The Death of Moses

Moses ascended from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, reaching the top of Pisgah across from Jericho. The Lord showed him the entire land, including Gilead as far as Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, the land of Judah reaching the western sea, the Negev, and the valley of Jericho (Deuteronomy 34:1-3). The Lord stated that this was the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, though Moses would not be permitted to cross over into it.

Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the Lord. The Lord buried him in a valley in Moab opposite Beth Peor, but the text does not say the specific location, as no one knows his burial place to this day (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). At the time of his death, Moses was one hundred and twenty years old. His eyes were not weak and his strength had not left him. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days until the period of mourning ended.

Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him (Deuteronomy 34:9). The Israelites listened to Joshua and did what the Lord had commanded Moses. The text records that no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. This unique status was evidenced by the signs and wonders the Lord sent him to perform in Egypt against Pharaoh and by the awesome power Moses displayed in the sight of all Israel (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).