Day 72 · Part 4: The Wilderness
The Death of Moses
In the Story
In context
Moses, a hundred and twenty years old, told Israel and then Joshua to be strong and courageous: “He will not fail you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:1–8). He wrote down the law and gave it to the priests and elders, to be read aloud to everyone every seven years at the Feast of Booths (31:9–13). Then he taught Israel a song (31:19–22, 30), which calls the Lord “The Rock: his work is perfect” (32:4). The song also warns of hunger, wild animals and the sword, with terror for young and old, for turning to other gods (32:15–27).
Before his death Moses blessed the tribes one by one, then told all Israel, “The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms” (33:1–27).
From the top of Pisgah on Mount Nebo, across from Jericho, the Lord showed Moses the land, but he would not go in, because of the waters of Meribah (34:1–4; 32:48–52). He died there, “according to Yahweh’s word. He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth Peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day” (34:5–6). “His eye was not dim, nor his strength gone” (34:7), and Israel wept for him thirty days (34:8). Centuries later Moses appears again, talking with Jesus on a high mountain (Matthew 17:1–3).
Lord, you have been our dwelling place for all generations. Before the mountains were born, before you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
Psalms 90:1–2 · Moses’ blessing says, “The eternal God is your dwelling place”; the psalm headed “A Prayer by Moses” begins, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place.”
For families
Moses’ song says, “Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you” (Deuteronomy 32:7). Every seven years the law was to be read to “the men and the women and the little ones,” so “that their children, who have not known, may hear and learn” (31:12–13).
What would you like to ask the oldest person in your family about the old days?
In the Bible
World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).
Deuteronomy 31
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Deuteronomy 32
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Deuteronomy 33
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Deuteronomy 34
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A hymn for today
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms · words by Elisha A. Hoffman
- What a fellowship, what a joy divine,Leaning on the everlasting arms;What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,Leaning on the everlasting arms.RefrainLeaning, leaning,Safe and secure from all alarms;Leaning, leaning,Leaning on the everlasting arms.
- O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,Leaning on the everlasting arms;O how bright the path grows from day to day,Leaning on the everlasting arms.RefrainLeaning, leaning,Safe and secure from all alarms;Leaning, leaning,Leaning on the everlasting arms.
- What have I to dread, what have I to fear,Leaning on the everlasting arms?I have blessèd peace with my Lord so near,Leaning on the everlasting arms.RefrainLeaning, leaning,Safe and secure from all alarms;Leaning, leaning,Leaning on the everlasting arms.