Ver. 48. And the Lord spake unto Moses, &c.— Concerning the death of Moses, see chap. 34:
REFLECTIONS.—Moses and Joshua, in different congregations of the people, solemnly rehearse the words of this song: as Joshua is shortly to supply Moses's place, they must bear the same word, and witness the same truth. Note; There is but one truth in the Scripture, one faith, one hope, one gospel. Moses, after the delivery of this Song of Song of Solomon 1. Adds his earnest charge to them, to set their hearts to obey all these commands of God, and not only to be themselves exemplary, but seek to transmit their religion to the succeeding generations, by training up their children in the way which they should go; for it is not a vain thing, an inconsiderable matter; their life depended on it, their comfortable life in Canaan, their eternal life in heaven. Note; Religion is our highest interest, as well as our bounden duty: happy, were we all more deeply convinced thereof! 2. God informs Moses that he must die. The very day on which his work is completed, he is ordered up to mount Nebo. Note; When God has accomplished all his will in us upon earth, he will not fail that same hour to take us to himself. He reminds him of his sin which prevented his passing over Jordan. Humble reflections upon past misconduct become us even in our dying moments. He mentions Aaron's death before him, as a comfortable support against his own. Moses had seen him die in peace, and was now to go to him. It is a comfort, in dying seasons, to think of those who have gone before, and whom we shall so shortly meet in glory, especially our Divine Redeemer, the High-Priest of our profession. Yet he may see the land, though he must not enter it. God is pleased to shew him this favour, as a token of his reconciliation to him, and in full view of it he may die content. Note; (1.) On this side of the grave, we can only by faith see the fulfilment of the promises afar off; we must cross the stream of death, and then we shall receive them in all their fulness. (2.) Though on a dying bed we may have much to lament, it is enough if Jesus stands by to say that our iniquity is pardoned, and holds out eternal life, as the gift of God to us, through his obedience unto death in our behalf.