Topical Encyclopedia The foretelling of Moses' death is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the impending entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy, where God communicates directly with Moses regarding the end of his earthly journey.Context and Background Moses, the servant of the Lord, had led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness for forty years. Despite his faithful service, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to an earlier act of disobedience at Meribah Kadesh, where he struck the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as God had commanded (Numbers 20:7-12). This act was seen as a failure to uphold God's holiness before the people. Divine Revelation In Deuteronomy 31:14, the Lord instructs Moses, "The time for you to die is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, so that I may commission him." This marks the beginning of the transition of leadership. God further elaborates on Moses' impending death in Deuteronomy 32:48-52, where He commands Moses to ascend Mount Nebo in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, to view the land of Canaan, which he would not enter. Moses' Final Acts Before his death, Moses performs several crucial acts. He delivers a series of speeches to the Israelites, which are recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy. These speeches include a recounting of the Law, blessings and curses, and a call to covenant faithfulness. Moses also writes the Law and gives it to the Levites to place beside the Ark of the Covenant as a witness against the people (Deuteronomy 31:24-26). Moses then blesses the tribes of Israel, as recorded in Deuteronomy 33, offering prophetic insights and encouragement to each tribe. This blessing serves as a final act of leadership and care for the people he had shepherded for decades. The Song of Moses In Deuteronomy 32, Moses recites a song given by God, which serves as both a witness against Israel's future unfaithfulness and a testament to God's faithfulness and justice. The song is a poetic summary of Israel's relationship with God, highlighting His past acts of deliverance and the consequences of disobedience. The Ascension to Mount Nebo In obedience to God's command, Moses ascends Mount Nebo. Deuteronomy 34:1-4 describes how the Lord shows him the entirety of the Promised Land from this vantage point. Although Moses is not allowed to enter, God graciously allows him to see the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses' Death Moses' death is recorded in Deuteronomy 34:5-7: "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but to this day no one knows the location of his grave. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, nor had his strength gone." The unique aspect of Moses' death is that God Himself buried him, and the location of his grave remains unknown, underscoring the special relationship between Moses and God. This mystery prevents the grave from becoming a site of idolatry and keeps the focus on God's ongoing work with Israel. Legacy and Transition Moses' death marks the end of an era for the Israelites. His leadership, characterized by humility and faithfulness, sets a standard for future leaders. The transition to Joshua signifies the continuation of God's promises and the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel. Joshua is commissioned to lead the people into the Promised Land, as God assures him of His presence and guidance, just as He was with Moses (Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:1-9). Moses' life and death serve as a testament to God's faithfulness, justice, and the importance of obedience to His commands. His account is a reminder of the human limitations even of great leaders and the necessity of reliance on God's grace and guidance. Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms |