Moses Blesses the Tribes

“Moses’ last recorded words are optimistic blessings for each of the tribes of Israel as they prepare to take over the land which was promised to their forefathers.  Although the exact interpretation of each blessing is sometimes obscure, it is clear that Moses is caught up in the excitement of pending conquests and uses the occasion for giving encouragement and hope.

Prior to giving these blessings, Moses is told that he is to go up on a mountain to view the land of Canaan and then die soon thereafter.”

Read Numbers 27:12-14/Deuteronomy 32:48-52 and Deuteronomy 33

Moses’ Death and Burial

“Moses prepares to ascend Mount Nebo for a long-awaited view of the promised land.  It must be with mixed emotions that he climbs that last step and looks down over ‘the land flowing with milk and honey.’  The long journey has been worth it, and the God who has promised it all is indeed faithful.  While Moses has every confidence that God can deliver the land, he knows that territorial conquest is nothing compared to the struggle which the Israelites will face in trying to maintain their covenant relationship with God.”

Read Deuteronomy 34

“So ends the life of the greatest man of God since Abraham.  As Abraham had taught a family about faith, Moses had taught a nation about law and in centuries to come, One greater than them both will teach the whole world about love and grace.”

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.