Deuteronomy 34:5

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

So Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068} died {H4191} there in the land {H776} of Moab {H4124}, according to the word {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}.

So Moshe, the servant of ADONAI, died there in the land of Mo'av, as ADONAI had said.

So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said.

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 34:5 marks a poignant moment in biblical history, recording the death of Moses, the revered leader who guided the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and through forty years in the wilderness. This verse serves as the culmination of Moses' earthly journey and a testament to God's sovereign plan.

Context

This verse appears at the very end of the book of Deuteronomy, which itself is Moses' farewell address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. After leading the people for four decades, Moses was permitted to ascend Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1) and view the land of Canaan, but he was not allowed to enter it. This was a consequence of his disobedience at Meribah, where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it, a pivotal moment detailed in Numbers 20:12. His death in Moab signifies the end of an era and paves the way for Joshua to assume leadership and guide Israel into their inheritance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment: The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" underscores that Moses' death was not an accident but part of God's predetermined plan. It highlights God's absolute control over life and death, and His faithfulness in bringing His decrees to pass.
  • Mortality of Even Great Leaders: Even Moses, who had such an intimate relationship with God and performed mighty miracles, was subject to the universal human condition of death. This emphasizes that while leaders are crucial, God's ultimate plan does not depend on any single individual.
  • The Nature of Servanthood: Moses is specifically called "the servant of the LORD." This title, 'eved Yahweh in Hebrew, signifies a deep relationship of obedience, trust, and dedication to God's purposes. It is an honorable designation, highlighting his unique role and faithfulness throughout his life, despite his one recorded failure preventing entry into Canaan.
  • Transition and Continuity: Moses' death marks a significant transition, but it also demonstrates the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. God's promises endure beyond the life of any single leader.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the servant of the LORD" (Hebrew: 'eved Yahweh) is a profound honor. It is used for individuals who faithfully execute God's will and are in a special covenant relationship with Him. While Moses is often considered the preeminent "servant of the LORD," this title is also applied to others like Joshua and David, signifying their devoted service. The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: 'al-pi Yahweh) emphasizes that Moses' death was by divine decree, not by chance or human failing (other than the specific disobedience that led to his exclusion from the land). It denotes strict adherence to God's command or prophecy.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 34:5 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust God's Plan: Even when our personal journeys don't unfold as we might wish, we can trust that God's overall plan is perfect and will be fulfilled "according to His word."
  • Faithful Service Matters: Moses' life exemplifies the importance of faithful service to God, even when the ultimate reward or outcome might not be what we expect. Our calling is to obey and serve, leaving the results to God.
  • God Raises Up New Leaders: The passing of Moses and the rise of Joshua remind us that God is always at work, preparing and commissioning new individuals to carry forward His purposes. We should embrace transitions with faith and support new leadership.
  • Embrace Mortality with Hope: Moses' death, though divinely ordained, is a reminder of our own mortality. Yet, for believers, this truth is tempered by the hope of eternal life and the promise of a future beyond earthly limitations. Deuteronomy concludes by emphasizing that there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, highlighting his enduring legacy and unique relationship with God.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:50 (8 votes)

    And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:

  • Joshua 1:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

  • Joshua 1:2 (7 votes)

    Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, [even] to the children of Israel.

  • Hebrews 3:3 (5 votes)

    For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

  • Hebrews 3:6 (5 votes)

    But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

  • Revelation 15:3 (3 votes)

    And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

  • Malachi 4:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments.