Numbers 27:12
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go up this mountain of the Abarim range and see the land that I have given the Israelites.
Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Moses, a common occurrence in the Pentateuch. Moses is often seen as a mediator between God and the Israelites, highlighting his unique role as a prophet and leader. This divine instruction underscores the intimate relationship Moses had with God, as seen in Exodus 33:11, where it is said that the LORD spoke to Moses face to face.

Go up this mountain of the Abarim range
The Abarim range is a series of mountains east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This geographical location is significant as it provides a vantage point to view the Promised Land. The Abarim range includes Mount Nebo, where Moses would later die (Deuteronomy 34:1-5). The command to ascend the mountain symbolizes a transition in leadership and the nearing fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land (Genesis 12:7).

and see the land
Moses is instructed to view the land, which he will not enter due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). This act of seeing represents both a fulfillment and a limitation of the promise. It serves as a poignant moment of closure for Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Theologically, it reflects the idea of faith and hope, seeing the promise from afar, as echoed in Hebrews 11:13.

that I have given the Israelites
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The land is described as a divine gift, reinforcing the concept of the Promised Land as an inheritance for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This promise is central to the narrative of the Israelites and is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, pointing to God's unchanging nature and His plan for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who communicates directly with Moses, guiding and instructing him.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. At this point, he is nearing the end of his leadership journey.

3. Abarim Range
A mountain range east of the Jordan River, from which Moses is instructed to view the Promised Land. It symbolizes both a physical and spiritual vantage point.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

5. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are on the brink of entering the land promised to their forefathers.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
God is sovereign over history and fulfills His promises in His timing. Moses' view of the Promised Land is a testament to God's faithfulness, even if Moses himself would not enter it.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' journey reminds us of the responsibilities and burdens of leadership. Leaders may not always see the fruits of their labor, but they are called to be faithful to God's direction.

The Importance of Perspective
God instructs Moses to view the land, offering a perspective that transcends immediate circumstances. We are encouraged to seek God's perspective in our lives, trusting His broader plan.

The Reality of Consequences
Moses' inability to enter the Promised Land is a consequence of earlier disobedience (Numbers 20). This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God.

Hope and Future Promises
The Promised Land symbolizes hope and future fulfillment. Believers are reminded of the ultimate promise of eternal life and the heavenly inheritance awaiting them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does God's instruction to Moses to view the Promised Land reflect His faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we, like Moses, gain a broader perspective on God's plans for our lives?

3. How does the account of Moses' leadership journey encourage us in our own roles of leadership and service?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' experience about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness?

5. How does the concept of the Promised Land in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament promises of eternal life and hope in Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 34
This passage describes the fulfillment of God's command to Moses to view the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, part of the Abarim range, and details Moses' death.

Genesis 12
God's initial promise to Abraham about the land that his descendants would inherit, showing the continuity of God's promises.

Hebrews 11
The faith chapter, which highlights the faith of Moses and others who looked forward to the promises of God, even if they did not see them fulfilled in their lifetime.
The Alleviations of DeathE.S. Prout Numbers 27:12, 13
God's Word to His Dying ServantW. Binnie Numbers 27:12-14
The Death of MosesHenry, MatthewNumbers 27:12-14
Why Moses Must not Enter CanaanG. Wagner.Numbers 27:12-14
Preparing for the EndD. Young Numbers 27:12-23
People
Aaron, Eleazar, Hepher, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Korah, Machir, Mahlah, Manasseh, Milcah, Moses, Noah, Nun, Tirzah, Zelophehad
Places
Abarim, Jericho, Kadesh-barnea, Meribah, Zin
Topics
Abarim, Ab'arim, Ascend, Behold, Israelites, Mount, Mountain, Range, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 27:12

     5143   climbing

Numbers 27:12-14

     7258   promised land, early history
     7944   ministry, qualifications
     8444   honouring God

Library
The First Blast of the Trumpet
The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction
John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet

Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought.
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Fifth Commandment
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Exod 20: 12. Having done with the first table, I am next to speak of the duties of the second table. The commandments may be likened to Jacob's ladder: the first table respects God, and is the top of the ladder that reaches to heaven; the second respects superiors and inferiors, and is the foot of the ladder that rests on the earth. By the first table, we walk religiously towards God; by
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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