What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 34:10? Since that time “Since that time” roots the statement in real history—after Moses’ death on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:5–8). • Joshua 1:1–2 picks up the narrative “after the death of Moses,” underscoring continuity in God’s plan. • Psalm 90, “A prayer of Moses,” remains in Israel’s hymnbook, reminding each new generation of that pivotal era. • Malachi 4:4 urges Israel, centuries later, to “remember the Law of My servant Moses,” proving the enduring weight of that moment. The phrase therefore marks a line in the sand: everything that follows will be measured against the standard Moses set. no prophet has risen in Israel The text affirms that, up to the writer’s day, God had not raised another prophet matching Moses’ stature. • Prophets like Samuel (1 Samuel 3:19–20), Elijah (1 Kings 18:36–39), and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1–8) spoke powerfully, yet none equaled Moses’ unique role. • Deuteronomy 18:15–18 promised “a Prophet like you” to come, so the lack of such a figure keeps Israel looking ahead. • Acts 3:22–24 applies that promise to Jesus, showing how the New Testament sees this “prophet gap” ultimately filled in Him. This clause highlights both Moses’ unmatched place and the forward pull of prophecy toward its ultimate fulfillment. like Moses What set Moses apart? • He served as lawgiver (Exodus 24:3–8), deliverer (Exodus 14:13–31), intercessor (Exodus 32:31–32), and miracle-worker (Deuteronomy 34:11–12). • Numbers 12:6–8 records God’s own appraisal: “With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly… not in riddles.” • Hebrews 3:1–6 honors Moses as a faithful servant over God’s house, while also revealing that Christ, the Son, surpasses even Moses. Thus “like Moses” means more than fame; it signals a singular combination of authority, power, and covenant mediation. whom the LORD knew face to face This phrase spotlights intimacy unparalleled among Old Testament leaders. • Exodus 33:11: “The LORD would speak with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” • Deuteronomy 5:4 notes that God spoke “face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire,” yet only Moses could remain in that proximity. • 1 Corinthians 13:12 promises believers a future “face to face” experience, echoing Moses’ privilege and revealing its ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s return. The clause reassures readers that God desires relationship, while underscoring that Moses enjoyed a depth of communion not repeated until the Incarnation (John 1:14,18). summary Deuteronomy 34:10 pays tribute to Moses by marking his era (“Since that time”), acknowledging the prophetic vacuum (“no prophet has risen in Israel”), defining his uniqueness (“like Moses”), and celebrating his unparalleled intimacy with God (“whom the LORD knew face to face”). The verse elevates Moses as the gold standard for prophetic ministry, yet simultaneously leaves Israel anticipating the greater Prophet—fulfilled in Jesus—who would match and exceed Moses in revelation, redemption, and relationship. |
    |