Poetry · Chapter
The Death of Moses explained
Moses, having completed his life's work and entrusted Joshua with leadership, ascends Mount Nebo alone to view the Promised Land before his death.
What happens
Moses, having completed his life's work and entrusted Joshua with leadership, ascends Mount Nebo alone to view the Promised Land before his death. Despite his hope to enter Canaan, he submits to God's decree. From the peak, he beholds the land's beauty, then receives a vision of heaven as angels carry his soul away. His body is buried in a secret grave in Moab's vale, known only to angels.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Divine Justice
Moses' submission to God's decree not to enter Canaan, despite his lifelong hope, exemplifies faith and acceptance of divine justice.
Resilience and Sacrifice
Moses' life is described as a 'lengthened sacrifice' and 'deep devotion to his race,' highlighting his resilience and self-sacrifice for his people.
Characters to notice
- Moses
The aging leader who, after a life of sacrifice for his people, climbs Mount Nebo alone, views the Promised Land, and dies peacefully, his soul taken by angels.
- Joshua
Moses' successor, to whom the charge of leading the people into Canaan is given.
- Aaron
Moses' brother, who died earlier on Mount Hor with family by his side.
- Miriam
Moses' sister, who died and was buried at Kadesh.
- The People
The mourning Israelites who watch Moses ascend, offering blessings and farewells.
Key passages
“His work was done; his blessing lay Like precious ointment on his people’s head, And God’s great peace was resting on his soul.”
Moses completed his mission, leaving a blessing on his people and experiencing divine peace.
Opening lines summarizing Moses' fulfilled purpose and spiritual tranquility.
“He too Had hoped to enter there—to tread the soil Made sacred by the memories of his Kindred dead, and rest till life’s calm close beneath The sheltering vines and stately palms of that Fair land; that hope had colored all his life’s Young dreams and sent its mellowed flushes o’er His later years; but God’s decree was otherwise.”
Moses had long dreamed of entering Canaan, but God decided he would not.
Highlights Moses' personal longing and his acceptance of God's contrary will.
“And so he bowed his meekened soul in calm Submission to the word, which bade him climb To Nebo’s highest peak, and view the pleasant land From Jordan’s swells unto the calmer ripples Of the tideless sea, then die with all its Loveliness in sight.”
He humbly obeyed God's command to climb Nebo, see the land, and die there.
Illustrates Moses' meek submission and the bittersweet reward of seeing the Promised Land before death.
“Alone! not one Of all that mighty throng who had trod with him In triumph through the parted flood was there.”
None of the people who crossed the Red Sea with Moses were with him at his death.
Emphasizes Moses' solitude at the end, contrasting with his earlier communal triumphs.
“And yet he was not all alone, For God’s great presence flowed around his path And stayed him in that solemn hour.”
Despite human absence, God's presence supported Moses in his final moments.
Affirms divine companionship in Moses' solitude.
“Then another, fairer, vision Broke upon his longing gaze; ’twas the land Of crystal fountains, love and beauty, joy And light, for the pearly gates flew open, And his ransomed soul went in.”
Moses then saw a heavenly vision of paradise, and his soul entered through the pearly gates.
Describes Moses' transition from earthly to heavenly vision and his soul's entry into heaven.
