Numbers 27:12

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Get thee up {H5927} into this mount {H2022} Abarim {H5682}, and see {H7200} the land {H776} which I have given {H5414} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Climb this mountain in the 'Avarim Range, and look out at the land which I have given the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim range and see the land that I have given the Israelites.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mountain of Abarim, and behold the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:12 marks a poignant moment in the journey of the Israelites, as the LORD instructs Moses to ascend Mount Abarim to view the Promised Land. This divine command serves as a direct precursor to Moses' impending death and the transfer of leadership to Joshua, signifying a critical transition in the nation's history. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even as it graciously allows Moses a final glimpse of the land he had faithfully led the Israelites towards for forty years, despite his earlier disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the book of Numbers, immediately following the resolution of the inheritance issue for the daughters of Zelophehad ([Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-11 "Numbers 27:1-11 - Daughters of Zelophehad")), which sets a precedent for the distribution of the land. God's command to Moses to ascend Mount Abarim directly reiterates the Lord's previous declaration that Moses would not enter the Promised Land due to his sin at Meribah ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")). This instruction initiates the final preparations for Moses' departure and seamlessly leads into the formal appointment of Joshua as his successor, detailed in the subsequent verses of [Numbers 27:15-23](/numbers/27-15 "Numbers 27:15-23 - Appointment of Joshua"). The narrative flow thus moves from the legal framework of the land's distribution to the crucial transition of leadership, all divinely orchestrated to ensure the fulfillment of God's promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, the Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, poised to enter the land of Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. Mount Abarim is a mountain range in this trans-Jordanian region, with Mount Nebo being its most prominent peak ([Deuteronomy 34:1](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses Ascends Mount Nebo")). In the ancient Near East, mountains often held significant religious or revelatory importance, serving as places where deities communicated with humans or revealed their will. The act of "seeing the land" from a high vantage point would have been a profoundly symbolic and climactic moment for Moses, offering a visual confirmation of the fulfillment of promises made centuries earlier to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The cultural understanding of divine promises, particularly those related to land and progeny, was central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel to give them the land, regardless of human failings ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - Covenant with Abraham")). Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Moses' inability to enter the land serves as a stark reminder that even the greatest leaders are accountable to God's commands ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")). Thirdly, it reveals **God's Grace and Mercy**, as He allows Moses a final, comprehensive view of the land, providing a measure of closure and affirming the certainty of the promise, despite his personal failing. Finally, it signals a crucial **Leadership Transition**, preparing the people for the imminent shift from Moses, the lawgiver and wilderness leader, to Joshua, the conqueror who would lead them into their inheritance ([Deuteronomy 31:7-8](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Deuteronomy 31:7-8 - Joshua's Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abarim (Hebrew, _ʿăbārîm'_):** This term refers to a mountain range located east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. Its name is often associated with the idea of "regions beyond" or "crossings," aptly describing its position relative to the Promised Land. It signifies the threshold of the land, a place of transition and a final vantage point before entry into the inheritance.
* **see (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** The verb _ra'ah_ implies a clear, direct, and comprehensive visual perception. It is not a fleeting glance but an act of beholding, allowing Moses to fully apprehend the physical reality of the land God had promised. This "seeing" is more than just physical sight; it carries spiritual significance, allowing Moses to witness the certainty of God's word, even if he cannot physically enter.
* **given (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** This verb emphasizes the divine initiative and ownership. The land is not earned or conquered by Israel's strength, but it is a gracious gift from the LORD. This highlights the covenantal nature of the land possession, rooted in God's promise and generosity, not human merit or achievement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine authority behind the command. It is a direct, personal communication from God to His chosen leader, underscoring the solemnity and importance of the instruction that follows.
* **"Get thee up into this mount Abarim,"**: Moses is given a specific, physical directive to ascend a particular mountain range. This ascent is not merely a journey but a final, symbolic pilgrimage to a place of elevated perspective, from which he will witness the culmination of his life's work.
* **"and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel."**: This is the explicit purpose of the ascent. Moses is to behold the Promised Land, a land that God explicitly states He "has given" to the Israelites. This clause reinforces God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even as it marks the boundary of Moses' personal journey. The past tense "have given" emphasizes the certainty and divine decree of the land's possession.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is present in Moses, the great leader who brought Israel to the very threshold of the Promised Land, being permitted only to see it but not enter. This underscores the severity of his earlier disobedience. **Symbolism** is rich in Mount Abarim itself, representing a liminal space – a boundary between the wilderness and the promised inheritance, and between Moses' leadership and Joshua's. The act of "seeing" the land from afar serves as a powerful **metaphor** for faith, where one can perceive the certainty of God's promises even when full possession is not yet realized or personally experienced. The entire scene functions as a **foreshadowing** of the imminent leadership transition and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the tension between divine faithfulness and human accountability. God remains utterly true to His ancient promises to Israel, ensuring the land's possession despite the failures of even His most revered servants. Simultaneously, Moses' inability to enter the land serves as a stark reminder that disobedience, even from a leader of his stature, carries consequences. Yet, God's grace is evident in granting Moses this final, sweeping view, offering a measure of closure and confirming the certainty of His word. This moment bridges the era of the wilderness wanderings with the impending conquest, emphasizing God's continuous work through successive generations and leaders, demonstrating that His plans will always prevail.

* [Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Views the Land from Mount Nebo")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Faith of the Patriarchs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:12 offers a poignant lesson for believers today, reminding us that God's overarching purposes and promises transcend any single individual's life or limitations. Like Moses, we may faithfully serve God for decades, yet find that our personal journey does not always culminate in the way we envisioned. There are times when God's plan requires a transition, a new season, or a different leader to carry His work forward. This verse encourages us to find peace and satisfaction in seeing God's promises fulfilled, even if we are not the ones to fully experience their consummation in our lifetime. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign timing and His unfailing faithfulness, knowing that His kingdom will advance regardless of our personal circumstances. It also serves as a humble reminder of the consequences of disobedience, urging us to walk in careful obedience, yet also to receive God's grace when He offers a glimpse of His goodness even amidst our failings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' experience on Mount Abarim challenge your understanding of personal success and God's ultimate plan?**
* **In what ways might God be asking you to "see" His promises from a distance, trusting in His faithfulness even if you don't personally enter into their full realization?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Moses' accountability for disobedience, even as God shows him grace?**

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

Answer: Moses was prohibited from entering the Promised Land due to an act of disobedience at Meribah, recorded in [Numbers 20:7-13](/numbers/20-7 "Numbers 20:7-13 - The Waters of Meribah"). God had commanded him to *speak* to the rock to bring forth water for the thirsty Israelites. However, out of frustration with the complaining people, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. This act, in God's eyes, demonstrated a lack of trust and failed to "honor Me as holy in the sight of the children of Israel" ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")). While seemingly a minor infraction, it represented a failure to perfectly represent God's holiness and power before the people, especially at such a critical juncture. His punishment served as a powerful lesson that even great leaders are held to account for their actions and must obey God precisely.

**What is the significance of Mount Abarim (Nebo) in biblical geography?**

Answer: Mount Abarim is a mountain range located east of the Jordan River, in the land of Moab. Its most famous peak is Mount Nebo, from which Moses ultimately viewed the Promised Land ([Deuteronomy 34:1](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses Ascends Mount Nebo")). Geographically, it provided a panoramic view of the land of Canaan, stretching from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain of Jericho. Theologically, Mount Nebo became a symbol of the threshold of the Promised Land, a place of divine revelation and the final resting place of Moses ([Deuteronomy 34:5-6](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5-6 - Moses' Death and Burial")). It represents a point of transition, where the old leadership passes on and the new generation prepares to enter their inheritance.

**How does this verse prepare the reader for the book of Deuteronomy?**

Answer: Numbers 27:12 serves as a direct prelude to the book of Deuteronomy, which recounts Moses' final speeches and preparations for Israel's entry into the Promised Land. The command for Moses to "see the land" underscores his impending death and the necessity of a new leader. Deuteronomy, in turn, is Moses' farewell address, where he reiterates the Law, reminds the people of God's faithfulness and their covenant obligations, and commissions Joshua. This verse in Numbers sets the stage for Moses' final instructions and prophetic words, emphasizing that his time as leader is drawing to a close and a new era is about to begin under Joshua's guidance, leading directly into the themes of covenant renewal and preparation for conquest that dominate Deuteronomy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:12, while a poignant moment in Moses' life, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Moses, the great lawgiver and deliverer, could only lead the people to the *threshold* of the earthly promised land, unable to bring them into its full rest due to his own sin. This foreshadows the inadequacy of the Law and human leadership to bring about true and lasting salvation. Jesus, however, is the greater Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")), who not only *sees* the true spiritual promised land—the kingdom of God—but *enters* it and, more importantly, *leads His people into it*. Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Jesus opens the way for all believers to enter into God's eternal rest, a spiritual inheritance far surpassing the land of Canaan ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Believer's Rest")). While Moses died outside the earthly inheritance, Jesus conquered death and ascended to the heavenly inheritance, interceding for His people and preparing a place for them ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, Moses' view from Abarim is a type of the limited human perspective, whereas Christ embodies the full, victorious entry into God's ultimate promises, not just for a nation, but for all who believe ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")).

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 34:1

¶ 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 34:4

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 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 3:23

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,

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.

Deuteronomy 32:48

And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying,