Deuteronomy 1:37

KJV

Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also the LORD {H3068} was angry {H599} with me for your sakes {H1558}, saying {H559}, Thou also shalt not go {H935} in thither {H8033}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Also, because of you ADONAI was angry with me and said, 'You too will not go in there.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD was also angry with me on your account, and He said, “Not even you shall enter the land.

American Standard Version

Also Jehovah was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:37 captures Moses' somber reflection on God's decree that he, too, would not enter the Promised Land. This verse, presented within his farewell address, reveals a profound and complex truth: while Moses' exclusion was directly tied to his own act of disobedience at Meribah, he attributes God's anger towards him, in part, to the cumulative effect of the Israelites' persistent rebellion and lack of faith. It underscores the universal nature of divine judgment and the heavy burden of leadership amidst a stiff-necked people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:37 is situated within Moses' opening discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, serving as a historical prologue (Deuteronomy 1:6-4:49). Moses, standing on the plains of Moab, addresses the new generation of Israelites, those who grew up in the wilderness and are now poised to enter the Promised Land. He recounts the forty-year wilderness wandering, emphasizing God's steadfastness despite the people's repeated rebellion. This particular verse comes after Moses describes the disastrous decision at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan") where the previous generation, due to their unbelief, refused to enter the land. Moses' personal exclusion, though directly caused by his own sin at [Meribah](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses Strikes the Rock"), is here presented by him as intertwined with the collective sin and provocation of the people, highlighting the profound weight of their corporate unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Deuteronomy 1:37 is the plains of Moab, around 1406 BC (or 1200s BC, depending on dating), just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan. This generation is on the cusp of fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant promise of land. Culturally, Israel is a nascent nation, bound by the Mosaic Covenant, learning what it means to be God's holy people. Moses, as their divinely appointed leader, prophet, and mediator, bears immense responsibility. The concept of corporate identity and accountability was strong in ancient Israel, where the actions of leaders and the community could impact one another. Moses' statement reflects this interconnectedness, even as individual sin still carries its own consequences. His exclusion from the land was a profound symbol of the cost of disobedience, even for the most revered figures.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:37 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Justice and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's standards of holiness and obedience apply universally, even to His most esteemed servants like Moses. No one is exempt from accountability for their actions, as seen in Moses' own exclusion from the Promised Land due to his disobedience at [Meribah](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses Strikes the Rock"). Secondly, the phrase "for your sakes" introduces the theme of the **Interconnectedness of Sin and the Burden of Leadership**. While Moses' sin was personal, he perceived it as provoked or exacerbated by the people's persistent rebellion and faithlessness, underscoring the spiritual weight leaders carry in guiding a recalcitrant community. This ties into the broader theme of **Corporate Responsibility** versus individual accountability. Finally, the verse reinforces **God's Unchanging Word and Holiness**, showing that His decrees are firm and His character demands obedience, serving as a stark reminder of the seriousness of unbelief and disobedience that characterized the wilderness generation, as recounted in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **angry (Hebrew, _qatsaph'_):** The Hebrew verb קָצַף (_qatsaph_) signifies a strong displeasure, to be enraged or wroth. When applied to God, it denotes a righteous indignation, a just response to sin and rebellion, rather than an arbitrary or uncontrolled emotion. In this context, it highlights the seriousness of both Moses' disobedience at Meribah and the cumulative effect of Israel's persistent unbelief that provoked God's wrath.
* **for your sakes (Hebrew, _'al-dibreychem'_):** This pivotal phrase, עַל־דִּבְרֵיכֶם (_'al-dibreychem_), literally translates to "on account of your words" or "because of your matters." It suggests that Moses perceived his own exclusion as intricately linked to the people's constant murmuring, rebellion, and lack of faith. While his sin at Meribah was personal, this phrasing implies that the relentless provocation of the people contributed to his moment of impatience and disobedience, or that his failure was viewed by God as part of the broader judgment on that rebellious generation. It underscores the immense spiritual burden Moses carried.
* **thither (Hebrew, _sham'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁם (_sham_) simply means "there" or "to that place." In this verse, "thither" unequivocally refers to the Promised Land, Canaan. Its simple presence carries profound pathos, as it represents the culmination of a lifelong journey and a divine promise that Moses, despite his faithfulness, would be denied entry due to his specific act of disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also the LORD was angry with me":** This clause establishes the divine origin of Moses' exclusion. It wasn't an arbitrary decision or a personal failing without consequence, but a direct expression of God's righteous anger (קָצַף, _qatsaph_). This anger signifies a just response to Moses' specific act of disobedience at Meribah ([Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20-13 "Numbers 20:1-13 - Moses Strikes the Rock")), where he failed to sanctify God in the eyes of the people. It underscores that even the greatest of God's servants are held accountable to His holy standards.
* **"for your sakes":** This is the most striking and debated phrase in the verse. Moses, in his retrospective account, attributes God's anger towards him, at least in part, to the Israelites' persistent rebellion, murmuring, and lack of faith. The Hebrew phrase עַל־דִּבְרֵיכֶם (_'al-dibreychem_) suggests that their "words" or "matters" (i.e., their constant provocation and unfaithfulness) either directly contributed to Moses' moment of frustration and sin at Meribah, or that his punishment was part of the broader judgment against the entire rebellious generation. It highlights the immense burden of leadership and the profound interconnectedness of individual and corporate sin within the covenant community.
* **"saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither":** This is the divine pronouncement of judgment. The inclusion of "also" (גַּם, _gam_) emphasizes that Moses, despite his unique role and relationship with God, would share the same fate as the rebellious generation who died in the wilderness—exclusion from the Promised Land. "Thither" (שָׁם, _sham_) refers specifically to the land of Canaan, the destination of their forty-year journey. This decree serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His word and the absolute seriousness of disobedience, even for those closest to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:37 employs several significant literary devices. **Retrospective Narration** is central, as Moses recounts past events to the new generation, framing the historical narrative as a didactic lesson. The verse also utilizes **Direct Address** ("for your sakes"), making the audience directly implicated in the narrative's emotional and theological weight. There is a profound sense of **Pathos** and **Irony** in this statement: the very leader who faithfully guided Israel through the wilderness for forty years, who mediated the covenant and longed to see the fulfillment of God's promise, is himself barred from entering the Promised Land. This creates a tragic dimension to Moses' farewell. Furthermore, Moses' attribution of God's anger towards him "for your sakes" can be understood as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Figurative Language**. While his sin at Meribah was undeniably his own, this phrasing vividly conveys the immense spiritual and emotional burden placed upon him by the people's persistent rebellion, suggesting that their unfaithfulness contributed to the atmosphere that led to his moment of failure. The **Repetition** of the theme of exclusion from the land, applied both to the disobedient generation and to Moses, powerfully underscores the severity of God's judgment on unbelief and disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:37 profoundly impacts our understanding of divine justice and human accountability. It reveals that God's holiness demands obedience from all, regardless of status or past faithfulness. Moses' exclusion serves as a stark reminder that even a single act of disobedience, particularly one that dishonors God publicly, carries severe consequences. The verse also highlights the intricate relationship between individual sin and corporate influence. While Moses was personally responsible for his actions at Meribah, his statement "for your sakes" suggests a recognition that the constant provocation and unbelief of the community can wear down even the strongest leaders, creating an environment where sin becomes more likely. This emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement in faith within the community.

* [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")
* [Hebrews 3:17-19](/hebrews/3-17 "Hebrews 3:17-19 - The Disobedient Generation")
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins with the Household of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:37 offers a sobering yet deeply practical lesson for believers today. It calls us to a profound humility, recognizing that no one, regardless of their spiritual stature or years of service, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. Moses' experience reminds us that even righteous frustration, if not managed according to God's commands, can lead to actions that dishonor Him and carry lasting consequences. For those in leadership, it underscores the immense spiritual burden of guiding others, especially in challenging environments. It prompts us to consider how the spiritual health of a community can both support and strain its leaders, emphasizing the need for mutual encouragement and prayer rather than constant complaint. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to cultivate a heart of unwavering obedience and reverence for God's holiness, understanding that His standards are immutable and His justice is perfect. It encourages us to examine our own hearts for any areas of impatience, unbelief, or subtle rebellion that might hinder our walk with God and our ability to enter into the fullness of His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' experience challenge my understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might the "sakes" of others (community, family, colleagues) influence my own spiritual walk, both positively and negatively?**
* **What specific areas of my life might reflect impatience or a lack of trust in God, similar to Moses' moment at Meribah?**
* **If I am in a leadership role, how can I better rely on God's strength and wisdom to navigate the challenges presented by those I lead, without allowing their shortcomings to lead me into sin?**

### FAQ
**Did Moses really blame the people for his sin?**

Answer: No, not directly. The text doesn't say Moses blamed them for his sin, but rather that God's anger towards him was "for their sakes." This phrase suggests that the people's persistent rebellion and lack of faith created an environment of immense pressure and provocation that contributed to Moses' moment of impatience and disobedience at [Meribah](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses Strikes the Rock"). It highlights the heavy burden of leadership and the interconnectedness of the community's spiritual state. Moses acknowledges his personal failure, but frames it within the context of the people's constant testing of God and their leader.

**Was God's punishment of Moses fair?**

Answer: From a human perspective, it might seem harsh given Moses' lifelong faithfulness and immense service. However, from God's perspective, it was perfectly just. At [Meribah](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses Strikes the Rock"), Moses struck the rock twice in anger instead of speaking to it as commanded, and declared, "Must *we* bring you water out of this rock?" This act not only displayed a moment of personal impatience but also failed to sanctify God's name before the people, implying that Moses, not God, was the source of the miracle. God's holiness demands perfect obedience, especially from those who represent Him. This judgment served as a powerful lesson to all Israel about the seriousness of disobedience and the absolute nature of God's holy character.

**How does this verse relate to God's mercy?**

Answer: While this verse emphasizes God's justice and the consequences of sin, it does not negate His mercy. Throughout the wilderness wanderings, God repeatedly showed mercy to Israel despite their rebellion, providing for them and not utterly destroying them. In Moses' case, while he was barred from entering the Promised Land, he was still allowed to see it from Mount Nebo ([Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Sees the Promised Land")). More profoundly, Moses, along with Elijah, later appeared with Jesus on the [Mount of Transfiguration](/matthew/17-1 "Matthew 17:1 - The Transfiguration"), demonstrating that his relationship with God was not ultimately severed, and he entered into an even greater "promised land" in God's presence. God's justice is always tempered by His covenant faithfulness and ultimate redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:37, with its poignant account of Moses' exclusion from the earthly Promised Land, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. Moses, the great lawgiver and mediator of the old covenant, could not bring the people into the fullness of their inheritance because, like all humanity, he was imperfect and subject to the consequences of sin. His failure at Meribah, though seemingly minor, underscored the truth that entry into God's ultimate rest requires perfect obedience and holiness, which no human could achieve. This points directly to Jesus, the perfect [Son of God](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who alone fulfilled all righteousness and perfectly obeyed the Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Unlike Moses, who could only lead the people to the border, Jesus, our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), has opened the way for all believers to enter into the true spiritual rest and [heavenly Promised Land](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People") through His atoning sacrifice. He is the one who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the perfect righteousness that Moses, and indeed all humanity, lacked. Thus, Moses' exclusion serves as a powerful type, highlighting the absolute necessity of a perfect Mediator to bring God's people into His eternal inheritance, a role fully and finally accomplished by Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 4:21

Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance:

Numbers 20:12

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Deuteronomy 34:4

And the LORD said unto him, This [is] the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see [it] with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

Numbers 27:13

And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.

Numbers 27:14

For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that [is] the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

Psalms 106:32

They angered [him] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

Psalms 106:33

Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.