Deuteronomy 34:7
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished.
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died
Moses' lifespan of 120 years is significant, as it is divided into three distinct 40-year periods: his time in Egypt, his years in Midian, and his leadership of Israel. This division highlights the stages of preparation, calling, and fulfillment in his life. The number 120 is also seen as a symbol of completion in biblical numerology. Moses' age at death reflects God's sovereign timing and the fulfillment of his mission. His life span is consistent with the longevity of other patriarchs, though it marks the end of an era as lifespans decrease in subsequent generations.

yet his eyes were not weak
This phrase indicates that Moses retained his physical strength and clarity of vision until his death. It suggests divine preservation and blessing, as diminished eyesight was common in old age. The preservation of his sight symbolizes spiritual insight and leadership ability, which Moses maintained throughout his life. It also underscores the miraculous nature of his life, as he was able to see the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, though he was not permitted to enter it.

and his vitality had not diminished
Moses' undiminished vitality at 120 years old is a testament to God's sustaining power. It signifies that Moses remained vigorous and capable, both physically and spiritually, until the end of his life. This vitality is a reflection of his close relationship with God and his role as a prophet and leader. It also serves as a type of Christ, who, though crucified, demonstrated ultimate strength and life through His resurrection. Moses' enduring strength is a reminder of the potential for divine empowerment in fulfilling God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this verse, Moses is the leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is known for his close relationship with God and his role as a prophet and lawgiver.

2. Mount Nebo
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, it is the location where Moses views the Promised Land before his death. It is a significant place in the account of Moses' final moments.

3. Israelites
The people whom Moses led for 40 years through the wilderness. They are on the brink of entering the Promised Land as Moses' life comes to an end.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. Moses sees it from a distance but is not allowed to enter.

5. Death of Moses
This event marks the end of an era for the Israelites and the transition of leadership to Joshua.
Teaching Points
The Endurance of Faithful Service
Moses' physical vitality at 120 years old symbolizes the sustaining power of God in the life of a faithful servant. His strength and clear vision reflect a life lived in obedience and reliance on God.

The Sovereignty of God in Leadership Transitions
Moses' death and the transition to Joshua remind us that God's plans continue beyond individual leaders. God prepares and equips new leaders to carry forward His purposes.

The Importance of Finishing Well
Moses' life encourages believers to remain faithful to God's calling until the end. Despite not entering the Promised Land, Moses fulfilled his mission by leading the Israelites to its threshold.

The Legacy of Obedience
Moses' life and leadership leave a legacy of obedience and faith. His account challenges us to consider the impact of our own lives and the legacy we leave for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' physical condition at the time of his death reflect his relationship with God throughout his life?

2. In what ways does the transition from Moses to Joshua demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

3. How can we apply the principle of "finishing well" in our own lives and ministries?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' leadership that can be applied to current leadership roles within the church?

5. How does Moses' account encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not see the fulfillment of His promises in our lifetime?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3
The calling of Moses at the burning bush, where God commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This marks the beginning of Moses' leadership journey.

Numbers 20
The incident at Meribah, where Moses strikes the rock, leading to God's decision that Moses will not enter the Promised Land.

Joshua 1
The transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, highlighting the continuation of God's promises to Israel.

Hebrews 11
Moses is listed in the "Hall of Faith," emphasizing his faithfulness and the enduring impact of his leadership.
The Calm Sunset of an Eventful DayD. Davies Deuteronomy 34:1-8
The Death and Burial of MosesR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Divine BurialBp. Joseph Hall.Deuteronomy 34:6-12
Joshua and MosesDeuteronomy 34:6-12
The Burial of MosesJohn Ker, D. D.Deuteronomy 34:6-12
The Burial of MosesAlexander R. Thompson, D. D.Deuteronomy 34:6-12
The Worker Removed -- the Work ContinuedD. Wright, M. A.Deuteronomy 34:6-12
People
Dan, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joshua, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Pharaoh, Zoar
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Gilead, Jericho, Moab, Mount Nebo, Negeb, Pisgah, Valley of Jericho, Zoar
Topics
Abated, Although, Clouded, Death, Died, Dieth, Dim, Eye, Feeble, Fled, Force, Hundred, Moisture, Natural, Strength, Twenty, Vigor, Weak, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 34:7

     1654   numbers, 11-99
     1655   hundreds and thousands
     5726   old age, attainment

Deuteronomy 34:1-8

     7775   prophets, lives

Deuteronomy 34:5-8

     5241   burial

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 Scripture

The 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

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