Why is Moses Denied Entry? – Moses gets to the cusp of the Promised Land—he can almost taste it, but no more—he can do nothing more but lead Israel the edge. We are told at the book’s beginning that such is the one thing Moses cannot do—enter the Promised Land. Why is he kept out—his disobedience at Meribah? (Num. 20:10-13), or was it due to God’s anger against him on account of the people (3:12-29)? Whatever the reason the tension in the various accounts of the divine denial, we certainly know the effect. "Moses, the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab" (v. 5). [1]

NIB on Moses’ Death – The final work is a eulogy in praise of Moses as the unequaled leader of the nation . . . The ascription of Moses’ unique miracle-working power is significant as a reflection of the conception of charismatic leadership with which he was believed to have been endowed, and as a mark of distinct shift of emphasis from that which prevails more extensively in the book of Deuteronomy. [2]

Gregory of Nyssa [fl 350 ] – Moses’ death is recorded to have been even more sublime than his life. He died on a mountain peak and left behind neither trace nor memorial of his earthly burden in life. The impress of beauty was not altered by time but remained unchangeable in the changeable nature. [3]

 

What is the last sight that you would like to see before you die?

• Recall programs or foundations that grant children with life-threatening diseases a wish, e.g. Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• What does the words about Moses achievements tell us about his relationship with God? What made his unique?
• What could you surmise about the Moses’ obituary editor?
  

Please see the homily for this week posted on DPS—it is based on this passage.

_____________________________________________________
[1] Patrick Miller, Interpretation Series: Deuteronomy (John Knox Press, 1990), page 242.
[2] New Interpreter’s Bible II (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), p. 538.
[3] Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture III (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2001), page 341.