Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 34:1

D. Moses’ Death (Chap. 34)34:1-8 Even if the death of Moses here was recorded by someone else, this does not affect the fact that the rest of the Pentateuch was written by Moses. After Moses had seen the land, he died on Mount Nebo and was buried by the LORD in a secret grave. Doubtless the reason for the secrecy was to prevent men from making a shrine at the lawgiver’s tomb and worshiping him there. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old at the time of his death, but he was still strong, alert, and keen. This statement is not in contradiction with Deu_31:2. The reason Moses could no longer lead the people was not physical but spiritual. God had told him that because of his sin he would not lead the people into Canaan (Deu_31:2), even though physically he was able to do so. 34:9 Joshua then assumed his duties as commander-in-chief. Moses had confirmed Joshua as his successor according to the word of the Lord in Num_27:18-23. Thus his servant became his successor, a further testimony to Moses’ humility. 34:10-12 Of few men could the tribute paid to Moses ever be spoken. Of course, when these closing verses were written, the Messiah had not yet appeared. Verse 10 was true only up to the time of Christ’s First Advent. “And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant” (Heb_3:5). Because of his sin he died; his burial place is unknown. But his antitype, the Lord Jesus, “was faithful . . . , as a Son over His own house” (Heb_3:5-6). It was for our sins that He died; His burial place is empty because He has ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven. “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus. . . . For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house” (Heb_3:1, Heb_3:3).