Deuteronomy 32:51: Meaning Explained
Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of...
God reminded Moses why he couldn't enter the Promised Land. At Meribah, Moses had disobeyed God and didn't show respect for His holiness.
What’s Happening Here
Years earlier, Moses had struck a rock to get water instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This showed a lack of faith and respect for God.
Key Words
Why It Matters
Even great leaders like Moses face consequences for disobedience. One mistake kept him from entering the Promised Land.
Did You Know?
This incident at Meribah happened 40 years earlier, but God's consequences for it were still in effect.
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
Cross References
Frequently asked questions
What does Deuteronomy 32:51 mean?
God reminded Moses why he couldn't enter the Promised Land. At Meribah, Moses had disobeyed God and didn't show respect for His holiness.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 32:51?
Years earlier, Moses had struck a rock to get water instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This showed a lack of faith and respect for God.
Why does Deuteronomy 32:51 matter?
Even great leaders like Moses face consequences for disobedience. One mistake kept him from entering the Promised Land.
What's a surprising detail about Deuteronomy 32:51?
This incident at Meribah happened 40 years earlier, but God's consequences for it were still in effect.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:51
Verses 48–52 Now Moses had done his work, why should he desire to live a day longer? God reminds him of the sin of which he had been guilty, for which he was kept from entering Canaan. It is good for the best of men to die repenting the infirmities of which they are conscious. But those may die with comfort and ease, whenever God calls for them, notwithstanding the sins they remember against themselves, who have a believing prospect, and a well-grounded hope of eternal life beyond death. Chapter 33 Chapter Outline The glorious majesty of God. (1–5) The blessings of the twelve tribes. (6–23) Strength to believers. (24, 25) The excellency of Israel. (26–29) Verses 1–5 To all his precepts, warn…