Deuteronomy 4:22

KJV

But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I must die {H4191} in this land {H776}, I must not go over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}: but ye shall go over {H5674}, and possess {H3423} that good {H2896} land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, I must die in this land and not cross the Yarden; but you are to cross and take possession of that good land.

Berean Standard Bible

For I will not be crossing the Jordan, because I must die in this land. But you shall cross over and take possession of that good land.

American Standard Version

but I must die in this land, I must not go over the Jordan; but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:22 captures Moses' poignant declaration of his impending death outside the Promised Land, a consequence of his disobedience, while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them that they will indeed cross the Jordan and inherit the "good land." This verse encapsulates themes of divine justice, the steadfastness of God's promises, and the crucial transition of leadership as Israel stands on the precipice of their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses' extensive farewell discourses to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter Canaan. Specifically, it follows Moses' recounting of the wilderness journey, emphasizing God's mighty acts of deliverance and judgment, and the people's frequent rebellions. Moses is not merely narrating history but drawing theological lessons from it, urging obedience to the Law. His personal fate, expressed in [Deuteronomy 4:22](/deuteronomy/4-22 "Deuteronomy 4:22 - Moses' Fate and Israel's Future"), serves as a powerful, living illustration of the consequences of disobedience, even for a leader as revered as himself, thereby reinforcing the gravity of the commands he is about to reiterate. It sets a somber, yet hopeful, tone for the transition of leadership and the imminent possession of the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, forty years after their exodus from Egypt. The generation that rebelled in the wilderness has largely passed away, and a new generation, born in the wilderness, is poised to enter the land promised to their ancestors. Moses, now 120 years old, knows his time is short. His exclusion from the Promised Land stems from his act of striking the rock at Meribah (Kadesh) instead of speaking to it, as commanded by God, thereby failing to honor God as holy before the people ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")). The Jordan River was not merely a geographical barrier but a symbolic threshold, representing the final obstacle to the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")).
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:22 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of disobedience**, demonstrating that even great leaders are not exempt from divine judgment, highlighting God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of sin. Secondly, it affirms God's **unwavering covenant faithfulness**; despite human failure, God's promises to His people remain steadfast, ensuring the ultimate fulfillment of His plan for Israel to inherit the land ([Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promise of the Land")). Thirdly, the verse implicitly signals the crucial **leadership transition** from Moses to Joshua, preparing the people for a new era under new guidance as they enter their inheritance ([Deuteronomy 31:7](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Deuteronomy 31:7 - Moses Commissions Joshua")). Finally, it speaks to **divine sovereignty**, illustrating that God's overarching purposes will be accomplished regardless of individual human limitations or failures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **die (Hebrew, מוּת _muth_):** This verb signifies a physical cessation of life, but in this context, it carries the weight of a divine decree and judgment. Moses' death is not merely a natural event but a preordained consequence of his specific disobedience at Meribah. It underscores the finality of God's word and the severe implications of failing to sanctify Him publicly.
* **possess (Hebrew, יָרַשׁ _yarash_):** This term is rich in meaning, encompassing "to inherit," "to dispossess," or "to take possession of." It implies not just the physical occupation of the land by force, but the legal and spiritual right to it as an inheritance granted by God. It emphasizes that Israel's claim to the land is not based on their strength or merit, but on God's sovereign gift and covenant promise.
* **good land (Hebrew, אֶרֶץ טוֹבָה _eretz tovah_):** This phrase describes Canaan as a land of abundance and blessing, often depicted as "flowing with milk and honey." It represents the fulfillment of God's promises, a place of rest and prosperity, contrasting sharply with the wilderness where they had wandered. The goodness of the land reflects the goodness and generosity of the Giver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I must die in this land":** This deeply personal and poignant declaration reveals Moses' full acceptance of God's judgment upon him. It is an acknowledgment of his own accountability and the unyielding nature of God's justice, even for His most faithful servants. The phrase "this land" refers to the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan, emphasizing his exclusion from the Promised Land itself.
* **"I must not go over Jordan":** This clause explicitly states the physical and symbolic barrier that Moses is forbidden to cross. The Jordan River represents the threshold into the promised inheritance. Moses' inability to cross signifies the personal cost of his disobedience and the divine decree that prevents him from leading the people into the land he had journeyed towards for forty years.
* **"but ye shall go over, and possess that good land":** In stark contrast to Moses' fate, this clause delivers a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness to the nation of Israel. Despite Moses' personal failure and the previous generation's rebellion, God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants remain steadfast. The assurance that "ye shall go over" highlights the continuity of God's plan and His commitment to fulfilling His divine purpose for His chosen people, granting them the "good land" as their inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:22 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting Moses' personal fate ("I must die... I must not go over Jordan") against the assured destiny of the Israelites ("but ye shall go over, and possess that good land"). This stark juxtaposition highlights both the severity of divine judgment for disobedience and the unwavering faithfulness of God's covenant promises. There is also an element of **Pathos**, as Moses, the great leader, laments his exclusion from the culmination of the journey he spearheaded. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, implicitly pointing to the imminent transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, who will indeed lead the people across the Jordan. Finally, the declarative nature of Moses' statement carries the weight of **Divine Decree**, as he is articulating God's settled will concerning both his own life and the future of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:22 serves as a pivotal theological statement, illustrating the intricate balance between divine justice and covenant faithfulness. It powerfully demonstrates that God's standards are immutable, and even His most esteemed servants are held accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions dishonor His name before His people. Moses' exclusion from the Promised Land underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of sanctifying God in all circumstances. Yet, this personal tragedy for Moses does not derail God's overarching plan; His promises to Israel, rooted in His covenant with Abraham, remain steadfast. The verse thus offers a profound lesson in God's sovereignty: while human leaders may falter, God's purposes will ultimately prevail, ensuring the fulfillment of His divine will for His people. It also highlights the vicarious nature of leadership, where one's personal obedience or disobedience can have significant implications for the community.

* [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "God's Judgment on Moses at Meribah")
* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "God Commands Joshua to Possess the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:22 offers timeless lessons for believers today, primarily emphasizing the profound truth that accountability before God is universal, extending even to those in positions of great spiritual authority. Moses' humble acceptance of his fate serves as a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, and genuine faith involves submitting to God's will, even when it is painful or contrary to our desires. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience, urging us to take God's commands seriously and to sanctify His name in all that we do. Simultaneously, it provides immense comfort by highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness. Even when human leaders fail or personal setbacks occur, God's ultimate plan for His people and His church will prevail. We are called to trust in His sovereign purposes, knowing that His promises are secure, and He will always provide a way forward, raising up new leaders and opening new doors to accomplish His will. It encourages us to focus not just on personal aspirations but on the continuity of God's work through generations, faithfully passing on the spiritual legacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently dishonoring God's name, even through seemingly small acts of disobedience?**
* **How does Moses' acceptance of his fate challenge my own willingness to submit to God's difficult decrees or consequences for my actions?**
* **How can I find comfort and hope in God's unwavering faithfulness, even when human leaders or circumstances disappoint?**
* **What spiritual legacy am I preparing to pass on to the next generation, recognizing that God's work continues beyond my individual role?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses, such a great leader, forbidden from entering the Promised Land?**

Answer: Moses' exclusion from the Promised Land was a direct consequence of his disobedience at Meribah (Kadesh), as recorded in [Numbers 20:7-13](/numbers/20-7 "Numbers 20:7-13 - Moses Strikes the Rock"). God had commanded him to *speak* to the rock to bring forth water, but in a moment of frustration, Moses struck it twice. This act was seen as a failure to trust God fully and to honor Him as holy before the eyes of the Israelites. As a public leader, Moses' actions had greater implications; his disobedience misrepresented God's holiness and power to the people. While his punishment seems severe, it underscores the profound importance of obedience and the sanctity of God's name, especially for those in positions of spiritual authority.

**Does Moses' punishment imply that God is unfair or overly harsh?**

Answer: No, God's character is consistently portrayed as both just and merciful. Moses' punishment, while severe, was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of a specific act of disobedience that publicly dishonored God. It served as a powerful lesson for all Israel about the seriousness of sin and the absolute holiness of God. Furthermore, while Moses did not enter the earthly Promised Land, he was granted the privilege of seeing it from Mount Nebo ([Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Sees the Promised Land")), and ultimately, he appeared with Christ in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:3](/matthew/17-3 "Matthew 17:3 - Moses and Elijah Appear with Jesus")), signifying his ultimate redemption and inclusion in God's greater kingdom. God's justice is always tempered with His overarching redemptive plan for humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:22, with its poignant depiction of Moses' exclusion from the Promised Land due to disobedience, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses, the great lawgiver and mediator of the Old Covenant, could not lead God's people into their ultimate rest. His own sin prevented him from entering the earthly inheritance, symbolizing the law's inability to bring humanity to perfect salvation and rest. In contrast, Jesus, the true and greater Joshua (whose name is the Greek equivalent of Joshua), perfectly obeyed the Father in all things, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Moses, whose failure kept him out of the earthly land, Jesus' perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice opened the way for all who believe to enter the true, heavenly Promised Land—eternal rest in God's presence ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ")). Moses provided the Law, but Jesus provided the grace and truth that fulfill it ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). He is the only one who can truly lead His people across the "Jordan" of sin and death into the glorious inheritance prepared for them, not by human merit, but by His perfect work and the new covenant in His blood ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")).

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 3:25

I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that [is] beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.

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.

Hebrews 12:6

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Hebrews 12:10

For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

2 Peter 1:13

Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting [you] in remembrance;

2 Peter 1:15

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

1 Kings 13:21

And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,