Deuteronomy 32:48
And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּעֶ֛צֶם
that selfsame
H6106
בְּעֶ֛צֶם
that selfsame
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
5 of 8
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
הַיּ֥וֹם
day
H3117
הַיּ֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Historical Context
This occurred in 1406 BC on the plains of Moab, shortly before Israel crossed the Jordan. Moses was 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7). The 'selfsame day' links Moses's death to the completion of Deuteronomy, suggesting the book was finished just before his death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's timing in calling Moses reflect His sovereignty over life and death?
- What does it mean to complete your God-given work before death comes?
- How does Moses's death immediately after his prophetic song demonstrate faith in God's faithfulness?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day—the phrase bǝʿeṣem hayyôm hazzeh (בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה, 'on the very day itself') emphasizes immediacy and solemnity. This occurs immediately after Moses finishes the Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1-43), a covenant lawsuit documenting Israel's future rebellion and God's ultimate vindication. The timing is deliberate: having pronounced judgment and hope, Moses is now called to die.
The phrase 'that selfsame day' is used elsewhere of Noah entering the ark (Genesis 7:13) and Israel leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:41)—moments of covenantal transition. Moses has completed his work: the law is given, the warnings declared, leadership transferred to Joshua. God's timing is precise. The Song Moses just sang will outlive him, testifying against Israel when they rebel.