Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 34

Introduction

Deuteronomy 31-34. Moses’ last words and the closing events of his life. The narrative parts (based on JE and in part on P) resemble chs. 1– 3, and are probably by the same author or compiler. Deuteronomy 32:1-4 (the Song of Moses) and Deuteronomy 33 (the Blessing of Moses) are independent pieces of unknown origin.

Verses 1-12

Deuteronomy 34. The Death of Moses on Mount Pisgah ( JE) . ( Deuteronomy 34:1 b – Deuteronomy 34:6 .)

Deuteronomy 34:1 . over against: lit. “ in front,” i.e. E. Render, “ the land, that is, Gilead to Dan.”

Deuteronomy 34:2 . hinder: render “ western” ( Deuteronomy 11:24 *, cf. Deuteronomy 34:1).

Deuteronomy 34:6 . mg., though permitted by the Heb., is opposed to Deuteronomy 34:6 b.

Deuteronomy 34:7 . See Deuteronomy 31:2, Exodus 7:7, and Numbers 33:39 (Aaron).

Deuteronomy 34:8 . thirty days: Numbers 20:29 * (for Aaron). The custom continues among modern Jews.

Deuteronomy 34:10 . prophet, etc.: see Deuteronomy 18:15; Deuteronomy 18:18, cf. Numbers 12:6-8 (E).

Deuteronomy 34:10-12 implies a date long after the death of Moses.