Deuteronomy 32 52

Deuteronomy 32:52 kjv

Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 32:52 nkjv

Yet you shall see the land before you, though you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving to the children of Israel."

Deuteronomy 32:52 niv

Therefore, you will see the land only from a distance; you will not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel."

Deuteronomy 32:52 esv

For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel."

Deuteronomy 32:52 nlt

So you will see the land from a distance, but you may not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel."

Deuteronomy 32 verses

Deuteronomy 32 52 Meaning

Deuteronomy 32:52 states God's direct declaration to Moses that he would be allowed to see the Promised Land from a vantage point, but he would not be permitted to enter it with the Israelites. This verse highlights the solemn consequence of Moses's prior act of disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:2-13), demonstrating God's unyielding standard of holiness and His justice, even for His most faithful servant. While the covenant promise to Israel would be fulfilled, Moses himself would not participate in its physical consummation by entering the land.

Deuteronomy 32 52 Context

This verse is situated at the climax of the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32), a powerful prophetic poem delivered by Moses just before his death. The Song recounts God's faithfulness to Israel and Israel's recurrent rebellion and backsliding, culminating in a prophecy of future judgment and eventual restoration. Within this context, Deuteronomy 32:52 directly follows God's instruction to Moses in verse 49, commanding him to ascend Mount Nebo (Pisgah) to behold the land that He is giving to Israel, and there, to die. It reaffirms the specific divine judgment passed upon Moses for his act of impatience and disobedience at Meribah (Num 20), where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, thus not sanctifying God in the sight of the Israelites. This decision by God emphasizes His holy character and the high standard of obedience required, particularly of leaders, and foreshadows the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, who would finally lead Israel into the Promised Land. The larger historical context is Israel's 40 years of wandering concluding, as they stand on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan under a new leader.

Deuteronomy 32 52 Word analysis

• For you shall see (וּרְאִיתָ): Derived from the Hebrew root ra'ah (רָאָה), meaning "to see," "perceive," "look upon." The verb form implies a definite, complete seeing. This emphasizes Moses's unique, divinely granted perspective to behold the land, which underscores the poignant nature of his exclusion—he is given a clear view of the promised inheritance but is denied physical entry. It implies a full apprehension of the beauty and promise of the land.

• the land (הָאָרֶץ): Refers specifically to the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants as an everlasting possession. It signifies not just territory, but the place of rest, covenant fulfillment, and God's dwelling among His people.

• before you (מִנֶּגֶד): Literally "from over against you" or "in front of you." This adverb intensifies the visual aspect, indicating a direct, unobstructed view. Moses is standing at the precipice, gazing upon what lies directly ahead for his people, but not for him.

• but you shall not go there (וְשָׁמָּה לֹא תָבֹא): A powerful, absolute prohibition.

  • וְשָׁמָּה (v'shammah): "and there," emphasizing the specific destination.
  • לֹא (lo): The absolute negative particle, indicating a definitive "no."
  • תָבֹא (tavo): Second person masculine singular imperfect form of bo' (בּוֹא), "to come" or "to enter." The imperfect tense often conveys an unfulfilled action or a strong prohibition for the future.
  • This phrase unequivocally states Moses's exclusion, marking the boundary of his leadership and personal journey. It highlights God's justice and the seriousness of sin, even for a leader who enjoyed intimate communion with Him.

• into the land that I am giving (אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי נֹתֵן):

  • אֶל־הָאָרֶץ (el ha'aretz): "into the land."
  • אֲשֶׁר (asher): "which," a relative pronoun connecting to the land.
  • אֲנִי (ani): "I" (emphatic first-person singular pronoun), strongly affirming God's direct agency and sovereignty. It is God Himself who is the giver of the land, emphasizing the divine nature of the gift.
  • נֹתֵן (noten): Present participle of natan (נָתַן), "to give." The use of the present participle implies a continuous or ongoing act of giving, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The land is being actively given, ensuring its certainty for Israel, even as Moses is excluded.

• to the people of Israel (לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל): "to the sons/children of Israel." This specifies the recipients of God's covenant promise. It clarifies that while Moses personally faces a consequence for his sin, God's promise and faithfulness to the broader covenant community, the nation of Israel, remains unbroken and will be fully realized.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "For you shall see the land... but you shall not go there": This juxtaposition of vision and prohibition encapsulates the pathos of Moses's situation. It's a vivid display of "so near, yet so far," emphasizing the weight of the consequence for his transgression at Meribah. Despite his unique relationship with God and his exemplary leadership for forty years, his single act of disbelief/disobedience resulted in a significant boundary to his life's work.
  • "into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel": This phrase underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. While one leader faces consequences, God's promise to the nation as a whole is assured and will proceed to its fulfillment, highlighting that God's plans transcend individual human failure. It also positions God as the active Giver, asserting His ultimate authority and beneficence.

Deuteronomy 32 52 Bonus section

• Typological Significance: Many scholars see Moses's inability to enter the land as a type of the Law (Torah). The Law, though perfect and righteous, cannot bring people into the "rest" or salvation (represented by the Promised Land) because of humanity's sin. Joshua, whose name is linked to Jesus, typifies the fact that only by grace through faith in Christ (represented by Joshua leading Israel) can one truly enter God's rest (Heb 4).
• Mount Nebo/Pisgah: This mountain holds profound significance as the place from which Moses viewed the whole land and then died. It represents a liminal space, a boundary between the wilderness generation and the new generation, between promise and partial fulfillment. It's a place of transition, marking the end of one era of divine leadership and the beginning of another.
• Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The verse unequivocally reinforces God's sovereignty over His promises and His unyielding commitment to justice. Even for a man as revered as Moses, God's word and honor supersede personal affection or long service, demonstrating that God is impartial and upholds His standards without compromise. This ensures His character as a holy and just God is magnified for all generations.

Deuteronomy 32 52 Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:52 serves as a poignant epilogue to Moses's leadership, confirming the divine decree that he would not lead Israel into the Promised Land. This judgment, rooted in the incident at Meribah, highlights fundamental biblical truths: God's absolute holiness, the gravity of disobedience even in seemingly minor infractions (especially from leaders representing Him), and His impartial justice. Moses, despite his unparalleled intimacy with God and forty years of faithful service, was held to account because he did not "sanctify" God publicly when he struck the rock. This verse, therefore, acts as a stark reminder that personal relationship and past faithfulness do not negate the consequences of unholy behavior. Yet, within this judgment, God's unfailing commitment to His covenant with Israel shines through: He confirms that the land is being given to His people, ensuring His promises remain unbroken despite individual human failings. This divine action paved the way for Joshua, whose name (Yeshua, a form of Jesus) foreshadows a greater Leader who would truly bring God's people into their ultimate rest.