Topical Bible: The Death of Saints: Moses

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Moses, the great prophet and leader of Israel, is a central figure in the Old Testament. His death marks the end of an era for the Israelites, as he was the one chosen by God to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. The account of Moses' death is found in Deuteronomy 34, and it holds significant theological and historical importance.

Location and Circumstances of Death

Moses' death occurred on Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho. The LORD had previously informed Moses that he would not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:12). Instead, God allowed Moses to view the land from a distance. Deuteronomy 34:1-4 describes this moment: "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land... And the LORD said to him, 'This is the land I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, when I said, "I will give it to your descendants."'"

The Death of Moses

Moses died at the age of 120, and his death is described with a sense of divine mystery and dignity. Deuteronomy 34:5-6 states, "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but to this day no one knows the location of his grave." The unique aspect of Moses' burial, conducted by God Himself, underscores the special relationship between Moses and the LORD.

Moses' Legacy and Succession

Moses' death did not leave the Israelites without leadership. Before his passing, Moses laid hands on Joshua, son of Nun, commissioning him as his successor (Deuteronomy 34:9). This act of laying on of hands was a transfer of authority and wisdom, ensuring the continuity of leadership for the people of Israel. Joshua would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, fulfilling the promise made to the patriarchs.

Mourning and Remembrance

The Israelites mourned Moses' death for thirty days in the plains of Moab, as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:8 : "The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end." This period of mourning reflects the deep respect and love the people had for Moses, who had been their leader, lawgiver, and intercessor before God.

Moses' Unique Role

Moses is remembered as a prophet unparalleled in the history of Israel. Deuteronomy 34:10-12 highlights his unique role: "Since that time, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. For all the signs and wonders the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh and all his officials and all his land, and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel." Moses' intimate relationship with God and his role as mediator of the covenant at Sinai set him apart as a foundational figure in the faith and history of Israel.

Moses' death, while marking the end of his earthly journey, also signifies the enduring legacy of his faithfulness and leadership, which continues to inspire and instruct believers throughout the ages.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 34:5
So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... for, if Peter in the transfiguration knew Moses and Elias ... 3, then surely in heaven
the saints shall know ... At death believers shall arrive at perfection of grace. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

The Death of the Righteous
... If in the transfiguration Peter knew Moses and Elias, whom he never saw before,
Matthew 17:7, much more, in the ... (2.) The saints at death will behold the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the death of the.htm

The Death of Moses
... Instead of worshipping God they would begin to worship saints. ... So Moses must vanish
out of their sight, sadly and ... All they know of his death and burial is ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xviii the death of.htm

Concerning the Honour Due to the Saints and their Remains.
... And God made Moses a god to Pharaoh [2472 ... in this life and shall to the end [2476] ,
and Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints [2477 ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xv concerning the honour due.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... Moses had then been dead more than fourteen centuries ... Elias had not tasted death,
but he had been changed ... passed upon him which will pass on the saints who shall ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm

There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... come to me ransomers from among the saints, but none ... the righteous have lived and
come forth: Moses sent down ... Adam from life, and it hindered death from the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO SAINTS ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE, ISIDORE ... born, and raised
all from death unto the ... through the cruciform arms of Moses, obtained victory ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
... same time, denounced an irrevokable sentence of death in the ... Some in Moses' situation,
would doubtless have adopted that ... in the history of the saints, whom we ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon viii moses prayer to.htm

That the Example of Certain Saints who Seem to have Exercised ...
... true, indeed, my friend Theotimus, that Moses, Phinees, Elias ... Great saints who have
made their passions tractable ... them both: Elias foretold the death of Ochozias ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi that the example.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ...
... to the earth He will be accompanied by two classes of saints here represented by
Moses and Elijah, namely, those who have passed through death and those who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the fact of the.htm