Dying in the land of Moab
Moses died in the land of Moab (Dt. 34:5). Reading that simple statement brings to mind the conflict in Numbers 20:1-13, at the water of Meribah where, contrary to God’s instruction, Moses struck the rock. That one frustrating moment when Moses reacted in anger cost him the desire of his life. A single incident of disobedience banned him from the Promised Land. He died in the land of Moab.
It was not a question of his salvation or even of his service to God. He retained his office and continued to lead the nation. Nevertheless, twenty-some years later he came short of fulfilling his life-long goal. Men less worthy crossed the Jordan, but Moses died in the land of Moab.
Every action has consequences. As servants of God, our actions are a reflection on Him. If we desire God’s blessing on our lives, we must honor Him and live a life He can bless. We must be ever vigilant to avoid those mistakes and sins that can cause us to fail to reach the goal and be left behind in the land of Moab.
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August 20th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Do you think that Moses was denied the promised land because of one action that was the result of anger let loose, or do you think that Moses’ patterns of uncontrolled anger (murder, destruction of 10 commandments, cries to God about the people) led to God’s punishment?
August 27th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
It does appear that Moses had bouts of anger that caused him trouble. But Deut 32:51 sites this specific occurrence as the disqualifying event: “Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.”