Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

DEUTERONOMY 32:49KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:49 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:49 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:49 records God’s instruction to Moses to climb Mount Nebo, part of the Abarim range in Moab, so that he can look across to the land of Canaan, which God is giving to the Israelites. Moses is told to view the land from a distance, as he will not enter it himself.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Moses near the end of Moses’ life. The setting is just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River to enter Canaan, after their long journey through the wilderness. The verse highlights the transition of leadership and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to the descendants of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:49

  • "mountain" (הַר, har): This word is used twice here, emphasizing the specific location Moses is to ascend—Mount Nebo, which is part of the Abarim range. The repetition draws attention to the physical act of climbing and the significance of the place.
  • "Abarim" (עֲבָרִים, Avarim): This is the name of the mountain range east of the Jordan River. The name means "regions beyond" or "crossings," hinting at its position as a borderland before entering Canaan.
  • "behold" (רָאָה, ra’ah): This word means "to see" or "to look at." God instructs Moses not just to climb, but specifically to look at the land, underlining that Moses’ role is to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise, even if he cannot enter it.
  • "possession" (יְרֻשָּׁה, yerushah): This word means "inheritance" or "possession," stressing that the land is being given to Israel as something lasting and promised, not just as a temporary dwelling.

Why Deuteronomy 32:49 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moses, despite his leadership, will not enter the promised land, which is a key moment in the story of Israel’s journey and leadership transition.
  • The mention of specific places—Abarim, Mount Nebo, Moab, Jericho, and Canaan—roots the story in real geography, showing the Israelites on the threshold of their new home.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of God’s faithfulness to promises, as Moses is allowed to see the land that God is giving to the Israelites, even if he cannot enter it himself.

Where else these words appear

“Abarim” Hebrew H5682 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 27:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.
  • Numbers 33:47 And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.
  • Numbers 33:48 And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

“Nebo” Hebrew H5015 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
  • 1 Chronicles 5:8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:
  • Isaiah 15:2 He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.

“Jericho” Hebrew H3405 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
  • Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

“possession” Hebrew H272 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
  • Leviticus 25:41 And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.
  • Joshua 22:4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.