As the Biblical stories from the beginning of creation to the time preceding the entry of the Israelites into the promised land, spanning more than 25 centuries, culminates in Deuteronomy 34. The Pentateuch closes with what some may call as the “anti-climactic death of Moses” atop Mount Nebo, about 100 kms on the wrong side of Jordan and the promised land. This 120-year old mediator and intercessor of the old covenant between Israel and God, would fall short because of his own disobedience. In an incident traced back to the waters of Meribah in Numbers 20. Yet, the closing words of the Pentateuch comprises of a fitting eulogy to a great man of God, found recorded in Deuteronomy 34:10-12. In what is largely agreed among Bible scholars to have been written by Moses’ successor to lead Israel -Joshua (v9). This eulogy which was inspired and revealed by God, begins by honoring Moses above all other prophets of Israel (v10). Moses’ highest honor before the people is a testament to his lowest humility before God (Numbers 12:3). As Jesus taught: Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12). The eulogy continues on talking about the signs, wonders and mighty power that Moses performed throughout his lifetime. But before all of this, in the end of v10, God’s eulogy of Moses reads like this: whom the Lord knew face to face. And the word know which is used here, carries a deep essence of intimacy and familiarity, used sparsely of those dearest and closest alone. This level of face to face knowledge of God is used only of Moses in the entire Bible. Exodus 33:11 echoes this sentiment of God’s relationship with Moses. This eulogy though short in words by all worldly standards today, far exceeds in weight because of the One who spoke it. This eulogy though concise, clearly reckons us to what is dearest to the heart of the One who spoke it. Above all the manifold good works. Above all the manifestations of His mighty power. Above all other things. This eulogy divinely reflects to walk humbly (Micah 6:8) and to choose the one thing that is needed (Luke 10:41-42).

No one inspires me as much as Moses in the old testament. This man, mighty in words and deeds (Acts 7:22), who thought he would deliver Israel from Egypt by his hand (Acts 7:25), would then be exiled into the wilderness. 40 years later he would return, but now as the most humble man and pushing the boundaries of his fleshly intimacy with a God in the Spirit. With a sense of jealousy and zeal, we must covet Moses’ relationship with God, as we look forward to the day we ourselves shall see God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). But, Moses himself was merely only a shadow of the One to come (Deuteronomy 15-15-19). A Shepherd, a Deliverer, a Leader, a Mediator, an Intercessor, a Prophet, a Miracle worker and a humble Servant. For all his exceptional legacy. Moses’ trust and surrender would not be perfect (Numbers 20). He would strike the rock twice in his anger and rebellion at Meribah. Meribah means strife, it signifies the conflict of the flesh with the spirit. The constant warring of the two fundamentally conflicting natures present within every man. Moses would fall short in leading God’s chosen people into the promised land on account of this. But nearly 15 centuries later, in the promised land was born a One greater than Moses in all regards (Hebrews 3:1-6). In perfect obedience and surrender, He would fall on His face and pray (Matthew 26:39). Today this place is called “the rock of agony” in Jerusalem, where Jesus is believed to have prayed in His final moments before His crucifixion. One would break the rock in disobedience, One would fall upon it in perfect obedience. One would fall short in leading God’s chosen people to the promised land, One through His own sacrifice would make a way for all of us to enter into His eternal kingdom. One would fail in his flesh, One would yield to His Spirit (Matthew 26:41).

Since the veil is now torn, God’s presence and glory is not found on a mountaintop or only in the most Holy place. He now dwells in us (1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 8:9). God desires two things of us as His children: to walk humbly and to choose fellowship with Him.

What would you want for God to write in His eulogy about you? Choose today to walk in this life as you would want your eulogy to be.