Moses dies on Mount Nebo and only sees the Promised Land from a distance because of his earlier disobedience at Meribah, where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. Although Moses was greatly used by God, his failure to honor God before the people brought a serious consequence.
“Then the Lord said to him: ‘This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.'” (Deuteronomy 34:4)
The earlier event is recorded in Numbers 20. God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but Moses, frustrated with the people, struck the rock twice. This action misrepresented God’s holiness and patience.
“Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land.'” (Numbers 20:12)
Though forgiven, Moses still faced the consequence of his actions. This showed that God holds leaders to a high standard and that His instructions must be followed precisely. Moses’ view from Mount Nebo was both a reminder of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and a personal lesson in the seriousness of disobedience.
Yet even in death, Moses was honored. God Himself buried him, and he remained a revered servant of the Lord. His life testified to God’s grace and truth.
