The story of the death of Moses — after leading Israel for forty years, Moses saw the promised land from a mountaintop but never set foot in it.
This account is found in Deuteronomy 34, the final chapter of the first five books of the Bible.
The Story of the Death of Moses
Moses had led Israel out of Egypt, through the sea, and across the wilderness for forty years. Now, at the very edge of the promised land, his journey was ending.
God led Moses up to the top of Mount Nebo. From there, God showed him the whole land that had been promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, stretching out in every direction.
God told Moses that he could see the land with his own eyes, but he would not cross over into it. Years earlier Moses had disobeyed God in a moment of anger, and this was the consequence.
Moses died there on the mountain, in the land of Moab, and God himself buried him in a valley. No one ever knew the exact place of his grave.
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old, yet his eyes were still clear and his strength had not left him. Israel mourned him for thirty days, and the Bible says no prophet ever arose again like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.
Key Verses
“I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.” Deuteronomy 34:4
“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.” Deuteronomy 34:5
“And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” Deuteronomy 34:10
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.
What the Story of the Death of Moses Teaches Us
Moses spent his life leading people toward a promise he would not personally receive. His story is a reminder that faithful work often plants something others will one day enjoy.
It is also an honest story. Even a great leader faced the consequences of his actions, and yet God honored him to the very end. Moses was remembered not for a perfect record but for knowing God closely.
Bring the stories home. Explore Bible Stick Figures coloring books and printables that pair simple art with Scripture. Visit the shop →
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Moses die?
According to Deuteronomy 34, Moses died on Mount Nebo at the age of a hundred and twenty, after God showed him the promised land. God himself buried him, and no one knows the exact place.
Why couldn’t Moses enter the promised land?
Earlier in the wilderness, Moses had disobeyed God in a moment of anger. As a result, he was allowed to see the land but not to enter it.
How old was Moses when he died?
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old. The Bible notes that his eyesight was still clear and his strength had not faded.
Who led Israel after Moses?
Joshua, who had been one of the faithful spies, took over leadership and brought Israel into the promised land.
Where is the story of the death of Moses in the Bible?
It is found in Deuteronomy 34, the last chapter of Deuteronomy.