Deuteronomy 32:49
Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:
Original Language Analysis
עֲלֵ֡ה
Get thee up
H5927
עֲלֵ֡ה
Get thee up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 24
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הַר
into this mountain
H2022
הַר
into this mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 24
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
הַזֶּ֜ה
H2088
הַר
into this mountain
H2022
הַר
into this mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
6 of 24
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
10 of 24
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֣י
that is over against
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
that is over against
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 24
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּרְאֵה֙
and behold
H7200
וּרְאֵה֙
and behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
15 of 24
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּנַ֔עַן
of Canaan
H3667
כְּנַ֔עַן
of Canaan
Strong's:
H3667
Word #:
18 of 24
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
19 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נֹתֵ֛ן
which I give
H5414
נֹתֵ֛ן
which I give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
21 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִבְנֵ֥י
unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
22 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Mount Nebo is in modern Jordan, overlooking the Jordan Valley. From its summit, one can see Jerusalem 35 miles away on clear days. Archaeological excavations have uncovered Byzantine churches commemorating Moses's death. The site remains a pilgrimage destination for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses's seeing but not entering Canaan reflect the experience of faith under the Old Covenant?
- What does it mean to trust God's promises even when you won't personally see their fulfillment?
- How does Moses's exclusion from Canaan foreshadow the greater rest that Christ would bring (Hebrews 4)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo—Hebrew ʿălēh ʾel-har hāʿăḇārîm hazzeh har-nǝḇô (עֲלֵה אֶל־הַר הָעֲבָרִים הַזֶּה הַר־נְבוֹ). Abarim means 'regions beyond/passages,' and Nebo (possibly from Akkadian nabû, 'to proclaim') rises 2,680 feet above the Dead Sea. Which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho—geographically precise, placing Nebo east of Jericho across the Jordan. And behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession—Moses will see but not enter.
The command 'Get thee up' (ʿălēh) is the same used for going up to worship. Moses's death becomes an ascent—not just geographically but spiritually. He will see the Promised Land from afar, a bittersweet grace. The phrase 'which I give' (present tense) assures Moses that despite his exclusion, God's promise stands. Hebrews 11:13-16 interprets this as Moses looking beyond earthly Canaan to the heavenly.