Moses’ Last Words and Death

I. Why did Moses miss out on going into the Promised Land?

A. Moses disobeyed the Lord at Meribah (Num. 20:11).

B. Moses demonstrated impatience with the people (Num. 20:10; Ps. 106:32-33).

C. Moses took glory that belongs only to God (Num. 20:10).

D. Moses demonstrated a lack of faith in front of the people (Num. 20:12).

II. Was this judgment too severe?

No! This judgment by God was not too severe. There are several reasons to say this.

A. Because God is a God of justice.

B. Because Moses gave in to his anger (Eccl. 10:1).

C. Because Moses dishonored God in front of the people (Num. 20:12-13, NIV).

D. Because God had a different plan for Moses.

E. Because Moses had accomplished his mission.

F. Because Moses had lived longer already than any of his generation.

G. Because Moses damaged one of God’s prophetic types (I Cor. 10:1-3).

H. Because Moses’ life serves us as an example from which to draw (I Cor. 10:11).

III. How did Moses prepare Joshua to be his successor?

A. Moses used Joshua to lead the people into battle (Ex. 17:9-14).

B. Moses used Joshua as his assistant (Ex. 24:13; Num. 11:28).

C. Moses took Joshua into places where others did not go (Ex. 33:11).

D. Moses laid his hands on Joshua and put his spirit upon him (Num. 27:15-21).

E. Moses honored Joshua in front of the people (Num. 27:22-23).

F. Moses gave Joshua challenges of faith (Deut. 3:21, 28; 31:3-7).

1. Moses used their experiences in the wilderness to build Joshua’s faith for future conquests (Deut. 3:21-22).

2. Moses assured Joshua and the people of God’s victorious power to go before them (Deut. 31:1-7).

G. Moses presented Joshua before the Lord (Deut. 31:14-15, 23).

As a result of Moses preparation of Joshua, the people responded to Joshua just as they had to Moses (Deut. 34:9).

IV. What were the last words of Moses to the people?

A. Moses prepared some songs for the Israelites to sing in his absence.

1. Moses wrote some of the Psalms (Ps. 90, 91).

2. Moses wrote a song after coming through the Red Sea (Ex. 15:1-18).

3. Moses prepared two special songs for his departure.

a. His first song was to inspire faith in God and His power to bring them into their inheritance (Deut. 31:22, 30; 32:1-43).

b. His second song was meant as his blessing on the people and an admonition to stay true to the Lord (Deut. 33:1-29).

4. Moses used songs for a reason.

a. So that people could be continually reminded of God’s deliverance (Ps. 32:7).

b. So that people could continually teach, exhort and admonish each other (Col. 3:16).

c. So that God’s goodness could be passed on to the generations to follow.

5. Moses’ songs will be sung in eternity (Rev. 15:3-4).

B. Moses gave them some last words of challenge (Deut. 32:45-47).

When Moses had finished reciting these words to Israel, he added: “Take to heart all the words I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of this law. These instructions are not mere words--they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you are crossing the Jordan River to occupy.” –NLT

V. How did Moses die and where was he buried?

A. God called Moses up to a mountain one last time (Deut. 33:48-52).

B. Moses went up Mount Nebo in obedience to God (Deut. 34:1).

C. God showed Moses the land from the top of the mountain (Deut. 34:1-4).

D. Moses died (Deut. 34:5).

1. He died at the age of 120 (Deut. 34:7).

2. He died in great health (Deut. 34:7).

E. God buried him (Deut. 34:6).

VI. What surprise awaited Moses that was a great reward for his faithfulness?

A. Three times Moses had expressed his grief about not being able to go into the land (Deut. 1:37; 3:23-27; 4:21-24).

B. God had allowed him to see the land from afar (Deut. 3:27; 34:1-4).

C. God finally brought Moses into the land after nearly 1500 years (Mt. 17:1-4).

In order to do this he had to raise Moses from the dead (Jude 1:9).