(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
He was buried in the valley across from Beit-P'or in the land of Mo'av, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.
And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows the location of his grave.
And he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
And he buried{H6912} him in a valley{H1516} in the land{H776} of Moab{H4124}, over against{H4136} Bethpeor{H1047}: but no man{H376} knoweth{H3045} of his sepulchre{H6900} unto this day{H3117}.
Deuteronomy 34:6 is a poignant verse that marks the end of an era in the historical narrative of the Israelites. This verse speaks to the burial of Moses, the great leader who had shepherded the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness for forty years. According to the text, Moses was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, specifically in a location opposite Beth-peor, but the exact place of his tomb remains unknown. The significance of this verse is manifold:
1. **Transition of Leadership**: The verse signifies the transition from the leadership of Moses to that of Joshua, as Moses' death meant that the mantle of leadership passed to Joshua, who would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
2. **The Unknown Tomb**: The fact that "no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day" underscores the mystery surrounding Moses' final resting place. This has led to much speculation and tradition regarding the location, but the Bible itself does not disclose it, which may serve to prevent idolization of the site.
3. **Divine Decree**: The concealment of Moses' burial place could be interpreted as a divine act to honor Moses' unique role in salvation history. By not revealing the location, God may have been protecting the site from becoming an object of veneration, thus preserving the focus on the spiritual legacy of Moses rather than a physical monument.
4. **The End of an Era**: Moses' death and burial represent the end of the foundational period of Israel's history. His life and leadership were pivotal in forming the nation's identity and establishing their covenant relationship with God.
5. **Historical Context**: The burial takes place in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, where the Israelites had been camped before their entry into Canaan. This location is significant as it is near the area where Moses viewed the Promised Land, which he was not permitted to enter due to his disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:12).
6. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: Moses' burial in Moab fulfills earlier prophetic declarations made by God (Deuteronomy 32:50-52). Moses' death and the subsequent transfer of leadership to Joshua were part of the divine plan for Israel.
In summary, Deuteronomy 34:6 encapsulates the transition from the Mosaic to the Joshua era, highlights the mysterious and enduring legacy of Moses, and emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the history and destiny of His people. The verse also serves as a reminder of the limitations of human leaders and the importance of adhering to God's directives as the Israelites stood on the brink of a new chapter in their national story.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)