במדבר, פרק כ״ז, פסוק י״ב

As Moses's leadership draws to a close and preparations for entering the Promised Land reach a critical stage, he is instructed to ascend a mountain and gaze upon the territory he will not be permitted to enter. The timing of this directive raises questions, as his actual ascent and passing occur much later. The primary approach among commentators connects this moment to the preceding events regarding land inheritance. After being instructed by God to grant an inheritance to the daughters of Zelophehad, Moses felt a surge of hope that the decree against him might have been lifted, allowing him to enter and distribute the land to the people. God's directive serves as a firm reminder that the original decree remains in place [רש״י, תולדות יצחק]. Similarly, after successfully conquering the Transjordanian territories of Sihon and Og, Moses rejoiced and mistakenly thought the restriction was annulled. This dynamic is compared to a king who forbade his son from entering his palace; the son happily followed his father through the outer gates and courtyards, but upon reaching the inner chamber, the king halted him and reminded him of the prohibition [רש״י, משכיל לדוד].

The placement of this event is also deeply tied to the question of succession. Realizing his time is short, Moses sought to know who would inherit his position [אבן עזרא, רבנו בחיי]. Furthermore, God was displeased that Moses had not prepared his own sons for the role, prompting Moses to recognize the need to request a successor outside his lineage, who would ultimately be Joshua [כלי יקר]. The location of this transition, Mount Abarim, carries profound meaning. The primary approach among commentators explains that the mountain is named for its view over the Jordan crossings, the very paths the Israelites will take into Canaan [רמב״ן, רש״ר הירש, נתינה לגר]. Others focus on its topography, noting that it is visible from all directions and overlooks the entire region [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or that it physically straddles two sides—one facing Israel and the other in Moabite territory [העמק דבר]. Alternatively, the name is linked to the concept of anger, hinting at God's strictness regarding Moses's failure to establish an heir from his own descendants [כלי יקר].

Regarding when this instruction was actually carried out, the primary approach among commentators maintains that Moses was not expected to ascend and pass away at that exact moment. He still had to lead the war against Midian and complete his spiritual guidance of the people. Instead, this was an announcement of the future, signaling that his earthly role of bringing the nation to the border was complete, and he needed to finalize the appointment of his successor [רמב״ן, רש״ר הירש]. Conversely, another perspective suggests that God did want him to ascend immediately, not to die, but to gaze upon the land continuously. According to this view, Moses looked at the land then and would look at it one last time on the day of his death [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. Ultimately, this act of looking was far from a passive farewell. By casting his gaze over the land, Moses actively weakened the strength of its Canaanite inhabitants, paving the way and easing the future conquest for the Israelites [שפתי כהן].