Deuteronomy 32:49

KJV

Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo, which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

KJV (with Strong's)

Get thee up {H5927} into this mountain {H2022} Abarim {H5682}, unto mount {H2022} Nebo {H5015}, which is in the land {H776} of Moab {H4124}, that is over against {H6440} Jericho {H3405}; and behold {H7200} the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, which I give {H5414} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} for a possession {H272}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go up into the 'Avarim Range, to Mount N'vo, in the land of Mo'av across from Yericho; and look out over the land of Kena'an, which I am giving the people of Isra'el as a possession.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their own possession.

American Standard Version

Get thee up into this mountain of Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:49 records God's final, poignant command to Moses: to ascend Mount Nebo within the Abarim range, overlooking Jericho, and from there to behold the Promised Land of Canaan, which the Lord was about to give to the Israelites as their possession. This divine instruction serves as the prelude to Moses' death, a bittersweet moment where he is granted a panoramic view of the land he tirelessly led his people towards, yet is barred from entering due to his earlier disobedience. The verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding the land, even as it highlights the consequences of human sin and the transition of leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 32:49 immediately follows the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32:1-43), a powerful poetic composition that recounts God's faithfulness to Israel despite their persistent rebellion. The song concludes with a renewed promise of divine vengeance against Israel's enemies and atonement for His land and people. Following this grand theological summary, the narrative shifts abruptly to God's direct command to Moses, serving as a solemn transition from Moses' prophetic utterance to the final acts of his life. This verse sets the stage for Moses' blessing of the tribes in [Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Blessing of the Tribes") and his subsequent death and burial in [Deuteronomy 34](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - The Death of Moses"), marking the end of the Pentateuch and the beginning of the transition to Joshua's leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, after forty years of wilderness wandering. The Israelites are poised to enter Canaan, a land promised to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries earlier (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Mount Nebo, part of the Abarim mountain range, is strategically located to offer a sweeping view across the Jordan Valley into the heart of Canaan. This geographical specificity is crucial, as it emphasizes the tangible reality of the promised inheritance. Culturally, the concept of a "possession" or "inheritance" was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern societies, often tied to family lineage, divine grant, and legal ownership. For Israel, the land was not merely territory but a divine gift, a fulfillment of covenant, and the place where they would live out their identity as God's chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes central to Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **divine sovereignty and command**, as God directly dictates Moses' final actions, demonstrating His ultimate control over human destiny and the fulfillment of His plans. The theme of **consequences for disobedience** is starkly present; Moses' exclusion from the land, though allowed to see it, is a direct result of his sin at Meribah ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")). Simultaneously, it highlights God's **unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly concerning the land. Despite Israel's failures and Moses' personal sin, God's promise to give Canaan to "the children of Israel for a possession" remains steadfast, underscoring that God's covenant is ultimately based on His character, not human merit. This transition also foreshadows the theme of **new leadership** under Joshua, who would successfully lead the people into the land, demonstrating God's provision for His people even when key figures depart ([Joshua 1:2-3](/joshua/1-2 "Joshua 1:2-3 - God Commands Joshua to Lead")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abarim (Hebrew, _‘Abarim'_):** This refers to a mountain range located east of the Jordan River, primarily in Moabite territory. The name itself might relate to the idea of "regions beyond" or "crossings," perhaps signifying its position as a barrier or a point from which one looks across to another land. Its mention here specifies the broader geographical context for Mount Nebo, emphasizing the precise location from which Moses would observe the Promised Land.
* **Nebo (Hebrew, _Nebo'_):** A specific peak within the Abarim range, traditionally identified as Jebel en-Neba. It is significant not only for its elevation and panoramic views but primarily as the site of Moses' death and burial. Its designation here is crucial as it marks the culmination of Moses' earthly journey and ministry, a place of both final vision and ultimate departure.
* **Possession (Hebrew, _morashah'_):** This term denotes an "inheritance" or "hereditary possession." It is a strong legal and theological term, emphasizing that the land of Canaan is not something Israel earns or conquers by its own strength, but a gift, a divine endowment passed down through generations according to God's covenant promise to Abraham ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It underscores the gratuitous nature of God's gift and the secure, divinely sanctioned claim Israel would have over the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo":** This is a direct, imperative command from God to Moses. It signifies divine authority and Moses' immediate obedience. The specificity of "Abarim" and "Mount Nebo" pinpoints the exact location for this momentous event, highlighting the intentionality of God's plan for Moses' final moments.
* **"which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho;":** This clause provides precise geographical orientation. The "land of Moab" situates Nebo on the eastern side of the Jordan River, while "over against Jericho" vividly describes its vantage point, directly opposite the strategic city of Jericho on the western side of the Jordan, within Canaan. This detail emphasizes the clear, unobstructed view Moses would have of the land.
* **"and behold the land of Canaan":** This is the core purpose of the ascent. Moses is commanded not to enter, but to "behold"—to gaze upon, to see with his own eyes—the land he had led the Israelites towards for forty years. This act of seeing, without entering, is both a fulfillment of God's mercy (allowing him this final glimpse) and a demonstration of the consequences of his sin at Meribah.
* **"which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:":** This concluding phrase reaffirms God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. The land is explicitly stated as a divine gift ("I give"), not a conquest earned by Israel. The term "possession" underscores its nature as an enduring inheritance, divinely bestowed upon the "children of Israel," emphasizing the continuity of the covenant promises to the patriarchs.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:49 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Command**, as God issues a direct, imperative instruction to Moses, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and Moses' role as a faithful, albeit flawed, servant. The verse also utilizes extensive **Geographical Specificity**, meticulously naming "Abarim," "Mount Nebo," "land of Moab," "Jericho," and "land of Canaan." This precision grounds the spiritual and theological significance of the moment in a tangible, verifiable reality, emphasizing the literal fulfillment of God's promises. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** and **Pathos** in Moses being allowed to see the Promised Land but not enter it. This visual access without physical entry serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of the Law's inability to bring people into the fullness of God's rest, foreshadowing a greater leader and a deeper spiritual inheritance. The phrase "which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession" also functions as a **Reaffirmation of Covenant**, echoing earlier promises and underscoring the steadfastness of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:49 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the tension between divine promise and human failing, while ultimately affirming God's unfailing faithfulness. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans will be accomplished, regardless of individual human limitations or even disobedience. Moses, the great lawgiver and mediator of the Old Covenant, stands at the precipice, seeing the culmination of God's physical promises to Israel, yet unable to participate in their full realization. This highlights the severity of sin, even for God's closest servants, but also the boundless grace that allows for a glimpse of the inheritance. The land is presented as a "possession," emphasizing its nature as a divine gift, not a reward for merit, pointing to the broader theological truth that all true blessings flow from God's sovereign grace and covenant commitment.

* [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")
* [Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Views the Land from Nebo")
* [Joshua 1:2-6](/joshua/1-2 "Joshua 1:2-6 - God Commissions Joshua")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:49 offers a profound lesson in God's sovereignty, the consequences of disobedience, and the enduring nature of His promises. Moses' experience on Mount Nebo reminds us that even the most devoted servants of God are accountable for their actions, and sin, even seemingly small acts of rebellion, carries significant consequences. Yet, in His mercy, God still granted Moses a final, sweeping vision of the land, a testament to His compassion and faithfulness. For us, this can be a sobering reminder to walk in obedience, recognizing that while God's ultimate purposes will prevail, our personal choices impact our journey and immediate participation in His blessings. It also encourages us to trust in God's steadfastness, knowing that even when human leaders fail or circumstances seem bleak, God's promises of an ultimate inheritance remain secure, calling us to look beyond immediate limitations to the greater, eternal hope He has prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' experience on Mount Nebo challenge your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be "seeing" a promise or blessing from afar, but feel unable to "enter" it? What might be hindering you?**
* **How does the idea of the land as a "possession" (a gift, not earned) impact your view of God's blessings in your own life?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Moses' obedience to God's command, even in the face of a difficult outcome?**

### FAQ

**Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land, despite leading Israel for 40 years?**

Answer: Moses was barred from entering the Promised Land due to his act of disobedience at the waters of Meribah, as recorded in [Numbers 20:7-12](/numbers/20-7 "Numbers 20:7-12 - Moses Strikes the Rock"). God had commanded him to *speak* to the rock to bring forth water, but in his frustration with the Israelites' grumbling, Moses struck the rock twice. This act, while seemingly minor, demonstrated a lack of faith in God's specific instructions and misrepresented God's holiness before the people. God declared that because Moses did not "believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel," he would not bring them into the land. This serves as a stark reminder that even great leaders are held accountable for their obedience and that God's holiness must always be honored.

**What is the significance of Mount Nebo and the Abarim range?**

Answer: Mount Nebo is a specific peak within the Abarim mountain range, located east of the Jordan River in modern-day Jordan. Its significance lies primarily in its association with Moses' final moments. From its summit, Moses was able to view the entirety of the Promised Land, from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah, and the Negeb, and the Plain of the Valley of Jericho ([Deuteronomy 34:1-3](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-3 - Moses Views the Land from Nebo")). It is also the place where Moses died and was buried by the Lord ([Deuteronomy 34:5-6](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5-6 - The Death and Burial of Moses")). Thus, Nebo represents both the culmination of God's promise to Israel and the end of Moses' earthly ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:49, while a poignant moment in Moses' life, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Moses, the great lawgiver, could only lead Israel to the *edge* of the Promised Land; he could not bring them into its full rest due to the limitations of the Law and his own sin. This foreshadows the truth that the Law, given through Moses, reveals sin and points to the need for a greater deliverer, but cannot ultimately grant access to God's promised spiritual inheritance. Jesus, however, is the superior Moses, the one who truly leads His people into the promised rest. Unlike Moses, who saw the land but could not enter, Jesus not only beheld the spiritual inheritance but *entered* it through His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, thereby opening the way for all who believe. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), fulfilling the sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Through faith in Him, believers receive not merely a physical land, but a spiritual inheritance—eternal life, adoption as children of God, and access to God's presence ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"); [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest")). Moses' view from Nebo points to a physical possession; Christ's work grants us a heavenly one, a "better country" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Better Country")), secured by His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to truly enter into God's rest.

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

Numbers 27:12

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Isaiah 33:17

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

Numbers 33:47

And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

Numbers 33:48

And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

Deuteronomy 34:1

¶ And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

Deuteronomy 34:5

¶ So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.