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Moses had often been above before, and alone with God; so was prepared for this loneliness in facing eternity. A mountain is at once a natural scene and fit emblem of solitude.

I. HIS ABSOLUTE SOLITUDE IN DEATH. He dies in the very midst of robustness and vigour, and so consciously feels the ties of life all breaking; and, with the sense of separation from all that was seen and familiar, steps consciously into the unseen and the unknown.

II. THE REAL SOLITARINESS IN EVERY DEATH. In death men are, and ever must be, alone; because of —

1. The senses that are lost. Dim eye, dull car, numbed touch, inarticulate tongue, distance the dying from all around, however faithful and loving.

2. The faculties gained keenness of intuition. There is an elevation in the death of many a Christly one that as much separates them from the living, as does the dimming of the senses by which they were wont to commune with them.Lessons —

1. Learn in life by occasional solitude to be independent of men. Then, when in dying, human help is gone, there will be no sudden terrible surprise.

2. Seek in life companionship with God in solitude. Then, having often been alone with God before, loneliness with Him in death will be no terrifying experience, but the repetition and consummation of some of the best experiences of life.

(U. R. Thomas.)

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KJV: So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.

WEB: So Moses the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Yahweh.