the Negev, and the region from the Valley of Jericho (the City of Palms) all the way to Zoar. the NegevThe Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel. It is characterized by its arid climate and sparse vegetation. Biblically, the Negev is significant as it was part of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham ( Genesis 12:1-9). It served as a place of wandering for the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Negev's harsh environment symbolizes the trials and testing of faith, reflecting the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It also represents the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the Promised Land, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. and the region from the Valley of Jericho (the City of Palms)
The Valley of Jericho is a fertile area near the Jordan River, known for its abundant palm trees, hence the name "City of Palms." Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and holds significant biblical history. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 6). This conquest marked the beginning of the Israelites' possession of the Promised Land. The city's strategic location made it a key point for trade and military campaigns. Jericho's fall is often seen as a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. all the way to Zoar
Zoar was a small city located near the southeastern edge of the Dead Sea. It is historically linked to the story of Lot, who fled to Zoar during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:20-23). The city's mention in Deuteronomy 34:3 signifies the extent of the land that Moses viewed from Mount Nebo, encompassing the full breadth of the Promised Land from north to south. Zoar's inclusion highlights the completeness of God's promise to Abraham, as the land extends from the Negev in the south to the northern regions. This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant and the hope of future rest and blessing for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this chapter, Moses is shown the Promised Land by God from Mount Nebo before his death. He is a prophet and leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt. 2. NegevA desert region in southern Israel, known for its arid climate. It represents the southernmost part of the land promised to the Israelites. 3. Valley of JerichoA fertile area near the city of Jericho, known as the "City of Palms." It is significant as the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. 4. City of Palms (Jericho)An ancient city known for its palm trees and strategic location. It symbolizes the beginning of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. 5. ZoarA small city near the Dead Sea, mentioned in the context of Lot's escape from Sodom. It marks the southeastern boundary of the land shown to Moses. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe land shown to Moses represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Despite not entering the land himself, Moses witnesses God's faithfulness. The Importance of Vision and HopeMoses' view of the Promised Land serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining hope and vision, even when we may not see the immediate fulfillment of God's promises in our lifetime. The Role of Leadership and LegacyMoses' leadership and faithfulness set the stage for Joshua and the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. Our actions and faith can pave the way for future generations. Trust in God's TimingGod's timing is perfect, and His plans unfold according to His will. We must trust in His timing, even when it differs from our own expectations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the land in Deuteronomy 34:3 reflect God's promises to the patriarchs? Consider Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 15:18-21. 2. In what ways does Moses' view of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo encourage us to maintain hope and vision in our spiritual journey? 3. How can we apply the lesson of leadership and legacy from Moses' life to our own roles within our families and communities? 4. What does the inclusion of specific locations like the Negev and Jericho teach us about the historical and spiritual significance of the Promised Land? 5. How can we learn to trust in God's timing and plan for our lives, especially when we face delays or unfulfilled promises? Consider Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 3:5-6. Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 13:10The description of the Valley of Jericho as fertile and well-watered connects to Lot's choice of land when he parted ways with Abraham. Joshua 6The fall of Jericho under Joshua's leadership is a direct fulfillment of the promise seen by Moses from Mount Nebo. Numbers 13:17-20The exploration of Canaan by the spies, including the Negev, highlights the land's significance and the fulfillment of God's promise. People Dan, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joshua, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Pharaoh, ZoarPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Gilead, Jericho, Moab, Mount Nebo, Negeb, Pisgah, Valley of Jericho, ZoarTopics Circle, Circuit, Jericho, Negeb, Negev, Palm, Palms, Palm-trees, Plain, Region, South, Town, Trees, Valley, Zoar, Zo'arDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 34:1-4 7258 promised land, early history Deuteronomy 34:1-5 4254 mountains Deuteronomy 34:1-8 7775 prophets, lives Library A Death in the Desert
'So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, ... but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.'--DEUT. xxxiv.5, 6. A fitting end to such a life! The great law-giver and leader had been all his days a lonely man; and now, surrounded by a new generation, and all the old familiar faces vanished, he is more solitary than ever. He had lived alone with God, and it was fitting that alone with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Moses
(First Sunday after Trinity.) DEUT. xxxiv. 5, 6. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. Some might regret that the last three chapters of Deuteronomy are not read among our Sunday lessons. There was not, however, room for them; and I do not doubt that those who chose our lessons knew better than I what chapters …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...
18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 34:3 NIVDeuteronomy 34:3 NLTDeuteronomy 34:3 ESVDeuteronomy 34:3 NASBDeuteronomy 34:3 KJV
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