Deuteronomy 34

The days of Moses on this earth came to an end. In this final chapter of Deuteronomy we have also come to the end of the books of the Law.

God allowed Moses to see the entire land of Canaan from afar, but He would not permit His servant to enter the land. Joshua, the servant of Moses, would become the next place-holder for the coming Messiah and would lead the people forward.

Moses died according to the Word of the Lord. His body was buried by God, but he was taken away into a better place. The saving work of Christ was so sure that Moses went to be with God long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. That is why Moses could appear with Jesus and Elijah at the Transfiguration of Jesus. He and Elijah came from heaven to be with Jesus on that mountain.

Moses was not weak even though he was 120 years old. “His vigor was unabated.” His death and burial came according to the will of Him who assures us that a day is coming when we will all be able to say without tears, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) We still weep today when a loved one passes away as the people of Israel did at the death of Moses, but one day the Lord will wipe away every tear.

Moses ordained Joshua to take his place. God filled Israel's new leader with the Spirit of wisdom for the next era in the life of His people. But there was a better age coming beyond the days of all the kings and prophets of Israel.

God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came in person when Jesus the Messiah dwelt among us. To all who receive Him, who believe in His name, He gives the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)