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Moses, the great prophet and leader of Israel, is a central figure in the Old Testament, renowned for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and guiding them through the wilderness for forty years. His final moments are recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy, where he delivers his last words and blessings to the people of Israel before his death.

The Setting

As the Israelites stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land, Moses, at the age of 120, is acutely aware that he will not accompany them across the Jordan River. This is due to an earlier incident at Meribah, where Moses, in a moment of frustration, struck the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as God had commanded (Numbers 20:7-12). As a result, God decreed that Moses would not enter the land of Canaan.

Moses' Final Address

In Deuteronomy, Moses delivers a series of speeches to the Israelites, reiterating the Law and reminding them of God's faithfulness and their covenant obligations. He emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments and warns against idolatry and disobedience. Moses' speeches serve as both a historical recounting and a prophetic exhortation, urging the people to remain faithful to the Lord.

The Blessing of the Tribes

Before his death, Moses blesses the tribes of Israel, as recorded inDeuteronomy 33. Each tribe receives a specific blessing, reflecting their unique roles and destinies within the nation. These blessings echo the patriarchal blessings given by Jacob to his sons and serve to unify the tribes under God's covenant promises.

Moses' Ascension to Mount Nebo

God instructs Moses to ascend Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho. From the summit of Pisgah, the Lord shows him the entirety of the Promised Land, from Gilead to Dan, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea (Deuteronomy 34:1-4). This panoramic view is a divine gift, allowing Moses to see the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Death of Moses

Moses dies in the land of Moab, as the Lord had said. The Bible records that God Himself buried Moses in a valley in Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but to this day, no one knows the exact location of his grave (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). This mysterious burial underscores the unique relationship between Moses and God, as well as the divine honor bestowed upon him.

Mourning and Legacy

The Israelites mourn for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days, a period of deep national grief for the loss of their leader (Deuteronomy 34:8). Moses is remembered as a prophet unparalleled in Israel, whom the Lord knew face to face. His legacy is marked by the signs and wonders he performed in Egypt, his leadership through the wilderness, and his role as the mediator of God's Law (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).

Moses' final moments encapsulate a life of faithful service, marked by both human frailty and divine favor. His account continues to inspire and instruct, serving as a testament to God's enduring covenant with His people.