1. The death of Moses was Precious to God

Moses, the faithful servant of God, led the Israelites out of Egypt and guided them through the wilderness for 40 years. His death was significant and precious in God’s eyes.

• Deuteronomy 34:5-6 (NIV) – “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.”
  (God Himself took care of Moses’ burial, showing how precious Moses was to Him.)

• Psalm 116:15 (NIV) – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
  (This verse reminds us that the death of God’s servants is valuable and honored by Him.)

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2. Grieving was a Reality for His Death

The people of Israel deeply mourned the loss of Moses, recognizing the magnitude of his leadership and love for them.

• Deuteronomy 34:8 (NIV) – “The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.”
  (The mourning period shows the profound grief and sorrow felt by the entire nation at Moses’ passing.)

• Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 (NIV) – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
  (Grief is a natural and necessary process, even for the most faithful believers.)

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3. Israel and Joshua Felt Like Orphans

With Moses gone, the Israelites and Joshua felt lost, like children without a father figure, unsure of their future.

• Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV) – “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.’”
  (Joshua and the people faced uncertainty and fear after Moses’ death, feeling like orphans in their journey.)

• John 14:18 (NIV) – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
  (Though spoken by Jesus to His disciples, this promise reflects God’s nature – never leaving His people alone in their grief and uncertainty.)

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4. The Lord Encouraged and Clarified the Direction

God did not leave Joshua and Israel in despair but provided clear direction and encouragement to move forward.

• Joshua 1:5-6 (NIV) – “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”
  (God assured Joshua of His presence, just as He was with Moses, giving him the courage to lead.)

• Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  (God’s encouragement is a constant reminder that His strength and guidance are always with His people.)

• Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
  (This verse reinforces the need to trust in God’s direction, especially during times of loss and transition.)

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