Topical Bible: Israel: Moses Dies, and the People Mourn

◄ Israel: Moses Dies, and the People Mourn ►

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The death of Moses marks a significant transition in the history of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. Moses, the servant of the LORD, had led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, through the wilderness, and to the brink of the Promised Land. His death is a pivotal moment, filled with both sorrow and hope for the future of the nation.

Moses' Final Days

Moses' final days are recounted in the Book of Deuteronomy. As the Israelites camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, opposite Jericho, Moses delivered a series of speeches to the people. These speeches, which make up much of Deuteronomy, include a recounting of the Law, exhortations to faithfulness, and blessings for the tribes of Israel. Moses, aware of his impending death, sought to prepare the people for life without his leadership.

The Death of Moses

The LORD had previously informed Moses that he would not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). Instead, Moses was allowed to view the land from Mount Nebo. Deuteronomy 34:1-5 describes this poignant moment: "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land... And the LORD said to him, 'This is the land I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, when I said, "I will give it to your descendants." I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.' So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said."

Moses' death was unique, as the LORD Himself buried him in an undisclosed location in Moab (Deuteronomy 34:6). This mysterious burial underscores the special relationship between Moses and God, and it prevented the Israelites from turning his grave into a site of idolatry.

The Mourning of Israel

Following Moses' death, the Israelites mourned for thirty days in the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 34:8). This period of mourning was a time of reflection and transition. Moses had been a towering figure, a prophet unparalleled in his intimacy with God and his leadership of the people. Deuteronomy 34:10-12 highlights his unique role: "Since that time, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. For all the signs and wonders the LORD sent Moses to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh and all his officials and all his land, and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel."

The Transition of Leadership

With Moses' passing, leadership transitioned to Joshua, the son of Nun, who had been filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him (Deuteronomy 34:9). Joshua's leadership would be crucial as the Israelites prepared to enter and conquer the Promised Land. The mourning period served as a bridge between the era of Moses and the new chapter under Joshua's command.

Moses' death and the subsequent mourning period were not only a time of grief but also a moment of preparation and anticipation for the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The legacy of Moses, as a faithful servant and leader, continued to inspire the nation as they moved forward into the land that had been promised to their ancestors.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 34:1
And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead, to Dan,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter l
... Joseph's death there was no man of Israel influential enough ... When Joseph dies"the
age being repeated in the more ... others of the five books of Moses, from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

Letter cxxviii. To Gaudentius.
... plan which the Lord adopted with the children of Israel. ... the capitals of our pillars;
yet Christ dies before our ... On another occasion God said to Moses, "Let me ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxviii to gaudentius.htm

In Death and after Death
... earthly king, who lives to-day and dies to-morrow ... disease had its own physician,
was also cultivated in Israel. ... their work"Joshua on that of Moses, Solomon on ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... Abel dies in the field; Christ dies on Calvary ... Of the departure of Israel from Egypt,
let us hear what ... through the sea, and were all baptized into Moses in the ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Howe -- the Redeemer's Tears Over Lost Souls
... He that despised Moses's law died without mercy, under two ... one that is guilty of
it dies impenitent and ... my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/howe the redeemers tears.htm

Book ii.
... can die, that whilst that, whose nature it is, dies, that which ... of this world, and
therefore the children of Israel are commanded by Moses, that in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

Christ Triumphant
... Jesus dies a malefactor's death. ... with small nor great, save only with the King of
Israel. ... Then follow Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Moses and Joshua, and Samuel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ...
... and is not obliged to wait till he dies to taste ... of reward was the salvation of the
people of Israel. ... and make of him a great nation, had Moses been selfish he ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/behold all ye that kindle.htm

John Chapter i. 34-51
... Behold, if one dies to whom one of these remedies has ... Philip saying, "We have found
Him, of whom Moses in the ... of God; Thou art the King of Israel." Some great ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vii john chapter i.htm

Christ's Priestly Office
... (3.) He never dies. ... When the wrath of God began to break out upon Israel, Aaron
presently stepped in with his censer, and offered ... Moses, prayer tied God's hands ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 christs priestly office.htm