The circumstances surrounding the death of Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites during the Exodus, have intrigued bible scholars for centuries. The bible itself gives only a brief account of Moses’ death, stating that he died on Mount Nebo after God showed him the promised land that the Israelites were about to enter (Deuteronomy 34:1-7). However, the lack of detail provided in this passage has led to much speculation and debate over the years. Here are some of the key mysteries and questions surrounding Moses’ passing:
Where exactly did Moses die?
The bible states that Moses died on Mount Nebo, which is part of the Abarim mountain range overlooking the Jordan valley. But the precise location is not given. According to Deuteronomy 34:1, God showed Moses “the whole land of Gilead as far as Dan” from the top of Mount Nebo. This reference to Dan has led some scholars to propose Mount Nebo is around 12-15 miles west of the Jordan River. But the exact spot remains uncertain.
Why was Moses not allowed to enter the promised land?
One of the great ironies surrounding Moses’ death is that after leading the Israelites for 40 years through the wilderness, he was only allowed to glimpse the promised land from afar rather than enter it. According to Numbers 20:2-13, this was punishment from God for Moses’ anger and disbelief when he struck the rock at Meribah to bring forth water, rather than speaking to it as God commanded. God pronounced that Moses would not bring the people into the land. While Moses pleaded with God to reconsider, the sentence stood, underscoring the importance of obedience no matter how mature in faith one becomes.
How old was Moses when he died?
The bible does not definitively state Moses’ age at death. However, clues in the Pentateuch suggest he was around 120 years old when he died. Deuteronomy 31:2 states Moses was 120 years old when he spoke his final words to the Israelites before his death. Numbers 33:39 also mentions Aaron died at age 123, and Exodus 7:7 states Aaron was Moses’ elder by 3 years. So if Aaron was 123, and Moses was 3 years younger, this would make Moses around 120 when he passed on.
Did Moses write the account of his own death?
One of the stranger aspects of the account of Moses’ death is that it is written in the third person, as if Moses himself wrote it. Of course, normally someone does not describe their own death. This has led some scholars to propose that Joshua or a later editor possibly added Deuteronomy 34 after Moses’ death. But conservative theologians argue Moses could have easily written his own obituary via prophecy. The key is understanding that bible authors were carried along by divine inspiration to write exactly what God wanted recorded for posterity.
Was Moses buried or did he just disappear?
A major mystery is what happened to Moses’ body after death. Deuteronomy 34:6 states that God buried Moses in the valley in Moab opposite Beth Peor, but that no one knows his burial place. But the Book of Jude verse 9 references a dispute between Michael the archangel and the devil over the body of Moses. This has led to speculation that Moses’ body was supernaturally removed or translated rather than buried. But there is little biblical consensus on this, so it remains speculative at best.
Did Moses get resurrected eventually?
Some Jewish and Christian traditions hold that Moses was eventually resurrected bodily and taken directly to heaven based on the brief reference to a dispute over his body in Jude. For example, the apocryphal text The Assumption of Moses references Moses being taken to heaven. But mainstream bible scholars believe this reliance on extra-biblical texts is unwise for forming firm doctrine. The bible itself does not definitively state whether Moses was resurrected, so it is best categorized as speculation.
Why did the devil dispute over Moses’ body?
This is one of the most cryptic references surrounding Moses’ death. As mentioned, Jude verse 9 briefly states, “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” But the passage provides no other details. Some propose the devil wanted to use Moses’ body for idolatrous worship by the Israelites. Others think he wanted to desecrate it so the Israelites could not memorialize Moses. But the passage is too vague to draw firm conclusions.
Did Moses know he was going to die?
Although the timing of Moses’ death on Mount Nebo seems abrupt to modern readers, Moses apparently knew his death was approaching. Deuteronomy 31:14 states “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, about to lie down with your fathers. Then this people will arise and whore after the foreign gods.'” Here God is essentially telling Moses he will “lie down with [his] fathers” meaning join his ancestors in death. Deuteronomy 34:1 also states “Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo.” The phrasing hints that Moses purposely went to Mount Nebo knowing he would die there.
Did Moses actually write the Torah?
Traditional Judaism and Christianity attribute authorship of the first five Old Testament books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) to Moses. Clearly Moses penned major portions like the Ten Commandments and sermons to Israelites before dying. But some scholars question if he wrote the entire Torah word-for-word himself, or if later scribes compiled and edited Moses’ writings into the Torah books we have today. Either way, orthodox faith still upholds Moses as responsible for the Torah based on passages like Exodus 24:4 and John 5:46 referencing Moses’ writings.
Was Moses’ face still radiant when he died?
Exodus 34:29 mentions that after meeting with God on Mount Sinai, Moses’ face shone radiantly. The shining faded over time but could be renewed by meeting with God. But the bible makes no mention of Moses’ face shining when he died on Mount Nebo. The emphasis instead seems to be on God purposefully showing Moses the promised land before his death. So while it is possible Moses still had some residual radiance when he died, the bible itself does not provide enough clues to determine this either way.
Did Moses know he would be barred from the promised land?
This is a matter of scholarly debate. Numbers 20:12 records God telling Moses “you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” Some propose this was the first time Moses learned of this punishment. However, certain passages hint that Moses may have already been aware that Aaron would succeed him in leading Israelites into Canaan (Exodus 17:14, Numbers 27:12-23). Regardless, Numbers 20 marks the definitive confirmation that Moses would not cross the Jordan.
Was Moses’ death a punishment or just his time?
Another question is whether Moses dying before entering Canaan should be viewed primarily as a punishment or just his time to go. Yes, barring Moses from the promised land came as discipline for his unbelief at Meribah. But Moses was also 120 years old, already past a typical lifespan. God also portrayed the time as right for Joshua to succeed Moses as leader. So while exclusion from Canaan had punishing elements, Moses’ passing seems presented more as the closing of one chapter in Israel’s history in order to start the next.
Why did God personally bury Moses?
That God personally buried Moses is considered unusual. Some propose it shows the special honor God bestowed on Moses as the great prophet through whom the Law was given. Others see it as fulfillment of Deuteronomy 34:6 which states no man knew Moses’ burial place. If God alone performed the burial, it explains why no one else could identify the tomb. But it could also subtly hint at something miraculous occurring in the process that God chose to keep hidden.
Did Moses see heaven when he died?
Deuteronomy 34:1 states God showed Moses the entire promised land before he died. But it does not indicate God gave Moses any vision of heaven itself. The emphasis instead seems on Moses viewing what his earthly work of leading Israel toward the promised land would accomplish. Some speculate that Moses may have gotten a glimpse of the heavenly Canaan, as other biblical figures like Stephen did at their martyrdom. But the text does not specifically support this.
Could Moses have avoided death if obedient?
Some bible students have proposed that had Moses perfectly obeyed God, he could have avoided death and entered the promised land. They cite other biblical figures like Enoch and Elijah who entered heaven without dying. But Moses lived to 120 years, already past the norm. God also clearly presented it as time for Joshua’s leadership. So while obedience does lead to blessings and prefigures salvation, Moses’ death appears inevitable regardless due to his age and God’s timing.
Why did God refuse Moses’ plea to enter Canaan?
After learning of his punishment, Moses pleaded with God, “Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan” (Deuteronomy 3:25). But Deuteronomy 3:26 states “But the Lord was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me.” This has troubled some bible students. But it underscores that God’s word and decrees are unchangeable. Despite being a prophet, Moses could not move God to reconsider where He had already pronounced judgment. It elevated God’s authority over any human appeal.
Did Moses know he would see Canaan from afar?
An interesting question is whether Moses knew he would at least get to see the promised land from Mount Nebo before dying, even if barred from entering it. Deuteronomy 32:49 hints that he did, stating “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession.” Here, God reveals Moses would see Canaan just before his death, which Moses apparently understood.
Was Moses’ death a type of Christ?
Like other Old Testament events, some theologians see Moses’ death as foreshadowing Christ. They draw parallels between Moses dying after glimpsing the promised land to Christ’s death ushering in access to greater promises. Others relate it to Christ being “lifted up” on the cross before later ascending to heaven (John 3:14). Additional connections some make are: serpent staff as a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion, and Jordan River crossing into Canaan as a symbol of Christian baptism into Christ. Most scholars see at minimum some typology in Moses’ death when studied in the context of redemptive history.
Why did God refuse to let Moses cross the Jordan?
This is considered one of the greatest ironies and “tragedies” of Moses’ life. After enduring 40 years in the wilderness leading Israel, why would God deny Moses entrance to Canaan in the end? Most scholars emphasize this was divine judgment on Moses for disobeying God’s command to “speak” to the rock at Meribah instead of striking it (Numbers 20:8). The water still flowed, so Moses saw no difference. But God’s word and specific instructions matter greatly. So the consequence underscored that even mature believers must guard against presumption and pride.
Did Moses have any regrets?
Based on Deuteronomy 29-33 which records Moses’ final words to Israel, Moses showed no bitterness but rather exhorted Israel to faithfully obey and take hold of what God had promised. Moses seemed to have accepted that while he sinned and faced judgment, this could serve God’s purposes to raise up Joshua. Some do wonder if Moses regretted anger toward Israel that provoked his disobedience at Meribah. But his final words are gracious, seeming to harbor no regrets but joy the nation would finally inherit the promises.
Why couldn’t Moses enter Canaan but Joshua could?
On the surface, it may seem unfair that Moses was barred from Canaan after all his work while Joshua got to enter. But scripture is clear this came down to God’s judgment on Moses for a particular act of disobedience. Moses accepted and understood this. Joshua had also obediently served as Moses’ right-hand man without such major transgression. Each received according to his response to God’s word. And ultimately, it was about God’s timing and purposes being fulfilled in transitioning Israel into a new phase.
How did Israelites mourn Moses’ death?
The bible does not record in detail how Israel mourned Moses’ death. Deuteronomy 34:8 briefly states “And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days.” This was likely accompanied by traditional ancient Near East mourning customs like wearing sackcloth and ashes. We do know that Israel deeply felt Moses’ absence, because his leadership and intercession had powerfully sustained them. Yet because of his age, they also understood it was time to move forward under Joshua’s leadership into Canaan.
Did Moses know he would die soon?
In Deuteronomy 31:14, God tells Moses, “Behold, your days approach that you must die.” This and other passages make clear that Moses knew his death was imminent as the time came for Israel to cross the Jordan. While the precise day may not have been revealed, Moses understood the season of his life was ending and he would not live for many more years. He did not resist this but used it as motivation to passionately preach to Israel before his departure.
Why is the location of Moses’ grave unknown?
That no one knows Moses’ burial location has fueled much speculation. Deuteronomy 34:6 states God hid the site and prevented anyone else from witnessing the burial. Many propose this was to prevent Moses’ tomb from becoming an idolatrous shrine or place of worship, as history showed Israel was prone to worship relics like the bronze serpent. It also ensured only God would receive glory for Israel’s deliverance rather than Moses. So God may have hidden the grave to direct all worship toward Himself.
Did Moses experience death itself?
Deuteronomy 34:5 states “Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab.” Unlike other biblical figures like Enoch who was simply taken by God, scripture presents Moses as experiencing a normal earthly death. This affirms the bible’s teaching that death entered the world through human sin, and all face this curse. Even the most righteous still must taste death before resurrection. So while we don’t know every detail surrounding Moses’ death, there is enough evidence to conclude he physically died just as all people do.
Why did Moses climb Mount Nebo specifically to die?
Moses purposefully climbed Mount Nebo in the Abarim mountain range precisely because God had earlier revealed this specific mountain as the place Moses would die (Deuteronomy 32:49). God ordered Moses up Nebo to see Canaan before his death. Nebo offered a panoramic view of the Jordan valley, Jericho, and promised land. So Moses obeyed God’s command to ascend Nebo fully expecting to die there after viewing the land. He willingly submitted to God’s appointed place and timing to close his life.
What lessons does Moses’ death teach us?
While mysteries remain, Moses’ passing still offers vital lessons for all believers: Obedience is crucial, as even mature believers like Moses can trip up and face consequences. Submitting to God’s timing and plans requires faith when we don’t understand everything. There is divine purpose for every season of life. Humility keeps us from the pride that can lead to sin. God’s word stands forever as the authority. And if God can use the mistakes of a man like Moses, He can use us too despite our flaws when we trust and obey Him.