So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. So MosesThe name "Moses" is derived from the Hebrew "Mosheh," which is believed to mean "drawn out," reflecting his miraculous rescue from the Nile River as an infant. Moses is a central figure in the Old Testament, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. His life is a testament to faith, obedience, and leadership under divine guidance. His journey from the palace of Pharaoh to the wilderness of Sinai and finally to the edge of the Promised Land is a powerful narrative of God's providence and purpose. the servant of the LORD
This phrase underscores Moses' role and identity as a devoted follower and instrument of God's will. The Hebrew word for "servant" is "eved," which implies not just servitude but also honor and responsibility. Moses' life exemplifies the highest calling of servanthood, marked by humility and unwavering dedication to God's commands. His relationship with God was intimate and unique, as he spoke with God "face to face" (Exodus 33:11), setting a standard for spiritual leadership and faithfulness. died there in the land of Moab
The land of Moab, located east of the Jordan River, was the final earthly destination for Moses. This location is significant as it represents the threshold of the Promised Land, which Moses was allowed to see but not enter. The mention of Moab highlights the fulfillment of God's promise and the transition of leadership to Joshua. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as Moses was barred from entering Canaan due to an earlier transgression (Numbers 20:12). as the LORD had said
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His word. The Hebrew term for "said" is "dabar," which conveys not only speech but also the power and authority behind God's declarations. God's pronouncements are certain and unchangeable, and Moses' death in Moab was in accordance with divine decree. This serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing, even when it diverges from human expectations. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this verse, Moses is described as "the servant of the LORD." He is a prophet, leader, and lawgiver who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness for 40 years. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who guided Moses and the Israelites. His sovereignty and faithfulness are emphasized in this passage. 3. The Land of MoabThe location where Moses died. Moab is east of the Jordan River, outside the Promised Land, highlighting that Moses did not enter Canaan. 4. Death of MosesA significant event marking the end of an era for Israel. Moses' death signifies the transition of leadership to Joshua and the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites. 5. Divine FulfillmentThe phrase "as the LORD had said" underscores the fulfillment of God's word and promises, reflecting His faithfulness and sovereignty. Teaching Points Faithfulness in ServiceMoses is described as "the servant of the LORD," highlighting the importance of faithfulness in our service to God. We are called to serve God with dedication, regardless of the outcome or recognition. God's Sovereignty and TimingThe death of Moses "as the LORD had said" reminds us of God's sovereignty and perfect timing. We can trust that God's plans and purposes will be fulfilled in His time. Leadership TransitionMoses' death marks a transition in leadership to Joshua. This teaches us about the importance of preparing and empowering the next generation of leaders in our communities and churches. Obedience and ConsequencesMoses' inability to enter the Promised Land due to disobedience ( Numbers 20:12) serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of obedience to God's commands. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' title as "the servant of the LORD" challenge or inspire you in your own service to God and others? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the timing and circumstances of Moses' death? 3. How can we prepare and support the next generation of leaders in our faith communities, as seen in the transition from Moses to Joshua? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's commands? 5. How does the account of Moses' life and death encourage you to trust in God's promises, even when you may not see their fulfillment in your lifetime? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 33:11Highlights the close relationship between Moses and God, emphasizing Moses' unique role as a servant and leader. Numbers 20:12Explains why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, providing context for his death in Moab. Joshua 1:1-2Describes the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, showing the continuation of God's plan for Israel. Hebrews 3:5Compares Moses' faithfulness as a servant in God's house to Christ's faithfulness as a Son, illustrating the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. People Dan, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joshua, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Pharaoh, ZoarPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Gilead, Jericho, Moab, Mount Nebo, Negeb, Pisgah, Valley of Jericho, ZoarTopics Command, Death, Died, Dieth, Moab, ServantDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 34:5 7160 servants of the Lord
8344 servanthood, in believers Deuteronomy 34:1-5 4254 mountains Deuteronomy 34:1-8 7775 prophets, lives Deuteronomy 34:4-6 5102 Moses, life of Deuteronomy 34:5-8 5241 burial Library A Death in the Desert
'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, ... but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.'--DEUT. xxxiv.5, 6. A fitting end to such a life! The great law-giver and leader had been all his days a lonely man; and now, surrounded by a new generation, and all the old familiar faces vanished, he is more solitary than ever. He had lived alone with God, and it was fitting that alone with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Moses
(First Sunday after Trinity.) DEUT. xxxiv. 5, 6. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. Some might regret that the last three chapters of Deuteronomy are not read among our Sunday lessons. There was not, however, room for them; and I do not doubt that those who chose our lessons knew better than I what chapters …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...
18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 34:5 NIVDeuteronomy 34:5 NLTDeuteronomy 34:5 ESVDeuteronomy 34:5 NASBDeuteronomy 34:5 KJV
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