Bible Commentary

Deuteronomy 31:2

The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:2

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

I am an hundred and twenty years old this day. When Moses stood before Pharaoh he was eighty years old (); since then forty years had elapsed during the wanderings in the wilderness. I can no more go out and come in; I am no longer able to work among and for the nation as I have hitherto done (cf.

). This does not conflict with the statement in , that up to the time of his death his eyes were not dim nor his natural strength abated, for this is the statement of an observer, and it often happens that an individual feels himself to be failing, when to those around him he appears to possess unabated vigor.

There is no need, therefore, for resorting, with Raschi and others, to the expedient of reading "for" instead of "and" in the following clause; as if the cause why Moses could no longer go in and out among the people was God's prohibition of his going over Jordan.

This is simply another and collateral reason why he had now to retire flora his post as leader.

Recommended reading

More for Deuteronomy 31:2

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 31:1-8Deuteronomy 31:1-8 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryMoses assures Israel of the constant presence of God with them. This is applied by the apostle to all God's spiritual Israel, to encourage their faith and hope; unto us is this gospel preached, as well as unto them; he…Solemn Warnings; Joshua Encouraged. (b. c. 1451.)Deuteronomy 31:1-8 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleSOLEMN WARNINGS; JOSHUA ENCOURAGED. (B. C. 1451.) Loth to part (we say) bids oft farewell. Moses does so to the children of Israel: not because he was loth to go to God, but because he was loth to leave them, fearing th…The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-13Deuteronomy 31:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryLast acts of Moses.The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-13Deuteronomy 31:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryA new generation receiving the heritage of the past. The closing scene of Moses' life is drawing nigh. The time is at hand when he and Israel must part, and the leadership must be undertaken by another. As far as can be…The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-8Deuteronomy 31:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe leadership made over to Joshua. There is something wonderfully pathetic in the great leader, whose eye is yet undimmed, laying down his trust beside the Jordan. He is a hundred and twenty years old, but the Lord hat…The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-8Deuteronomy 31:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryPutting off the harness. Faith in God anticipates every event without distress. If God's plan cut across the grain of our own inclination, faith inspires us to say," His plan is best." By virtue of a living faith, we ca…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Deuteronomy 31:1-8Moses assures Israel of the constant presence of God with them. This is applied by the apostle to all God's spiritual Israel, to encourage their faith and hope; unto us is this gospel preached, as well as unto them; he…Matthew HenrycommentarySolemn Warnings; Joshua Encouraged. (b. c. 1451.)SOLEMN WARNINGS; JOSHUA ENCOURAGED. (B. C. 1451.) Loth to part (we say) bids oft farewell. Moses does so to the children of Israel: not because he was loth to go to God, but because he was loth to leave them, fearing th…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-13Last acts of Moses.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-30PART IV.—FAREWELL ADDRESS OF MOSES, WITH HIS PARTING SONG AND BENEDICTION. CHAPTERS 31-33. EXPOSITION Moses had now finished his work as the legislator and ruler and leader of Israel. But ere he finally retired from his…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-8The leadership made over to Joshua. There is something wonderfully pathetic in the great leader, whose eye is yet undimmed, laying down his trust beside the Jordan. He is a hundred and twenty years old, but the Lord hat…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-8Putting off the harness. Faith in God anticipates every event without distress. If God's plan cut across the grain of our own inclination, faith inspires us to say," His plan is best." By virtue of a living faith, we ca…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1-13A new generation receiving the heritage of the past. The closing scene of Moses' life is drawing nigh. The time is at hand when he and Israel must part, and the leadership must be undertaken by another. As far as can be…Joseph S. Exell and contributors