As the leader of the Jewish people, Moses involved himself with all matters of concern to the nation. He led them out of Egypt, taught them the Torah, acted as the go-between between the nation and God and prayed on their behalf when they sinned. He was a leader par excellence. And yet, his final activity in this world was devoted to one area alone: Moses ascended the mountain of Nebo and gazed upon the Land of Israel.
His ascent was not merely a personal choice but a divine directive. God commanded Moses to look upon the land he would not enter, underscoring the theme of seeing the fruits of one’s labor even if one cannot partake in them. This moment also reflects God’s ongoing relationship with Moses, providing him with a final, sweeping vision of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The Talmud (Sotah 14a) asks: Why did Moses desire to enter the Land of Israel? Was it to enjoy its fruits or to satiate himself of its bounty? The Talmud answers that Moses’ desire was a spiritual one; he craved an opportunity to keep the commandments unique to the Land of Israel.
While he was not permitted to enter, being allowed to view the land was a comfort to Moses, as he understood that even just seeing it propels a person to new spiritual heights. Similarly, there are people today who access high balconies in the Old City of Jerusalem in order to view the Temple Mount. They appreciate the spiritual benefit they can get just from seeing this holy sight.
