Deuteronomy 31:2

KJV

And he said unto them, I [am] an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, I am an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} this day {H3117}; I can {H3201} no more go out {H3318} and come in {H935}: also the LORD {H3068} hath said {H559} unto me, Thou shalt not go over {H5674} this Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I am 120 years old today. I can't get around any longer; moreover, ADONAI has said to me, 'You will not cross this Yarden.'

Berean Standard Bible

he said to them, “I am now a hundred and twenty years old; I am no longer able to come and go, and the LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: and Jehovah hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:2 presents a poignant and pivotal moment in Israel's history as Moses, at 120 years old, delivers his final address to the assembled congregation. In this declaration, he articulates his divinely ordained inability to continue as their active leader and to personally cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This statement not only marks a significant transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua but also profoundly underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over His people's destiny and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening statement of Deuteronomy 31, a chapter that initiates the final, climactic section of Moses' farewell discourse. It immediately follows the profound covenant stipulations, blessings, and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28-30](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28-30 - Covenant Blessings and Curses"), setting the stage for the practical implementation of the covenant as Israel prepares to enter Canaan. Moses' declaration of his impending departure is crucial for the narrative flow, as it directly precedes the formal commissioning of Joshua as his successor, the instruction to write the Law and place it beside the Ark of the Covenant, and a prophetic warning about Israel's future apostasy and eventual restoration. This passage thus frames the transition from Moses' direct leadership to a new era under Joshua, preparing the people for the conquest and settlement of the land promised by God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this declaration is the plains of Moab, located on the eastern side of the Jordan River, with the vast Israelite encampment poised to cross into the land of Canaan. Forty years have elapsed since the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, and the generation that experienced the wilderness wanderings and rebellion has largely passed away. A new generation, born and raised in the wilderness, now stands on the precipice of their inheritance. In the ancient Near East, the succession of a leader was a moment of immense significance, often fraught with potential instability or power struggles. Moses' public announcement of his age and, more importantly, the divine decree concerning his departure, provided a clear, divinely sanctioned transition of authority. This public declaration served to prevent any challenges to Joshua's leadership and reinforced the fundamental principle that all leadership within Israel was a stewardship under the ultimate, sovereign authority of Yahweh. The Jordan River itself was not merely a geographical barrier but a profound symbolic threshold, representing the definitive entry into the fulfillment of God's long-standing covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 31:2 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Succession**. Moses' departure, while a consequence of his disobedience at Meribah ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses strikes the rock at Meribah")), is ultimately presented as part of God's sovereign plan for His people, demonstrating that God's purposes transcend any single human leader, no matter how indispensable they may seem. This verse also highlights the crucial theme of **Transition of Leadership**, marking the conclusion of an era defined by Moses' unparalleled prophetic and administrative leadership and inaugurating a new phase under Joshua's guidance as they prepare to conquer the land ([Joshua 1:1](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-2 - God commissions Joshua after Moses' death")). Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Consequences**, as Moses' exclusion from the Promised Land serves as a stark, albeit painful, reminder of the seriousness of disobedience, even for God's most devoted servants. Finally, Moses' age of 120 years, a full, divinely appointed lifespan, signifies the **Completion of an Epoch and the End of a Generation**, preparing the way for a new covenant generation to step into the promises of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"go out and come in" (Hebrew, _yatsa'_ H3318 and _bow'_ H935):** This idiomatic phrase is crucial for understanding the nature of Moses' declaration. It does not signify physical infirmity or a lack of vigor, as [Deuteronomy 34:7](/deuteronomy/34-7 "Deuteronomy 34:7 - Moses' vigor at his death") explicitly states his "eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." Instead, "to go out and come in" is a common Old Testament idiom denoting the full scope of active leadership duties. This encompasses military command, judicial functions, administrative responsibilities, and general public engagement. It signifies the ability to lead, guide, and represent the people effectively in all their affairs. Moses is declaring that his divinely appointed time for active leadership in this specific capacity, particularly concerning the entry into the land, is complete.
* **"LORD" (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ H3068):** This is the tetragrammaton, the personal covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its presence here is profoundly significant, emphasizing that Moses' inability to cross the Jordan is not a personal decision or a matter of human limitation alone, but a direct, authoritative decree from the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant. It underscores the divine sovereignty over Moses' life and the destiny of Israel, affirming that God's will is the ultimate determinant of events.
* **"Jordan" (Hebrew, _Yardên'_ H3383):** Beyond its geographical reality as the principal river of Palestine, the Jordan serves as a powerful symbolic boundary. Crossing the Jordan signifies the transition from the wilderness wandering to the inheritance of the Promised Land, the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For Moses, being forbidden to cross it underscores the divine boundary set for him due to his past disobedience at Meribah, yet it simultaneously highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His people's ultimate destiny regardless of human leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, I [am] an hundred and twenty years old this day;":** Moses' declaration of his age is highly significant. It marks the completion of a full, divinely appointed lifespan, echoing the 120 years mentioned in [Genesis 6:3](/genesis/6-3 "Genesis 6:3 - God limits human lifespan") as a potential limit for human life or a period of divine patience. For Moses, it signifies the culmination of his unparalleled leadership and the end of his active, divinely commissioned role in leading Israel. It also serves as a chronological marker, emphasizing the imminent transition of power and the close of an era.
* **"I can no more go out and come in:":** As detailed in the "Key Word Analysis," this is not a statement of physical weakness or infirmity. Rather, it is a solemn declaration of the cessation of his divinely appointed, active leadership role. Moses is acknowledging that his season of leading the people in their daily affairs, particularly as they prepare for conquest, has come to an end. This is a divinely imposed limitation, signifying a change in his mandate, not a personal failing of strength.
* **"also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.":** This clause reveals the ultimate authority behind Moses' inability to lead. His exclusion from the Promised Land is a direct divine decree, a consequence of his disobedience at Meribah ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses strikes the rock at Meribah")). This underscores God's holiness, the gravity of disobedience even for His most faithful servants, and His sovereign control over the destiny of His people and their entry into the land. It emphasizes that God's plan will proceed, even if through a different leader.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:2 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is prominently evident, as Moses' declaration of his inability to lead further and his imminent death sets the stage for the transition to Joshua's leadership and the subsequent conquest of Canaan. There is a powerful sense of **Irony** in the fact that the great leader who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage will not lead them into the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise, the physical Promised Land. This irony highlights the limitations of even the most exceptional human leadership and the absolute sovereignty of God. **Symbolism** is also deeply at play: Moses' age of "120 years" symbolizes a complete, divinely ordained lifespan and the close of an epoch in Israel's history, while the "Jordan" itself symbolizes the threshold of God's promises, a final barrier that must be crossed to enter into the inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:2 serves as a powerful theological statement about divine sovereignty, human accountability, and the continuity of God's redemptive plan. It underscores that even the greatest of human leaders operate under God's ultimate authority, and their roles are subject to His timing and decrees. Moses' humble acceptance of his divinely appointed boundary, despite his deep desire to enter the land, exemplifies profound submission to God's will. This moment also highlights the critical theme of succession, assuring Israel that God's purposes would not cease with Moses' departure but would continue through His chosen successor, Joshua, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises to His people.

* [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "God's judgment on Moses at Meribah")
* [Deuteronomy 34:7](/deuteronomy/34-7 "Moses' vigor at his death")
* [Joshua 1:1](/joshua/1-1 "God commissions Joshua after Moses' death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' farewell address in Deuteronomy 31:2 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to recognize and embrace the changing seasons of life and leadership, understanding that God's purposes often involve transitions and the empowering of new generations. Just as Moses humbly accepted God's decree, even when it meant personal sacrifice and the unfulfillment of a deeply held desire, we are challenged to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that His wisdom surpasses our own understanding and His ultimate will is always for our good and His glory. This passage reminds us of the vital responsibility to mentor, equip, and release others into leadership, ensuring the continuity of God's work beyond our individual contributions. It also serves as a sober reminder that even the most faithful servants are accountable to God's standards, and disobedience carries consequences, yet God's faithfulness to His covenant promises remains steadfast, always bringing His ultimate purposes to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern and accept the changing seasons of leadership and responsibility in our own lives and communities, trusting God's timing and sovereign plan?**
* **What does Moses' humble acceptance of God's decree teach us about submission to divine will, especially when it involves personal disappointment or unfulfilled desires?**
* **In what ways are we actively preparing and empowering the next generation for leadership and service in our families, churches, and spheres of influence, ensuring the continuity of God's work?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land?**

Answer: Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to his act of disobedience at Meribah, recorded in [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses strikes the rock at Meribah"). God had commanded him to *speak* to the rock to bring forth water, but in his frustration, Moses struck it twice with his staff. This act, in God's eyes, demonstrated a failure to trust and sanctify Him before the people, especially as a leader. God declared that because he did not believe Him enough to honor Him, he would not lead the assembly into the land.

**Did Moses' physical strength truly diminish, or was "go out and come in" symbolic?**

Answer: [Deuteronomy 34:7](/deuteronomy/34-7 "Deuteronomy 34:7 - Moses' vigor at his death") explicitly states that when Moses died at 120 years old, "his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." This indicates that his physical strength and faculties were remarkably intact. Therefore, "I can no more go out and come in" is symbolic, an idiom signifying the cessation of his active, divinely appointed leadership role, particularly concerning the entry into the land. It represents a divine boundary and a transition of authority, not a physical incapacitation.

**What is the significance of Moses' age, 120 years?**

Answer: The age of 120 years is highly significant. In [Genesis 6:3](/genesis/6-3 "Genesis 6:3 - God limits human lifespan"), God declares that human lifespan will be 120 years, possibly indicating a full and complete life span. For Moses, reaching 120 marks the completion of his divinely appointed mission and a full life dedicated to God's service. It signifies the end of an era for Israel, as the generation that wandered in the wilderness under his leadership concludes its journey, and a new generation prepares to enter the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses, the great lawgiver and prophet, stands as a profound type of Christ, yet his inability to lead Israel into the Promised Land due to his sin and the limitations of the Law he represented highlights the profound need for a greater leader. While Moses could not bring the people into the physical inheritance, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, not only leads His people into the true spiritual Promised Land of salvation and eternal life but *is* the way, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Moses' exclusion from Canaan underscores the Law's inability to provide ultimate rest and salvation; it points beyond itself to the One who perfectly fulfills its righteous demands and offers direct access to God's presence. Just as Joshua, whose name is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, led Israel into the earthly Canaan, so Jesus leads His people into the heavenly rest and inheritance secured by His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 4:8](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - Joshua did not give true rest, but Christ does")). Moses' death and the transition to Joshua signify that salvation and true access to God's promises come not through the Law or human effort, but through God's grace embodied in the new covenant leader. The ultimate "going out and coming in" is found in Christ, who grants believers full access to God's presence and leads them into their eternal inheritance, having perfected forever those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ's blood")).

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 34:7

And Moses [was] an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

Numbers 27:17

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

1 Kings 3:7

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

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.

Exodus 7:7

And Moses [was] fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

Deuteronomy 3:26

But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.

Deuteronomy 3:27

Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold [it] with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.