דברים, פרק ד׳, פסוק כ״ב

Moses stands before the nation at the end of his life, drawing a sharp contrast between his own fate and their bright future. Knowing his days are numbered, he uses these final moments to deliver a severe warning. Because he will soon pass away, he will no longer be there to guide the people, watch over them, or correct them if they sin and forget the Commandments once they enter the Promised Land [ספורנו, חזקוני]. He must warn them now, while he is still alive, because he will have no way to speak to them after his death [בכור שור].

It might seem obvious that a dying man cannot journey onward [משכיל לדוד], but Moses emphasizes his fate to show that he will not cross the Jordan River under any circumstances. He will not enter while alive, and even his bones will not be carried into the land after he dies [רש״י, בכור שור]. This absolute finality reveals the purity of his intentions. When he demands that the people keep the Commandments so they can live long and prosper, it is clearly not out of personal interest. He has no expectation of enjoying the fruits of their success or sharing in their good fortune, as he will remain behind [חזקוני, בכור שור].

Ultimately, only the nation will cross the river to inherit the land [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, this new beginning brings a complex challenge. The people, led by Joshua, will be entirely consumed by the difficult task of conquering and settling their new home. Because they will be so busy with these physical struggles, they will lack the time and focus needed to completely rid themselves of the urge for idol worship. That deep spiritual mission will remain unfinished, taking many generations to finally complete [מלבי״ם].