Day 63

The Death of Moses

Deuteronomy 34:1–12

Today I’m 120 years old,” Moses told Israel. “The Lord has said that I’ll not go into Canaan. So the time has come for me to die. But the Lord will go into the land with you. So be strong and brave, and always keep God’s law. The Lord will not fail you nor leave you.” Moses then went into the tabernacle to God. The pillar of cloud stood over the door of the tent.

That day Moses left the camp alone. He slowly climbed to the top of Mount Nebo. There he could see Canaan. God spoke to Moses. “This is the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You can look at it from here, but you can’t go in.” And Moses gazed at the promised land across the river.

Moses was still strong and his eyes were good. But he lay down on the mountain and died just as God wanted. No one was there to bury him, so God did the job. No one knows where he is buried. There was never again anyone like Moses. The Lord knew him face-to-face. And Israel mourned for thirty days.

Questions: Why was Canaan called the promised land? Why did Moses die?