God forbade Moses’s from entering the promised land. Did God’s justice exceed His mercy?

Author: BibleAsk Team


God Forbade Moses From Entering the Promised Land

Let’s examine why God forbade Moses from entering the promised Land?

First: Moses disobeyed a direct command from the Lord. God had commanded Moses to speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8). Instead, Moses struck the rock with his staff (verse 11). And God was displeased with him (verse 12).

Second: Moses took the credit for bringing forth the water. Notice how in verse 10 Moses says, “Must we [referring to Moses and Aaron] bring you water out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10).

Third: Moses committed this sin in front of all the Israelites (Numbers 20:12). Such a public example of direct disobedience could not go unpunished.

God’s Mercy

Now let’s look at God’s mercy in dealing with Moses. God gave Moses a special resurrection and raised him from the dead and took him up to heaven. How do we know that Moses was resurrected? We know that from the following verses:

First: “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 9).

Second: “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him” (Matthew 17:2,3).

What Happened to Moses?

Apart from Jude’s account, the only scriptural reference to the burial of Moses is found in Deuteronomy 34:5, 6, where it is recorded that the Lord buried Moses and that his grave was not known to men. Jude now reveals that the dead body was the subject of dispute between Christ and Satan. From the fact that Moses appeared with Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration, it may be concluded that the Lord triumphed in the contest with the devil and raised Moses from his grave (Deuteronomy 34:6; Matthew 17:3).

Although Moses did not enter the promised land, God’s justice extended great mercy. God was merciful to Moses in giving him a special resurrection and taking him up to heaven instead. He may have missed the earthly passing promised Land but He was taken to the heavenly glorious of the eternal kingdom.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

Categories God

Leave a Comment