: What is the link between this story and the beginning of Surat Al-Ma'idah?

(So go, you and your Lord), this reflects excessive disobedience and rudeness expressed in a statement that entails disbelief and disdain of Allah, the Almighty, and His Messenger. Far from it, is what the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said to him: We will never say to you what the Israelites had said to Moses () but we say: "Go, you and your Lord, and fight, we are indeed fighters with you." Ibn Juzay: 1/231.
Question: People's levels of faith vary at the time of a trial. Explain in light of this verse.

(Indeed, we are remaining right here), we are not going with you. So, their conduct is similar to that of one who wants eternal happiness merely by claiming to be faithful without validating his claim through actions. Al-Biqai: 2/427.
Question: All people may become believers if it was not for trials and tribulations. Explain in light of this verse.

Perhaps the wisdom behind making the punishment lasted for this length of time was that most of those, who had said these things and had not been patient and steadfast; who had become accustomed to the enslavement to their enemies, and had no aspirations that would motivate them to do what would lead to acquiring a high status, would die. Thus, a new generation that would develop aspirations of defeating their enemies and not being enslaved would appear, and they would be far removed from accepting humiliation that poses an impediment to happiness. Al-Saadi: 228.
Question: What is the wisdom behind straying through the land for forty year?

This was a worldly punishment, by means of which Allah may have expiated their sin and warded off a greater punishment. This indicates that punishment for a sin may take the form of the removal of a blessing, or delaying it for a later time. Al-Saadi: 228.
Question: What are the types of punishments for a sin?

(I would rather let you bear), you would end up carrying (your sin against me and your own sin), which means that if there is a choice between killing you or being killed by you, then I would prefer that you kill me, thus you would be burdened with two sins. (And thus you will be one of the people of the Fire; such is the recompense of the wrongdoers), this indicates that murder is a major sin and that the one who commits it deserves to enter Hellfire. Al-Saadi: 229.
Question: What is the Islamic rule on killing another person? What does it entail for the perpetrator?

(And his soul permitted to him the murder of his brother), his soul encouraged and lured him into it, and presented the killing of his brother as an easily attainable matter. Al-Qurtubi: 7/416.
Question: Does the soul have a role in belittling a sin?