Topical Encyclopedia Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites, is a central figure in the Old Testament. His death and burial are significant events that mark the end of an era for the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The account of Moses' death is found in Deuteronomy 34, which provides a poignant conclusion to his life of service to God and His people.The Setting of Moses' Death Moses' death occurs after he has led the Israelites through the wilderness for forty years, bringing them to the edge of the Promised Land. Despite his pivotal role in the Exodus and the giving of the Law, Moses is not permitted to enter the land due to an earlier act of disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). God instructs Moses to ascend Mount Nebo, specifically to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, to view the land that the Israelites will inherit (Deuteronomy 34:1). The Vision from Mount Nebo From this vantage point, the LORD shows Moses the entirety of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The text in Deuteronomy 34:1-4 describes the vast expanse of territory that Moses sees, from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negev, and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. This vision is a divine confirmation of the promise made to the patriarchs, even though Moses himself will not enter it. The Death of Moses Moses dies on Mount Nebo at the age of 120 years. The text emphasizes that his "eyes were not dim, nor had his vigor abated" (Deuteronomy 34:7), indicating that his death was not due to natural decline but was a fulfillment of God's sovereign plan. The LORD Himself is said to have buried Moses in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but the exact location of his grave remains unknown (Deuteronomy 34:6). This mysterious burial underscores the unique relationship between Moses and God, as well as the divine protection over Moses' final resting place. The Mourning of Israel The Israelites mourn for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days, a period of mourning that reflects the deep respect and love they held for their leader (Deuteronomy 34:8). Moses' leadership, characterized by his intercession for the people, his role as lawgiver, and his intimate relationship with God, leaves a lasting impact on the nation. The Legacy of Moses Moses is remembered as a prophet unparalleled in Israel, "whom the LORD knew face to face" (Deuteronomy 34:10). His death marks the transition of leadership to Joshua, who is filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him (Deuteronomy 34:9). The legacy of Moses endures through the Law he delivered and the covenant relationship he mediated between God and Israel. The account of Moses' death and burial serves as a testament to his faithfulness and the fulfillment of God's promises, even as it points forward to the continued unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 31:2Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shall you be gathered to your people. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 32:50 Deuteronomy 34:1-6 Library The Death of Moses A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off ... A Continuation of Mr. Bunyan's Life, Beginning Where He Left Off ... The Assumption of Moses Joshua In Death and after Death What did Moses Write? The King in his Beauty An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Chapter xxiii Resources In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.org How old was Moses when he died? How long did Moses live? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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