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Deuteronomy 31:2 - Moshe's final leadership transition moment?

Deuteronomy 31:2 - דברים 31:2

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם בֶּן־מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה אָנֹכִי הַיּוֹם לֹא־אוּכַל עוֹד לָצֵאת וְלָבוֹא וַיהוָה אָמַר אֵלַי לֹא תַעֲבֹר אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

And he said to them, I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the Lord has said to me, Thou shalt not go over this Yarden.

Transliteration

Va'yomer alehem ben-me'a ve'esrim shana anochi hayom lo-uchal od latzet velavo va'Adonai amar elai lo ta'avor et-ha'yarden haze.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֗ם בֶּן־מֵאָה֩ וְעֶשְׂרִ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ הַיּ֔וֹם לֹא־אוּכַ֥ל ע֖וֹד לָצֵ֣את וְלָב֑וֹא וַֽיהֹוָה֙ אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֔י לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֥ן הַזֶּֽה׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֗ם בֶּן־מֵאָה֩ וְעֶשְׂרִ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ הַיּ֔וֹם לֹא־אוּכַ֥ל ע֖וֹד לָצֵ֣את וְלָב֑וֹא וַֽיהֹוָה֙ אָמַ֣ר אֵלַ֔י לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֥ן הַזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Moshe's Age and Leadership

The verse states, "I am a hundred and twenty years old this day", marking the end of Moshe's leadership. Rashi (Devarim 31:2) explains that this age is significant because it represents the completion of Moshe's life in three equal phases: forty years in Egypt, forty years in Midian, and forty years leading Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 305) adds that this symmetrical lifespan demonstrates divine providence in shaping Moshe's role as the redeemer and teacher of Israel.

"I Can No More Go Out and Come In"

Moshe declares his inability to continue leading, saying, "I can no more go out and come in." Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 2:6) interprets this as Moshe acknowledging the physical limitations of old age, which affected his capacity for active leadership. However, Rashi (Devarim 31:2) offers a deeper explanation: Moshe was no longer granted the divine inspiration (ruach hakodesh) to lead, as his time had passed. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) connects this phrase to Moshe’s diminished ability to engage in Torah discourse with the same vigor, indicating a transition to Yehoshua’s leadership.

Hashem's Decree: "Thou Shalt Not Go Over This Yarden"

Moshe reiterates, "Also the Lord has said to me, Thou shalt not go over this Yarden." Rashi (Bamidbar 20:12) links this to the incident at Mei Merivah, where Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it, leading to his exclusion from Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 7:10) teaches that this decree was also a divine kindness—Moshe’s burial outside the land would prevent his grave from becoming an object of idolatrous veneration. Ramban (Devarim 3:26) further explains that Moshe’s mission was complete with bringing Bnei Yisrael to the threshold of the land, while Yehoshua’s role was to conquer it.

Lessons in Leadership and Acceptance

  • Humility in Transition: Moshe’s acknowledgment of his limitations models the importance of recognizing when leadership must pass to the next generation (Avot 4:1).
  • Divine Timing: The symmetry of Moshe’s 120 years underscores that each stage of life has a purpose (Kohelet 3:1).
  • Accepting Hashem’s Decree: Moshe’s acceptance of his fate teaches submission to divine will, even when it is difficult (Berachot 60b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Moses' age and his leadership, emphasizing that despite his advanced age, his vigor was not diminished, but God had decreed he would not cross the Jordan.
📖 Chullin 139b
Mentioned in the context of discussing the lifespan and leadership of Moses, highlighting the divine decree that prevented him from entering the Promised Land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Moshe say he is 120 years old in Deuteronomy 31:2?
A: Moshe mentions his age of 120 years to emphasize that his time of leadership is ending, as Hashem had decreed that he would not enter Eretz Yisrael. According to Rashi, this age also signifies the completion of his life's mission, as our Sages teach that Moshe lived exactly 120 years, divided into three periods of 40 years each (in Egypt, Midian, and leading the Jewish people).
Q: What does 'I can no more go out and come in' mean in this verse?
A: When Moshe says he can no longer 'go out and come in,' Rashi explains that this refers to his diminished strength and ability to lead the people in battle and in Torah matters. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) adds that this phrase also hints that the 'well' (which traveled with them in the desert) and the 'manna' ceased in his days, showing his era of leadership was concluding.
Q: Why wasn't Moshe allowed to cross the Jordan River?
A: Hashem decreed that Moshe would not cross the Jordan due to the incident at Mei Merivah (Numbers 20), where Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Rambam explains that leaders are held to an extremely high standard, and this action—though seemingly minor—was considered a lack of sufficient faith in Hashem's command at that moment. Thus, Moshe could not lead the people into the Land.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe accepting that he wouldn't enter Israel?
A: Moshe's acceptance of Hashem's decree teaches humility and submission to divine will. Despite his deep desire to enter Eretz Yisrael (as seen in his prayers), he did not complain or rebel when told 'lo ta'avor' ('you shall not cross'). The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) highlights that Moshe prioritized the nation's future, ensuring a smooth transition to Yehoshua's leadership.
Q: How is Moshe's age of 120 years significant in Jewish tradition?
A: Moshe's lifespan of 120 years became a blessing in Jewish culture, with the expression 'Ad me'ah v'esrim shanah' ('until 120 years') used to wish long life. The Talmud (Moed Katan 28a) notes that this age reflects completeness: 40 years for wisdom, 40 for strength, and 40 for spiritual maturity. It symbolizes a full, purposeful life dedicated to serving Hashem.