Numbers 27:12
The LORD said to Moses, “Go up into this mountain of Abarim and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though Moses is forbidden from entering the land, God still graciously allows him to see it. This isn't just a passive viewing; it's God's final, personal confirmation to Moses that He is indeed giving the land to Israel, fulfilling His promise to Abraham and the entire nation.
Just after settling the inheritance laws for the daughters of Zelophehad and appointing Joshua as his successor, Moses receives God's command to ascend the Abarim mountains. This ascent is to a specific peak, Mount Nebo, from which he will be allowed to see the Promised Land he's led Israel toward for forty years. However, this viewing comes with a stark reminder of the sin that prevents Moses himself from entering.
Moses led God's people for forty years, guiding them through countless challenges. Yet, he wouldn't cross into the Promised Land himself. This verse captures that bittersweet moment.
This command to Moses is poignant because he had already been told he wouldn't enter Canaan (Numbers 20:12). The Abarim mountains, particularly Mount Nebo or Pisgah, offered a vantage point.
A Leader's Sacrifice
God's command is not a punishment here, but a concession. Moses' sin at Meribah meant exclusion, but God allows him a final, breathtaking view of the inheritance he had fought so hard for. It's a stark reminder that even God's closest servants are accountable.
Faith's Vision
Though he couldn't physically enter, Moses could still see the land. This act foreshadows the way faith allows us to glimpse eternal promises, even when our earthly journey is nearing its end. It's about trusting God's faithfulness even when our own experience is incomplete.
The specific mountains mentioned aren't just random locations; they are part of a landscape rich with meaning. What does this geography tell us?
The 'mount Abarim' is a significant mountain range overlooking the Jordan River, opposite Jericho.
A Place of Passage
The name 'Abarim' itself relates to the Hebrew word for 'passing over.' This mountain range was a literal 'passage' point, both geographically and symbolically. It stood on the eastern side of the Jordan, the very boundary the Israelites had to cross to enter the Promised Land.
A Final Vantage Point
Within Abarim were peaks like Nebo and Pisgah. These high points provided a panoramic view. God chose this specific elevated location to grant Moses his final vision. It’s a place where the journey's end is visible, a testament to God's plan unfolding even as a key figure departs.
This command comes as Moses is facing his own end, just as the Israelites are on the cusp of entering the land. It highlights the stark reality that obedience and leadership don't always guarantee personal fulfillment of all promises in this life, but rather a glimpse of God's faithfulness.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites enter the Plains of Moab
After decades of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites arrive at the border of the Promised Land, encamping in the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River.
c. 1406 BC
Rebellion at Meribah
During their time in the wilderness, Moses, in a moment of anger, struck a rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, to provide water for the people. This act would later bar him from entering the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Request to Enter the Land
Moses pleads with God to allow him to enter Canaan, but God reiterates His previous decision based on Moses' disobedience at Meribah.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Appointed Successor
The daughters of Zelophehad seek their inheritance, prompting God to establish a new law regarding inheritance. God then commands Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor.
This passage directly recounts the Lord's command to Moses to ascend Mount Nebo (part of the Abarim range) to see the land before he dies, mirroring the instruction in Numbers 27:12.
Deuteronomy 34:1This chapter describes the fulfillment of the command, detailing Moses ascending Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab and seeing the Promised Land, providing the outcome of the instruction given in Numbers 27:12.
Hebrews 11:13This New Testament passage mentions that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob saw the promises of God from a distance, which can be seen as a spiritual parallel to Moses being allowed to see the physical land from a distance before his death.
Psalm 106:32This Psalm recounts the Israelites' sin at Meribah in the wilderness of Zin, which is the same incident that led to Moses being barred from entering the Promised Land, providing context for the solemnity of his final view.
bensonNumbers 27:12: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel."
Numbers 27:12 . Abarim — The whole tract of mountains was called Abarim, whereof one of the highest was called Nebo, and the top of that Pisgah.
calvinNumbers 27:12-14: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel."
For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin.
Quandoquidem rebelles fuistis ori meo in deserto Sin, in jurgio congregationls, ut sanctificaretis me in aquis coram oculis eorum.…
Even though Moses is forbidden from entering the land, God still graciously allows him to see it. This isn't just a passive viewing; it's God's final, personal confirmation to Moses that He is indeed giving the land to Israel, fulfilling His promise to Abraham and the entire nation.
Just after settling the inheritance laws for the daughters of Zelophehad and appointing Joshua as his successor, Moses receives God's command to ascend the Abarim mountains. This ascent is to a specific peak, Mount Nebo, from which he will be allowed to see the Promised Land he's led Israel toward for forty years. However, this viewing comes with a stark reminder of the sin that prevents Moses himself from entering.
Just after settling the inheritance laws for the daughters of Zelophehad and appointing Joshua as his successor, Moses receives God's command to ascend the Abarim mountains. This ascent is to a specific peak, Mount Nebo, from which he will be allowed to see the Promised Land he's led Israel toward for forty years. However, this viewing comes with a stark reminder of the sin that prevents Moses himself from entering.
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c. 1406 BC— this verse
Command to Ascend Mount Abarim
The LORD instructs Moses to ascend the mountains of Abarim, specifically Mount Nebo (or Pisgah), to see the Promised Land he will not enter.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Dies on Mount Nebo
Moses ascends Mount Nebo as commanded, sees the land of Canaan spread out before him, and dies there at the age of 120. God Himself buries him.
"The LORD said to Moses, “Go up into this mountain of Abarim and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel." — Even though Moses is forbidden from entering the land, God still graciously allows him to see it. This isn't just a passive viewing; it's God's final, personal confirmation to Moses that He is indeed…
