Deuteronomy 31:2 - He said to them, “I am one hundred twenty years old today. I can no more go out and come in. Yahweh has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’
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What does "Deuteronomy 31:2" mean?
This verse is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites as recorded in Deuteronomy. Let's break it down:
"He said to them, 'I am one hundred twenty years old today.'" Moses is stating his advanced age. In the Bible, reaching a ripe old age was often seen as a sign of God's favor.
"I can no more go out and come in.'" This is a common Hebrew idiom meaning that Moses is physically unable to lead them effectively anymore. "Going out and coming in" refers to the everyday tasks of leadership, like leading the people in battle, managing their affairs, and making decisions. He is saying his strength and vigor have diminished.
"Yahweh has said to me, 'You shall not go over this Jordan.'" This is the most crucial part. God has forbidden Moses from leading the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land of Canaan. This was a punishment for Moses' disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13), where he struck a rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as God had commanded. This disobedience, though seemingly small, demonstrated a lack of faith and reverence for God.
In Summary:
This verse reveals that Moses acknowledges his physical limitations due to his advanced age and, more importantly, that God has decreed he will not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. It sets the stage for the appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor and for the continued journey of the Israelites under new leadership. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience, even for great leaders like Moses.
The verse also underscores the importance of obedience to God, even in seemingly small matters, and highlights the fact that even great leaders are accountable to God.
Deuteronomy 31:2 - He said to them, “I am one hundred twenty years old today. I can no more go out and come in. Yahweh has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’
What does "Deuteronomy 31:2" mean?
This verse is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites as recorded in Deuteronomy. Let's break it down:
"He said to them, 'I am one hundred twenty years old today.'" Moses is stating his advanced age. In the Bible, reaching a ripe old age was often seen as a sign of God's favor.
"I can no more go out and come in.'" This is a common Hebrew idiom meaning that Moses is physically unable to lead them effectively anymore. "Going out and coming in" refers to the everyday tasks of leadership, like leading the people in battle, managing their affairs, and making decisions. He is saying his strength and vigor have diminished.
"Yahweh has said to me, 'You shall not go over this Jordan.'" This is the most crucial part. God has forbidden Moses from leading the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land of Canaan. This was a punishment for Moses' disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13), where he struck a rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as God had commanded. This disobedience, though seemingly small, demonstrated a lack of faith and reverence for God.
In Summary:
This verse reveals that Moses acknowledges his physical limitations due to his advanced age and, more importantly, that God has decreed he will not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. It sets the stage for the appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor and for the continued journey of the Israelites under new leadership. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience, even for great leaders like Moses.
The verse also underscores the importance of obedience to God, even in seemingly small matters, and highlights the fact that even great leaders are accountable to God.