Bible Commentaries

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.

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.