1 Corinthians 10 : 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Paul wanted the people to know God was not pleased with the report brought back out of the promised land. When he said many died he meant all those that were over the age of 19 when they left Egypt died except for Joshua and Caleb. Paul was letting the people know they did not need to go back to those things that could pull them away from God. It seemed they were never satisfied and was always murmuring against God. They died in the wilderness because they could not learn from their mistakes.  This helps us to see that we need to stay in touch with God at all times to be able to receive what He has for us and not miss the opportunity to receive it.