The question of who buried Moses is both intriguing and deeply significant within the context of the Old Testament. The burial of Moses is described in the book of Deuteronomy, specifically in Deuteronomy 34:5-6:
"And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is."
This passage reveals a unique and profound event: God Himself buried Moses. The phrase "He buried him" is generally interpreted to mean that the Lord took personal responsibility for the burial of His faithful servant. This is a rare instance in the Bible where God directly intervenes in the burial of a human being, highlighting the special relationship between God and Moses.
Moses' death and burial are set against the backdrop of his extraordinary life and leadership. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, to receive the Law at Mount Sinai, and to guide the people through the wilderness for forty years. Despite his significant role, Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to an act of disobedience recorded in Numbers 20:12, where he struck the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as God had commanded.
The circumstances of Moses' burial carry deep theological and symbolic meanings. Firstly, it underscores the idea of divine sovereignty. God had a unique plan for Moses, and He saw it through to the very end. By personally burying Moses, God demonstrates His intimate involvement in the lives (and deaths) of His chosen servants. This act also serves to prevent any potential idolatry. If the location of Moses' grave were known, it might have become a site of pilgrimage or even worship, distracting the Israelites from their devotion to God.
The anonymity of Moses' grave also reflects the theme of humility that characterized his life. Despite his unparalleled achievements, Moses remained a humble servant of God. In Numbers 12:3, it is said:
"Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth."
This humility is further emphasized by the fact that Moses' final resting place remains unknown, ensuring that the focus remains on God rather than on Moses himself.
Additionally, the unique nature of Moses' burial can be seen as a foreshadowing of the resurrection and the eternal life promised to believers. In the New Testament, Moses appears alongside Elijah during the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-3), symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Christ. This appearance suggests that Moses, though buried in an unmarked grave, is not forgotten by God and holds a place in the divine plan of salvation.
The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus also provides an account of Moses' death and burial in his work "Antiquities of the Jews." Josephus writes that Moses went up to Mount Nebo and disappeared in a cloud, suggesting a divine intervention in his passing. This account, while not canonical, aligns with the biblical narrative of God's direct involvement in Moses' final moments.
From a theological perspective, the burial of Moses by God Himself can be seen as an ultimate act of love and care. It signifies that God honors His faithful servants and that their service is not forgotten. This act of divine burial can be a source of comfort and hope for believers, reassuring them that God is intimately involved in their lives and that their ultimate destiny is in His hands.
In summary, the burial of Moses as described in Deuteronomy 34:5-6 is a unique and profound event that highlights God's sovereignty, the humility of Moses, and the prevention of idolatry. It also serves as a foreshadowing of the resurrection and eternal life, demonstrating God's enduring care for His faithful servants. The divine act of burying Moses underscores the special relationship between God and Moses and provides a powerful reminder of God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people.
