Death of Moses

Illustration of Death of Moses
Era
Exodus & Conquest
Date
c. 1406 BC โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Deuteronomy 34:1-12

After leading the Israelites through the wilderness for forty years, Moses ascends Mount Nebo in Moab, where God permits him to view the Promised Land from a distance as the consequence of his disobedience at Meribah. At age 120, Moses dies on the mountain, and God buries him in an undisclosed location to prevent any veneration of his tomb. This event concludes the Exodus generation and transfers leadership to Joshua, who will guide Israel across the Jordan. In Scripture, it underscores themes of divine justice, mercy, and covenant faithfulness, reminding readers that even revered leaders remain accountable to God's commands while His promises endure.

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Did You Know?

1

At age 120, Moses dies on the mountain, and God buries him in an undisclosed location to prevent any veneration of his tomb.

2

This event concludes the Exodus generation and transfers leadership to Joshua, who will guide Israel across the Jordan.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. 1406 BC in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Mount Nebo.

Key Passage

Death of Moses

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

A1nd Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea, 3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar. 4 And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. 5 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, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. 7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses. 10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, 12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.

Read full chapter: Deuteronomy 34 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

Egypt is at the height of its New Kingdom power under pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramesses II. The Hittite Empire controls Anatolia. The Late Bronze Age collapse is approaching. Troy exists as a real city. This is the time of the Amarna letters and international diplomacy.

When: c. 1446 - 1375 BC

Key Civilizations: New Kingdom Egypt, Hittite Empire

Biblical Parallels: Exodus 1-40 , Joshua 1-24

Explore Related

Characters 2

Moses Moses was a prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus. Throughโ€ฆ Joshua Joshua served as the successor to Moses, guiding the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promisedโ€ฆ

Places 1

Mount Nebo Mount Nebo is the peak in Moab where Moses ascended to survey the Promised Land, which God had sworn toโ€ฆ