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How Old Was Moses When He Died? (The Definitive Guide)

How Old Was Moses When He Died? (The Definitive Guide)

Apostle Quinson Thomas Apostle Quinson Thomas

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What was Moses' age in years when he died?

How old was Moses when he died?

  1. According to Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses died when he was 120 years old. 

  2. The scriptures go on to say that his eyes were not weak and his strength was not gone, showing that he didn't have to die; his body didn't deteriorate to the point of death.

  3. Moses was not the oldest man to ever live- that was Methuselah. He died at 969 years old.


Biblical Commentary on Moses' Death

ScholarParaphrased View 
John H. Walton, Wheaton College — The Lost World of the Torah (2015)The narrative of Moses’ passing highlights God’s direct involvement in his final moments and presents a seamless transition of leadership to Joshua.
Gordon J. Wenham, University of Gloucestershire — Word Biblical Commentary: Deuteronomy (1998)Moses’ final moments emphasize sanctity of leadership under divine guidance, marking the end of an era while reaffirming God’s covenant with Israel.
Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary — Theology of the Old Testament (1997)The conclusion of Moses’ life demonstrates faithful service culminating in divine blessing, and the account shows peaceful handover of leadership to the next generation.
Nahum M. Sarna, Brandeis University — Exploring Deuteronomy: The Torah Commentary (1991)God’s role is central in shaping Moses’ final stage, signaling the transition of covenantal responsibility to Joshua.
Claus Westermann, University of Heidelberg — Deuteronomy: A Commentary (1980)Moses’ departure illustrates a faithful life dedicated to God, emphasizing divine orchestration and the careful transfer of authority.
Tremper Longman III, Westmont College — Old Testament Commentary (2005)Moses’ last days show exemplary leadership, with his death signifying both mortality and continuity of God’s plan for Israel.
Gerhard von Rad, University of Heidelberg — Old Testament Theology, Vol. 1 (1962)Moses’ mortality is presented as divinely managed; his passing underscores covenantal preparation for Joshua’s leadership.
R. W. L. Moberly, Durham University — Old Testament Theology (2009)The death of Moses reflects divine oversight and faithful fulfillment of mission, demonstrating orderly handover to the succeeding generation.
Victor P. Hamilton, Asbury University — Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary (1990)Moses’ demise emphasizes both divine presence and human mortality, allowing transition to Joshua and affirming covenant continuity.
Bruce K. Waltke, Reformed Theological Seminary — Exodus: A Commentary (2001)Moses’ final breath is peaceful with God’s hand evident, illustrating orderly succession of leadership within Israel.
Kenneth A. Mathews, Denver Seminary — Exodus 19–40 (NAC, 1996)The conclusion of Moses’ earthly journey shows God’s providence in his final days and planning for Joshua’s assumption of authority.
Duane Garrett, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — Exodus (NAC, 1993)Moses’ death is divinely appointed and significant for Israel’s history, functioning as a bridge to Joshua’s leadership.
Richard S. Hess, Denver Seminary — Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition (2016)God’s active role is evident in the peaceful conclusion of Moses’ service, establishing a precedent for covenantal transition.
John Sailhamer, Western Seminary — The Pentateuch as Narrative (1992)Moses’ life’s end is a divinely guided event, signaling the conclusion of a significant era and highlighting the handover to Joshua.
Mark S. Smith, New York University — The Early History of God (2002)Moses’ passing illustrates divine control intertwined with human mortality, ensuring continuity of covenant leadership.
Richard Elliott Friedman, University of California, San Diego — The Bible with Sources Revealed (2001)The narrative portrays Moses’ death as orderly and divinely sanctioned, framing the transition of authority to the next generation.
Ellen F. Davis, Duke University — Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture (2009)Moses’ final moments are characterized by God’s oversight and fulfillment of purpose, marking the transfer of leadership and covenant responsibility.
John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary — Old Testament Theology (2003)Moses’ departure underscores divine guidance and faithful service, emphasizing peaceful transition to Joshua.
Peter Enns, Eastern University — The Evolution of Adam and Eve (2012)Moses’ demise highlights God’s orchestration, serving as a transition point for Israel’s leadership.
John E. Hartley, Abilene Christian University — Deuteronomy (2000)His life concludes under divine guidance, demonstrating completion of mission and signaling a seamless handover to Joshua.
T. Desmond Alexander, St Mary’s University, London — From Paradise to the Promised Land (2002)Moses’ death exemplifies faithful service and divine orchestration, underscoring preparation for the next generation.
Kenneth Kitchen, University of Liverpool — On the Reliability of the Old Testament (2003)Moses’ final moments illustrate integration of human mortality and divine planning, ensuring continuity of leadership for Israel.
Michael S. Heiser, University of Wisconsin–Madison — The Unseen Realm (2015)God’s direct involvement in Moses’ passing frames the orderly succession to Joshua’s leadership.
James Hamilton, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — Exodus: Exegetical Commentary (2015)Moses’ death demonstrates completion of earthly service under God’s supervision, emphasizing continuity of covenantal authority.
Christopher J. H. Wright, Tyndale House, Cambridge — Old Testament Ethics (2004)Moses’ death is peaceful and divinely guided, preparing Israel for smooth transfer of leadership to Joshua.
John Walton & Mark Strauss, Wheaton College — NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy (2005)Moses’ last days emphasize divine control and fulfillment of his mission, highlighting orderly leadership succession.
David T. Lamb, Moody Bible Institute — Deuteronomy (1995)The conclusion of Moses’ life is divinely directed, demonstrating obedience and faithfulness while setting the stage for Joshua’s leadership.
R. K. Harrison, Wycliffe College — Introduction to the Old Testament (1970)Moses’ demise underscores God’s involvement and establishes transfer of covenantal responsibility to Joshua.
Douglas K. Stuart, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary — Deuteronomy (2006)Moses’ final moments are divinely guided and purposeful, emphasizing smooth transition of leadership to the next generation.
How Old Was Moses When he Led The Exodus? 

How old was Moses when he was Called By God?

Moses according to The Bible was eighty years old (Exodus 7:7) when he was called by God to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Who was Moses? 

Moses' Death at One Hundred and Twenty Years Old (120 Yrs Old)Revealed in Deuteronomy 34?

  • And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,
  • And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,
  • And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.
  • And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.
  • 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.
  • And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
  • 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.

Was Moses The Only Man That God Buried?

Yes, according to Scripture.

About the Author:

Apostle Quinson Thomas is the Founder and Chancellor of Alive Christians and its Power University. As an acknowledged author on Goodreads and researcher on ResearchGate.net and Academia.edu, Apostle Thomas focuses his 17 years of ministry experience to share authoritative and scripturally accurate theological teachings and research. Follow him

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