Deuteronomy 34
Deuteronomy 34 marks the conclusion of the life of Moses and his leadership over Israel. It describes his final moments as he views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, the transfer of leadership to Joshua, and the mourning of the people for Moses. This chapter also highlights Moses' unique relationship with God and his unparalleled role as a prophet in Israel.
Deuteronomy 34:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan,
2 all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea,
3 the South, and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar.
Moses ascended Mount Nebo, where God allowed him to see the entire Promised Land, even though he would not enter it. The expansive view covered the lands that would later belong to the tribes of Israel. From this vantage point, Moses could see Gilead, Naphtali, Ephraim, Manasseh, Judah, and even to the Western Sea (Mediterranean), symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. This was a moment of closure for Moses, seeing the future inheritance of the Israelites before his death.
Deuteronomy 34:4 (NKJV)
4 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.”
God reminded Moses of the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reaffirming that this land was destined for their descendants. Although Moses could see the land, he would not cross into it due to earlier disobedience (Numbers 20:12). This was a bittersweet moment for Moses, as he witnessed the realization of God’s promise but was denied entry, reflecting the consequence of his earlier actions.
Deuteronomy 34:5-6 (NKJV)
5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.
6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day.
Moses, known as the “servant of the Lord,” died in Moab at God's appointed time. Interestingly, God Himself took responsibility for Moses' burial in an undisclosed location. This mysterious burial preserves the sanctity of Moses’ memory and prevents any potential idolatry or misuse of his gravesite. The secrecy surrounding Moses’ grave highlights the uniqueness of his relationship with God and the sacredness of his leadership role.
Deuteronomy 34:7 (NKJV)
7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished.
Moses lived to the remarkable age of 120, yet his physical health remained strong until his death. His sharp eyesight and undiminished strength suggest that his death was not due to natural decline but was an act of divine will. This emphasizes the supernatural nature of Moses’ life and his special relationship with God, who sustained him for his mission.
Deuteronomy 34:8 (NKJV)
8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. So the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended.
The Israelites mourned Moses' death for 30 days, showing deep respect and reverence for their leader. This period of mourning allowed them to reflect on Moses' role in leading them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. His death marked the end of an era, and the 30-day mourning period followed the customary practice for honoring a great leader.
Deuteronomy 34:9 (NKJV)
9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Before his death, Moses had laid hands on Joshua, transferring leadership to him. This act of laying hands signified the passing of authority and the spirit of wisdom, enabling Joshua to lead the people. The Israelites accepted Joshua's leadership, recognizing that God had ordained this transition, and they followed him as they had followed Moses.
Deuteronomy 34:10-12 (NKJV)
10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,
11 in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land,
12 and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.
Moses' unique role as a prophet is highlighted in these final verses. No other prophet in Israel's history had such an intimate relationship with God, described as “face to face.” Moses was instrumental in delivering the signs and wonders in Egypt, demonstrating God's power to Pharaoh and the Israelites. His leadership, miracles, and deep connection with God solidified his unparalleled status among the prophets of Israel.