Deuteronomy 32:50

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:

And die {H4191} in the mount {H2022} whither thou goest up {H5927}, and be gathered {H622} unto thy people {H5971}; as Aaron {H175} thy brother {H251} died {H4191} in mount {H2022} Hor {H2023}, and was gathered {H622} unto his people {H5971}:

On the mountain you are ascending you will die and be gathered to your people, just as Aharon your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.

And there on the mountain that you climb, you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.

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:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:50 is a poignant and critical verse, directly addressing Moses' impending death and his ultimate destiny. It serves as a divine decree, drawing a direct parallel to the death of his brother, Aaron. This verse concludes the prophetic Song of Moses and sets the stage for the final events of his remarkable life.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's instruction to Moses in Deuteronomy 32:49 to ascend Mount Nebo (specifically Mount Abarim, the range including Nebo) in the land of Moab. From this elevated position, Moses would be granted a view of the Promised Land, which he was forbidden to enter. His exclusion from Canaan, despite his pivotal role in leading the Israelites for forty years, was a direct consequence of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:12), where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded. The explicit parallel drawn with Aaron's death on Mount Hor underscores that even the greatest leaders are subject to divine accountability and the consequences of their actions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Life and Death: This verse powerfully illustrates that God alone determines the times and places of life's end, even for His most dedicated servants. Moses' death on Mount Nebo was not a random event but part of God's sovereign plan.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: A central message is that even for figures as significant as Moses and Aaron, there are profound consequences for failing to fully obey God's commands. Their exclusion from the Promised Land served as a stark lesson to all of Israel about the importance of holiness and complete obedience (Deuteronomy 32:51).
  • The Nature of Biblical Death: The phrase "gathered unto thy people" (Hebrew: ne'esaf el-ammeka) is a common biblical idiom for death, implying joining one's deceased ancestors in the realm of the departed. It speaks to a communal aspect of death within the ancient Israelite worldview, suggesting continuity even beyond physical life, rather than mere annihilation.
  • Leadership Transition: Moses' death was a necessary step for the leadership transition to Joshua, who would then lead the Israelites into the long-awaited Promised Land, marking a crucial new chapter in Israel's history.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 32:50 offers several timeless lessons for believers today. It reinforces the truth that God's standards apply to everyone, regardless of their position, influence, or past service. It also reminds us of the certainty of death and the importance of living a life pleasing to God, understanding that our days are numbered and our lives are in His hands. Furthermore, it highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His overall redemptive plan, even when individual leaders complete their earthly assignments. While Moses did not enter the earthly Promised Land, his ultimate hope, like ours, rests not on temporal promises but on the resurrection life offered through Christ Jesus, which transcends all earthly limitations.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 25:8 (5 votes)

    Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full [of years]; and was gathered to his people.

  • Numbers 33:38 (4 votes)

    And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first [day] of the fifth month.

  • Genesis 49:33 (3 votes)

    And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

  • Numbers 20:24 (3 votes)

    Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.

  • Numbers 20:29 (3 votes)

    And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, [even] all the house of Israel.

  • Genesis 15:15 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

  • Genesis 25:17 (3 votes)

    And these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.