which He had promised to his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
There Moses died[1], at the age of one hundred and twenty years; and all Israel mourned him for thirty days[2].
COMMENTARY.
The Justice and Faithfulness of God are shown to us in a very awe-inspiring manner in this story. Moses was a very holy servant of God, distinguished for his virtues and services. But, in company with his brother Aaron, he, for one short moment, doubted God’s mercy, and for their sin God pronounced on both of them this sentence: “You shall not bring these people into the land which I will give them.” Soon after this Aaron died on Mount Hor. At last the Israelites arrived at the borders of Chanaan, and the time had come for them to cross the Jordan and take possession of the Promised Land; but Moses was not allowed to go further. From the top of Mount Nebo, Almighty God showed him the beautiful Land of Promise, and then he had to die; for God always does that which He says He, will do. If the Lord God punished Moses so severely for one venial sin, how much ought we to fear His justice, and avoid everything that is wrong!
In Moses’ parting discourse he exhorted the Israelites as follows:
1. They were never to forget the Covenant sealed with God, but were always to keep it faithfully. His exhortation applies to us also, who ought never to prove unfaithful to our baptismal vows.
2. They were to worship God only, and love Him with their whole hearts. Our Lord tells us that this commandment is the first and greatest commandment, for it contains all the others.
3. They were to bring up their children in the fear and love of God, and relate to them all God’s wonderful works and the benefits which He had showered on them, so that they might be moved to be grateful and to love Him. It is a sacred duty of parents to bring up their children in the fear of God; for He has done far more for us Christians than He ever did for the Israelites.
4. If the Israelites kept the Commandments, God promised them rich earthly blessings; for, as the people were sensual and earthly, sensible and earthly rewards were held out to them. It is true in all times
- ↑ Died. Holy Scripture says that “his eye was not dim, neither were his teeth moved”. This means that he was not feeble from old age, and might, humanly speaking, have lived some time longer, if God had not called him away.
- ↑ Thirty days. And quite rightly too; for, after God, he was the greatest benefactor of his people. Through him God had instituted the Covenant and worked great miracles, and had spoken face to face with him.
