Deuteronomy Chapter 34
Recorded in this short chapter is the death of Moses on Mt. Nebo the very mountain that God had told him to climb where he would be given a view of the promised land. It was also the mountain where his life on earth would end. It is interesting to read about how much Moses was able to see from on top of this mountain. He was able to see all the way to the Mediterranean. All of the effort, all of the struggles, all of the arguments with the people were swept away in these moments as his eyes beheld the beautiful land that God had promised. He was seeing with his own eyes all that God had been whispering in his ear about for so long.
Moses had been through a lot in his 120 years on this earth, but this was the moment that it all became worth it. I believe that when Moses stepped into glory, he heard those beautiful words, “well done thou good and faithful servant.”
“His death leaves nothing to regret; neither is any desirable thing lacking. Failing to pass over Jordan seems a mere pin’s prick, in presence of the honours which surrounded his departing hours. His death was the climax of his life. He now saw that he had fulfilled his destiny, and was not as a pillar broken short. He was ordered to lead the people through the wilderness, and he had done so.” [Spurgeon]
Let's Reflect
1. In verse 4 God told Moses that the land he was seeing was the land that He had promised to what men?
2. Moses had already been told that he would not enter the promised land because of his disobedience as recorded in Numbers 20:7-12. What other event did God tell him would happen on this mountain?
3. The wording seems to indicate that it was God who buried Moses. Some Bible scholars believe that someone may have went with Moses such as Eleazer the priest or Joshua and that he buried Moses’ body. Either way what was true of the burial place of Moses?
4. Verse 7 tells us about another wonder that God had done in the life of Moses, what was it?
5. Moses had done something very important before his death for Joshua. He laid his hands on Joshua, and this symbolic measure did what for Joshua?
6. How did God want Moses to be remembered? We find those words in verses 10-12. What words will be spoken about you upon your death, how would God want other people to remember you?
