Deuteronomy 32 50

Deuteronomy 32:50 kjv

And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:

Deuteronomy 32:50 nkjv

and die on the mountain which you ascend, and be gathered to your people, just as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people;

Deuteronomy 32:50 niv

There on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.

Deuteronomy 32:50 esv

And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people,

Deuteronomy 32:50 nlt

Then you will die there on the mountain. You will join your ancestors, just as Aaron, your brother, died on Mount Hor and joined his ancestors.

Deuteronomy 32 verses

Deuteronomy 32 50 Meaning

Deuteronomy 32:50 conveys a divine decree regarding Moses' death. The LORD commands Moses to ascend a specific mountain, where he is to die and "be gathered to his people," similar to his brother Aaron. This signifies a preordained, peaceful, and communal transition from physical life, marking the end of Moses' earthly journey and leadership, despite not entering the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 32 50 Context

Deuteronomy 32:50 concludes a passage where the LORD directly commands Moses concerning his impending death. This command comes immediately after the 'Song of Moses,' a profound prophetic and historical overview of Israel's journey, faithfulness, and rebellion. In verses 48-49, God instructs Moses to ascend Mount Nebo in the land of Moab to view the Promised Land. Verse 50 then explicitly states his fate, tying it to Aaron's earlier death on Mount Hor. The verse also precedes the explanation for Moses' exclusion from the land (v. 51-52), which points back to his and Aaron's disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Num 20:12-13). Thus, the context emphasizes God's sovereign control over life and death, even for His most faithful servants, and underscores the consequences of disobedience, while also providing a divinely appointed, peaceful end for a foundational leader of Israel.

Deuteronomy 32 50 Word analysis

• and die (וּמַתָּ֤ה / ū·mat·tāh): From the Hebrew root מוּת (muth), meaning "to die, to kill." This is a straightforward declaration of the cessation of Moses' physical life. In this divine decree, it is a purposeful act ordained by God, not merely a natural event. It emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death.
• in the mount (בָּהָ֖ר / bā·hār): From the Hebrew הַר (har), meaning "mountain" or "hill country." A prominent geological feature, mountains often serve as places of divine encounter (Sinai, Moriah), revelation, and final rest for significant figures (e.g., Abraham, Aaron). The specific mountain (Nebo, Deut 34:1) symbolizes a boundary—Moses seeing the promise but not entering.
• whither thou goest up (אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה עֹלֶה־ / ’ă·šer ’at·tāh ‘ō·leh-): From the Hebrew עָלָה (‘alah), meaning "to go up, ascend, arise." This highlights Moses' active, although divinely commanded, ascent. It is a purposeful journey to his final resting place, contrasting with a forced or unexpected demise. This act of "going up" aligns with a sacred, ceremonial ending to his ministry.
• and be gathered (וְהֵאָסֵ֥ף / wə·hê·’ā·sêp̄): From the Hebrew אָסַף (’asaph), meaning "to gather, collect, remove, take away." The Niphal form (passive voice) here signifies being brought or collected by an external agent. This phrase is key; it does not merely mean "to be buried" or "to cease to exist." Instead, it conveys a profound theological concept.
• unto thy people (אֶל־עַמֶּ֑יךָ / ’el-‘am·mekā): Refers to the collective ancestors and faithful who have previously died. When paired with "gathered," this phrase (נֶאֱסַף אֶל־עַמֶּיךָ - ne'esaph 'el-'ammekha) denotes a peaceful, blessed departure from earthly life into the realm of the deceased. It suggests a joining of the spirit with previous generations of the faithful in a shared destiny or abode. It implies a continuation of communal existence beyond physical death and a positive end, rather than being "cut off" due to divine judgment (which had its effect in preventing him from entering the land, but not in his ultimate end).
• as Aaron thy brother died (כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר מֵֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ אָחִ֔יךָ / ka’ă·šer mêṯ-’a·hă·rōn ’ā·ḥî·ḵā): A direct parallel set by God himself. Aaron, Moses’ elder brother and high priest, died peacefully at God's command on Mount Hor (Num 20:22-29). This comparison underscores that Moses’ end, despite being a consequence of shared disobedience at Meribah, is still a divinely honored and purposeful death, not a shameful one.
• in mount Hor (בְּהֹ֣ר הָהָ֗ר / bə·hōr hā·hār): "Hor, the Mountain." A specific geographic and sacred location associated with Aaron’s passing. Its mention anchors the comparison to a verifiable, well-known event for the original audience, reinforcing the authoritative nature of God’s decree for Moses. It symbolizes the solemn end of the Aaronic priesthood line embodied by Aaron himself.

Words-group Analysis

• "die in the mount... and be gathered unto thy people": This entire phrase encapsulates the divinely appointed destiny for Moses. It is not just about physical cessation but also about the transition to a spiritual dimension of collective ancestry. The "mount" serves as the consecrated space for this sacred transition, and "gathered unto thy people" affirms a continuing spiritual bond or realm, emphasizing a peaceful, honored departure rather than a tragic demise, despite the context of divine discipline.
• "as Aaron thy brother died... and was gathered unto his people": This crucial comparative phrase highlights divine consistency and justice. God had disciplined both brothers for the same sin (striking the rock instead of speaking to it). Both, despite their unique service and anointing, would experience a death ordained by God, preventing them from entering the land. However, both were granted an honorable, "gathered" end, signifying divine mercy alongside justice. It implies that God's plan and standard of obedience apply equally to all, regardless of rank. The parallelism signifies not a random event but part of a sovereign, redemptive historical pattern orchestrated by God.

Deuteronomy 32 50 Bonus section

The phrase "gathered unto thy people" serves as one of the significant Old Testament expressions that implicitly touch upon the concept of an afterlife. It’s distinct from simply "dying" or "being buried." It points to a continuation of existence in a communal setting beyond physical death, even if the precise nature of that "gathering" or "people" (beyond merely referring to the physical remains of ancestors) was not fully expounded in the early books of the Law. For Moses, seeing the Promised Land from Nebo but not entering it served as a poignant symbol: the Law (represented by Moses) could lead God’s people to the brink of their inheritance, but it could not ultimately bring them into the fullness of God's rest; a new leadership (Joshua, prefiguring Jesus) would be required to do so (Heb 4). Moses' appearance at the Transfiguration with Jesus centuries later (Matt 17:3) testifies to the continuing life and significance of those who are "gathered" to God's people.

Deuteronomy 32 50 Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:50 outlines the LORD's direct command for Moses' death, marking the end of his profound leadership and pilgrimage with Israel. The use of "die in the mount... and be gathered unto thy people" is potent. "Gathered unto thy people" (נֶאֱסַף אֶל-עַמֶּיךָ) signifies more than physical burial; it denotes a spiritual transition to a communion with departed ancestors. This Old Testament phrase, repeatedly used for patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), speaks to a peaceful, blessed departure, an integration into the ongoing fellowship of the righteous in the afterlife, a going "home." Moses, though forbidden from entering the physical Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah, is granted entry into the spiritual "gathering" of God’s people. This speaks to the duality of divine justice and grace—punishment for disobedience, yet an honorable end and rest.

The explicit comparison to Aaron's death on Mount Hor reinforces God's consistent dealing with His chosen leaders. Both men, pivotal figures, experienced divinely appointed deaths at designated holy mountains, indicating God's full control over their lives and destinies. It emphasizes that no one, however exalted, is above God's commands or their consequences. Moses’ unique relationship with God did not exempt him from the stipulated punishment, but his ultimate "gathering" affirmed his faithfulness and God's benevolent plan for him beyond this earthly life. This verse prepares the way for Joshua's leadership, underscoring that while human leaders are temporary, God's divine purpose and leadership endure.