Deuteronomy 34
We now come to the close of the life of this honored servant of God, whose steps we have traced all the way from Egypt, through the wilderness to the borders of Canaan.
“And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho.” He went up alone, it seems, an old man, but surely not sad or sorrowful, judging from his last happy utterances to his people. On the contrary Moses had such joy in God that he did not think of himself at all. From the beginning, when he endured the trials and sufferings in Egypt, he had a bright and blessed faith in God, because he saw Him who is invisible (Heb. 11:23-29).
By faith Moses saw God who rewarded him richly, for he enjoyed more of God’s company than any other Old Testament saint, and the Lord spoke to him as one would speak to his friend. Even at his death the Lord waited on him, for He met him upon Mount Pisgah and granted him a marvelous view of the whole of that fair and glorious land which his people should eventually possess.
“And the Lord showed him all the land,... unto the utmost sea.” Moses saw with his eyes all that good land, and though he could not enter in himself, nevertheless he could rejoice, for by faith he saw the people of the Lord dwelling there according to His word, and this was a supreme satisfaction to this dear servant.
So Moses died there, and the Lord Himself buried him in a valley in the land of Moab. But no one knows of his sepulcher to this day, for men would be quick to make a shrine there and worship the servant rather than God; this God would not allow. Satan tried to get hold of his body to use for his own evil purposes, but Michael the archangel was sent to defeat his intentions.
God loved Moses, and Moses knew it. This is what makes the story of his life so lovely. He lived in this world for 120 years, and from the moment he was born, God had watched over him. He took care of him when as a helpless little babe his believing mother had put him in the ark of bulrushes on the river, then all the time he was in Pharaoh’s court, and when he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the sinful pleasures and riches of Egypt for a season. He was with him during those 40 years in the backside of the desert; then in Egypt again and lastly throughout those long 40 years of wilderness wanderings.
Moses was denied Canaan, but God had something better for him. He spared him the grief of seeing his people turn away from the Lord in their unfaithfulness. Then in the gospels we see him in company with the Son of God on the mountain top of glory.
And Moses will be in His company again, when He comes in His glory and power. Moses will see then how God fulfills all He has spoken about His people.
Israel wept for Moses—after he died. How much better for them-and for him—had they listened more to his words while he was living! But such is the human heart. May we all heed the exhortation: “Remember your leaders who have spoken to you the word of God; and considering the issue of their conversation [manner of life], imitate their faith.” Heb. 13:7. J.N.D. Trans.
“And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”
ML-08/22/1976