Deuteronomy 32:48–52

Deuteronomy 32:48–52: Instructions for Moses’ death

Synopsis

In the last passage, Moses recited the words of a song the LORD had given him. In this passage—which takes place on the same day—the LORD gives Moses some instructions for his death.

Moses is go to up to Mount Nebo, where he will be able to see the Promised Land. He won’t be allowed to enter it, but the LORD will allow him to see it. There Moses will be gathered to his people, just as Aaron did on Mount Hor, because they both “broke faith” (verse 51) with the LORD when they struck the rock in the Desert of Sin.

Thoughts

This is a short passage, and I don’t have much to say about it. Moses, on the other hand, will have more to say about it, in a later passage (if memory serves), when he will blame the Israelites for his woes. Of course, considering that Moses was the most humble man on Earth (Numbers 12:3), this probably isn’t just finger pointing—he probably has a point. I’m sure I’ll write about this again, when he does blame them.