“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.”
Context and Background: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and the last book of the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses). It contains the final speeches and instructions given by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 34 describes the death of Moses and concludes the book.
Moses’ Desire to Enter the Promised Land: Throughout their journey in the wilderness, Moses led the Israelites with the goal of bringing them to the Promised Land. However, due to an incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:8-12), where Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, God decreed that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. Thus, Moses was allowed to see the land but not cross over into it.
God’s Faithfulness to His Promise: In Deuteronomy 34:4, the Lord reminded Moses that the land they were looking at was the same land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God had made a covenant with these patriarchs, guaranteeing that He would give their descendants this land as an inheritance (Genesis 15:18-21). The fulfillment of this promise was drawing near as the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan.
Moses’ Unique Privilege: Despite not being able to enter the Promised Land himself, God granted Moses the exceptional privilege of seeing it with his own eyes. It was a gracious act of God to comfort Moses and assure him that the promise He had made to the forefathers was about to be fulfilled.
Lessons and Applications:
- God’s Faithfulness: Deuteronomy 34:4 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Even though Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, God remained true to His word and ensured that the Israelites would possess it. This encourages us to trust in God’s promises, knowing that He will fulfill them in His own time and way.
- Accepting God’s Will: Moses accepted God’s decree without bitterness or complaint. Despite his desire to enter the Promised Land, he submitted to God’s decision and continued to lead the Israelites faithfully until his death. This teaches us the importance of accepting God’s will, even when it diverges from our own desires.
- God’s Unique Relationship: Moses had a unique relationship with God, characterized by intimacy and direct communication. God spoke to Moses “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11). While we may not have the same level of direct interaction with God, we can cultivate a close relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His presence in our lives.
- Gratitude for God’s Blessings: Moses could have focused on what he did not receive, but instead, he appreciated the opportunity to see the Promised Land. This reminds us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and not take God’s blessings for granted, even when they may differ from our expectations.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult additional commentaries or resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.
