Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face-- Since that timeThis phrase refers to the period following Moses' death. It highlights the unique role Moses played in Israel's history. Moses' leadership and prophetic ministry were unparalleled, setting a standard for future prophets. The phrase underscores the transition from Moses' direct leadership to the era of the judges and later prophets. no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses
Moses is distinguished as the greatest prophet in Israel's history. His role as a mediator between God and the Israelites was unique, as he delivered the Law and led the people out of Egypt. This statement emphasizes the singularity of Moses' prophetic office, which included performing miracles, receiving the Law, and interceding for the people. It also sets a benchmark for future prophets, who, while significant, did not match Moses' direct communication with God and leadership. whom the LORD knew face to face—
This phrase indicates the intimate relationship between Moses and God. Unlike other prophets who received visions or dreams, Moses spoke with God directly and personally, as seen in Exodus 33:11. This face-to-face interaction signifies a level of closeness and clarity in communication that was exceptional. It prefigures the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, having an even more profound relationship with the Father (John 1:18). Moses' unique relationship with God serves as a type of Christ, who would later fulfill the role of the ultimate prophet, priest, and king. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai. He is described as a prophet whom the LORD knew "face to face," indicating a unique and intimate relationship with God. 2. IsraelThe nation chosen by God to be His people, through whom He would reveal His laws and promises. Moses played a crucial role in shaping the identity and faith of Israel. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. The relationship between Yahweh and Moses is highlighted as unparalleled in this verse. 4. ProphetIn the context of the Old Testament, a prophet is someone chosen by God to speak His words to the people. Moses is set apart as a prophet of exceptional status. 5. Face to FaceThis phrase signifies a direct and personal communication with God, which was rare and significant in the biblical account. Teaching Points The Uniqueness of Moses' Prophetic RoleMoses' role as a prophet was unparalleled in the Old Testament, highlighting the importance of his leadership and the revelation he received from God. Intimacy with GodThe phrase "face to face" signifies a deep, personal relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to seek a closer relationship with God through prayer and obedience. God's Faithfulness to His ServantsGod's unique relationship with Moses demonstrates His faithfulness to those He calls. We can trust that God will equip and sustain us in our callings. The Continuity of God's RevelationWhile Moses was unique, God's revelation continued through other prophets and ultimately through Jesus Christ. This continuity assures us of God's ongoing work in history. The Call to FaithfulnessJust as Moses was faithful in his service, believers are called to be faithful in their walk with God, trusting in His guidance and provision. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the unique relationship between Moses and God challenge us in our personal walk with God today? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a "face to face" relationship with God in our daily lives? 3. How does understanding Moses' role as a prophet help us appreciate the continuity of God's revelation through the Bible? 4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' faithfulness that can be applied to our own spiritual journey? 5. How does the comparison between Moses and Jesus in the New Testament enhance our understanding of Jesus' role as the ultimate prophet and mediator? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 33:11This verse describes how the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend, reinforcing the unique relationship mentioned in Deuteronomy 34:10. Numbers 12:6-8God Himself distinguishes Moses from other prophets, stating that He speaks to Moses clearly and not in riddles, and Moses sees the form of the LORD. Hebrews 3:1-6The New Testament reflects on Moses' faithfulness in God's house, comparing it to the greater faithfulness of Jesus Christ, who is worthy of more glory. People Dan, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joshua, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Pharaoh, ZoarPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Gilead, Jericho, Moab, Mount Nebo, Negeb, Pisgah, Valley of Jericho, ZoarTopics Afterwards, Arisen, Face, Prophet, RisenDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 34:10 1255 face of God
5103 Moses, significance
5104 Moses, foreshadower of Christ
5150 face
5935 riddles
8122 friendship, with God
8369 worthiness Deuteronomy 34:10-12 1449 signs, purposes Library A Death in the Desert
'So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, ... but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.'--DEUT. xxxiv.5, 6. A fitting end to such a life! The great law-giver and leader had been all his days a lonely man; and now, surrounded by a new generation, and all the old familiar faces vanished, he is more solitary than ever. He had lived alone with God, and it was fitting that alone with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Moses
(First Sunday after Trinity.) DEUT. xxxiv. 5, 6. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. Some might regret that the last three chapters of Deuteronomy are not read among our Sunday lessons. There was not, however, room for them; and I do not doubt that those who chose our lessons knew better than I what chapters …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...
18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 34:10 NIVDeuteronomy 34:10 NLTDeuteronomy 34:10 ESVDeuteronomy 34:10 NASBDeuteronomy 34:10 KJV
Deuteronomy 34:10 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
