Saints, I have been pondering this question for a while as I study scriptures, wondering why satan fought so hard for the body of Moses after his death.
It is a well established fact in scriptures that Prophet Moses was greatly cherished and beloved by the Israelites, particularly towards the end of the leadership of his life.
But, just like all other great men of God before him, God had to summon him home, and the impact of his death was so profound on the Israelites that they mourned him for a straight month.
And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.
Deuteronomy 34:8 KJV
For many death signifies the end of one's earthly journey, contributions, sacrifices and the beginning of another journey.
One thing that signifies the end of this journey and departure is burial. This is what we would expect for the Prophet Moses but that was not what happened.
So why was Moses an exception? What made his death different? The answer lies in the book of Deuteronomy.
So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
Deuteronomy 34:5-6 KJV
Another version says:
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.
NIV
Remarkably, Moses is the only person in the bible who God personally laid to rest yet the location of his burial remains unknown to this day.
The bible tells us that God concealed his tomb, but why did God chose to hide Moses's final resting place? The reason is quite intriguing.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Jude 1:9 KJV
From this scripture we can see that satan had a vested interest in Moses's body, just like he does with everything else. Satan wanted to exploit it to lead the people of God into idolatory.
If the location of Moses's body and grave were known to the Israelites, they might have turned it into a shrine. They could have begun making pilgrimages to that sacred site, erecting monuments, and turning it into a commercialized place of worship.
It would have become a hub of sinful adoration centered on the power of Moses rather than on God. This would have been a true manifestation of idol worship.
Therefore the Lord chose to hide the tomb, recognizing the danger of idolatory that could arise from revealing it's location. This concealment was so crucial that it led to a celestial battle in the spiritual realm as described in the book of Jude from verse 9.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
KJV
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
NIV
The Archangel Michael, who went to the mat with the Devil as they fought over the body of Moses, wouldn't have dared level him with a blasphemous curse, but said simply, "No you don't. God will take care of you!"
MSG
In this verse of scripture, Michael the Archangel confronted the devil over the body of Moses. The specific reason for their dispute is not detailed in the Bible, but the prevailing theory by theologians is the potential for idolatory.
As humans, we often tend to worship created things other than the Creator which is the essence of idolatory. To prevent this temptation, God had to safeguard the body and grave of Moses from human knowledge.
Some theologians, suggest that Moses never truly died and was taken into heaven just like Enoch and Elijah. However, the truth is that we can never know for certain as nothing was ever found after he ascended the mount Nebo.
It is noteworthy that one of the means God employed to secure the body of Moses was through the intervention of the Archangel Michael. Importantly, even in this high stakes confrontation Michael did not condemn satan but simply stated "the Lord rebuke you'.
This demonstrates a critical principle. The Archangel Michael who played a key role in casting satan out of heaven did not assume the role of God in reproaching satan. He left all such rebuke and condemnations to God.
He refrained from taking matters into his own hands but instead acknowledged that the rebuke belonged to God. This should serve as reminder to us about the importance of leaving vengeance to God, rather than taking it into our own hands.
To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
Deuteronomy 32:35 KJV
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Romans 12:19 KJV
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Hebrews 10:30 KJV
Satan's desire to obtain Moses's body was rooted in his intention to use it as a tool for tempting the children of Israel into worshipping a created being rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
A Call to Salvation
Saint, do you have a relationship with Jesus? If you do not what are you waiting for?
Jesus loves you so much and wants a relationship with you, why not accept Him into your heart today? Say this prayer out loud and mean it from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I ask that you come into my heart and be my Lord and personal Savior.
I ask that you wash me of all my sins and make me whiter than snow. I renounce satan and every unfruitful work of darkness in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Thank you Jesus, I love you Jesus.
I encourage you to request the Father for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which includes the manifestation of speaking in tongues. This is a precious gift that God freely gives to those who ask.
I also highly encourage you to devote time to fellowship and intimacy with God, which can be achieved through prayer, fasting, studying the word, and worship.
As you engage in these spiritual exercises, invite the Holy Spirit to accompany you, for He is your helper and a joy to be with.
Until next time, I love you - please continue in God's love.
No comments:
Post a Comment