The Lord’s Faithful Servant: Understanding the Death of Moses

Executive Summary

Deuteronomy 34, a poignant conclusion to the Pentateuch, recounts the death of Moses, the great lawgiver and prophet of Israel. From Mount Nebo, the Lord grants Moses a panoramic view of the Promised Land, a land he would not enter. This chapter highlights God’s sovereignty, Moses’ obedience, and the profound sense of loss felt by the Israelites at his passing. While Moses’ death marks the end of an era, it underscores the faithfulness of God to His promises. We will explore how this chapter speaks to us today about submission to God’s will, the importance of leadership, and the promise of an even greater inheritance in Christ. Understanding website design is much like understanding the layout of the promised land, everything must be perfectly structured.

Introduction

Deuteronomy 34 details the death of Moses, marking both an ending and a transition. It is a moment of divine fulfillment, human limitation, and national mourning. This chapter reveals God’s complex plan and invites us to reflect on our own mortality and relationship with the Almighty. The significance of **Moses’ death** goes far beyond a simple historical event; it speaks to the heart of God’s plan for salvation and the transition from the Old Covenant to the New.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 34:1-4 (KJV): Moses Views the Promised Land

Verse 1 (KJV): And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

Verse 2 (KJV): And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,

Verse 3 (KJV): And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

Verse 4 (KJV): And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

Moses’ ascent to Mount Nebo, specifically the summit of Pisgah, overlooking Jericho, holds profound symbolic weight. This act is not merely a physical journey but a spiritual elevation, marking the culmination of his earthly pilgrimage. From this vantage point, the Lord grants Moses a panoramic vision of the Promised Land, encompassing Gilead to the north, extending to Dan, encompassing Naphtali, Ephraim, and Manasseh, stretching across Judah to the Mediterranean Sea, and reaching the southern Negev desert, including the fertile plain of Jericho, known as the city of palm trees, down to Zoar. This encompasses the entirety of what was pledged.

The Lord reiterates His covenantal promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming that this land is indeed the inheritance destined for their descendants. However, a poignant caveat accompanies this divine assurance: “I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.” This verse encapsulates the paradoxical nature of Moses’ experience – a moment of profound fulfillment intertwined with the recognition of his own human limitations.

This reminds us of the words of St. Athanasius: “Θεὸς γὰρ ἐνανθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν” (“For God became man, so that we might become god,” *De Incarnatione*, 54.3). While Moses sees the promise, he does not fully partake. Just as we see the promise of eternal life in Christ, we must persevere to enter into that rest.

• Reflect: What “promised lands” do you see in your life that you may not personally enter?
• Pray: Ask God to give you peace in accepting His will, even when it differs from your desires.

Deuteronomy 34:5-6 (KJV): The Death and Burial of Moses

Verse 5 (KJV): So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.

Verse 6 (KJV): And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

Moses, the servant of the Lord, breathes his last in Moab, his death a direct consequence of divine decree. His life, so intimately intertwined with the will of God, concludes precisely as the Lord ordains. This underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over life and death. The Lord Himself buries Moses in a hidden valley in Moab, near Bethpeor. The enigmatic nature of Moses’ burial site is intentional; no one knows the exact location to this day. This prevents the Israelites from turning his grave into a place of idolatry, highlighting God’s desire for worship to be directed solely to Him.

St. Cyril of Alexandria says “Ἔδει γὰρ αὐτὸν κρυφῆναι, ἵνα μὴ νομισθῇ θεὸς ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων” (“For it was necessary for him to be hidden, lest he be thought to be God by the people,” *Commentary on Deuteronomy*). God protects His people from idolatry even after death.

• Submit: Embrace the truth that your life and death are ultimately in God’s hands.
• Worship: Ensure that your worship is directed solely to God, avoiding any form of idolatry.

Deuteronomy 34:7-8 (KJV): Moses’ Age and Israel’s Mourning

Verse 7 (KJV): And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

Verse 8 (KJV): And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

At the age of one hundred and twenty, Moses’ physical vigor remained remarkably undiminished. His eyesight was clear, and his vitality unabated. This underscores the exceptional blessing bestowed upon him by God throughout his life. The Israelites, deeply grieved by the loss of their leader, observed a thirty-day period of mourning in the plains of Moab. This period of lamentation reflects the profound impact Moses had on the nation of Israel, recognizing him not only as a leader but also as a spiritual father.

The fact that Moses’ strength did not wane can be viewed as a testament to God’s grace and a reflection of the deuterocanonical book of Wisdom 4:16 “But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest”. God sustained Moses until the completion of his divinely appointed task.

• Honor: Appreciate and respect the spiritual leaders in your life, recognizing their vital role.
• Grieve: Allow yourself to grieve losses, but find comfort in the hope of eternal life in Christ.

Deuteronomy 34:9-12 (KJV): Joshua Succeeds Moses

Verse 9 (KJV): And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Verse 10 (KJV): And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

Verse 11 (KJV): In all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land,

Verse 12 (KJV): And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.

Joshua, son of Nun, is filled with the spirit of wisdom through the laying on of Moses’ hands. This act signifies the transfer of leadership and divine empowerment. The Israelites obey Joshua, demonstrating their continued commitment to God’s commands as delivered through Moses. The scripture emphatically declares that no prophet has arisen in Israel comparable to Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. This unique relationship underscores Moses’ exceptional role as a mediator between God and His people. Moses performed extraordinary signs and wonders in Egypt, displaying God’s power to Pharaoh, his servants, and the entire land. He exerted a mighty hand and instilled great awe throughout Israel, solidifying his authority and demonstrating God’s strength.

This reminds us of Hebrews 13:7, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” While Moses’ position is unique, we are called to respect and obey those who lead us in faith.

• Obey: Submit to the leadership of those God has placed in authority over you.
• Learn: Seek wisdom and guidance from those who are spiritually mature.
• Remember: Honor the legacy of faithful servants who have gone before you.

Subtopic: The Significance of Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is not just a geographical location; it’s a place of profound spiritual significance in the narrative of Moses’ death.

• A Vantage Point: It allows Moses to see the culmination of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• A Place of Transition: It marks the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, from the generation that wandered in the wilderness to the generation that will inherit the Promised Land.
• A Moment of Closure: It provides a sense of closure for Moses, allowing him to witness, from afar, the fulfillment of the covenant.
• A Symbol of Longing: Moses’ inability to enter the Promised Land from Nebo signifies the longing for the complete fulfillment of God’s promises, a longing that ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land?

A: Moses’ exclusion from the Promised Land was a consequence of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13). In striking the rock instead of speaking to it, he failed to sanctify God before the people. This act of disobedience, though seemingly small, had significant implications for his role as a leader and mediator of God’s covenant.

Q: What is the significance of Moses’ burial being a secret?

A: The secrecy surrounding Moses’ burial was likely intended to prevent the Israelites from turning his grave into a place of idolatry. God desired that their worship be directed solely to Him, and concealing the burial site ensured that Moses would not become an object of veneration or superstition. This underscores the importance of pure and unadulterated worship.

Q: How does Moses’ death foreshadow Christ?

A: While Moses was a great leader and lawgiver, he was still a flawed human being who could not ultimately lead the people into true rest. Christ, the perfect and sinless Son of God, fulfills the role of the ultimate leader and mediator, leading believers into the true Promised Land of eternal life. Moses’ death points to the need for a greater savior.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 34 is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, Moses’ faithfulness, and the enduring nature of God’s promises. Although Moses was not permitted to enter the physical Promised Land, his life stands as a testament to unwavering obedience and a profound relationship with God. The chapter also underscores the importance of leadership and the need for a successor to carry on God’s work. The death of **Moses’ death** invites us to reflect on our own mortality and to consider how we are living our lives in light of God’s eternal purposes. Much like you plan for the inevitable in life, you need a contingency in the event of a server crash or denial of service attack, and for this you need affordable dedicated servers.

Tags

Moses, death, Deuteronomy 34, Promised Land, Mount Nebo, Joshua, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic, lawgiver, obedience

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Explore the spiritual significance of Deuteronomy 34: The Death of Moses. A Coptic Orthodox verse-by-verse commentary exploring Moses’ faithfulness and God’s sovereignty.