Connect Numbers 21:20 with Deuteronomy 34:1-4 regarding Moses' view of the Promised Land. Setting the Scene Numbers 21 and Deuteronomy 34 bookend nearly forty years of wilderness wandering. Both passages place Moses on the heights of Pisgah, within the Nebo range east of the Jordan, offering him two distinct looks toward Canaan. Observations in Numbers 21:20 • “from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland” (Numbers 21:20) • Timing: early in Israel’s final approach to Canaan, before the battles with Sihon and Og (21:21-35). • View: a strategic, preliminary glimpse—“the wasteland” (Jeshimon) stretches toward Jericho. • Purpose: military reconnaissance and encouragement for a nation nearing the end of its journey. A Final Glimpse in Deuteronomy 34:1-4 1 “Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah… 2 the LORD showed him all the land—Gilead as far as Dan… 4 And the LORD said…‘I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.’” • Timing: the closing day of Moses’ earthly life (Deuteronomy 32:48-50). • View: expansive and supernatural—north to Dan, west to the Mediterranean, south to the Negev, east across the Jordan valley. • Purpose: covenant confirmation; God personally verifies His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21). What Links the Two Scenes? • Same ridge: “top of Pisgah.” • Same leader: Moses, faithful yet barred from entry (Numbers 20:12). • Same promise: land sworn to the patriarchs (Exodus 6:8). • Progressive revelation: first a glimpse of the edge (Numbers 21), later a comprehensive panorama (Deuteronomy 34). Key Themes and Truths • God’s faithfulness: The land seen matches the exact borders God promised (Joshua 1:4). • Consequences and grace: Moses cannot enter, yet God graciously allows him to see (Numbers 27:12-14). • Hope for Israel: Two Pisgah views frame final preparations for conquest (Joshua 1:1-2). • Foreshadowing: Moses beholds but Joshua leads in—symbolizing Law giving way to salvation (“Yeshua,” Matthew 1:21). Takeaways for Today • God finishes what He starts—every promise stands, whether fulfilled before our eyes or after us (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Obedience matters—Moses’ exclusion warns against presumption (Hebrews 3:16-19). • Perspective changes everything—a higher vantage supplied by God enables faith to face intimidating territory. • Even disciplined saints receive kindness—Moses’ final moments are filled with divine presence, assurance, and honor (Jude 9). |
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