17 the Arabah also, with the Jordan as a border , from Chinnereth even as far as the sea of the Arabah , the Salt Sea , at the foot of the slopes of Pisgah on the east . 18 "Then I commanded you at that time , saying , ' The Lord your God has given you this land to possess it; all you valiant men shall cross over armed before your brothers , the sons of Israel . 19 ' But your wives and your little ones and your livestock (I know that you have much livestock ) shall remain in your cities which I have given you, 20 until the Lord gives rest to your fellow countrymen as to you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God will give them beyond the Jordan . Then you may return every man to his possession which I have given you.'
21 "I commanded Joshua at that time , saying , 'Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings ; so the Lord shall do to all the kingdoms into which you are about to cross . 22 'Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.'
23 "I also pleaded with the Lord at that time , saying , 24 'O Lord GOD , You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand ; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours? 25 'Let me, I pray , cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan , that good hill country and Lebanon .' 26 "But the Lord was angry with me on your account , and would not listen to me; and the Lord said to me, 'Enough ! Speak to Me no more e of this matter . 27 'Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes to the west and north and south and east , and see it with your eyes , for you shall not cross over this Jordan .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 3:17-27
Commentary on Deuteronomy 3:12-20
(Read Deuteronomy 3:12-20)
This country was settled on the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh: see Numbers 32. Moses repeats the condition of the grant to which they agreed. When at rest, we should desire to see our brethren at rest too, and should be ready to do what we can towards it; for we are not born for ourselves, but are members one of another.
Commentary on Deuteronomy 3:21-29
(Read Deuteronomy 3:21-29)
Moses encouraged Joshua, who was to succeed him. Thus the aged and experienced in the service of God, should do all they can to strengthen the hands of those who are young, and setting out in religion. Consider what God has done, what God has promised. If God be for us, who can be against us, so as to prevail? We reproach our Leader if we follow him trembling. Moses prayed, that, if it were God's will, he might go before Israel, over Jordan into Canaan. We should never allow any desires in our hearts, which we cannot in faith offer up to God by prayer. God's answer to this prayer had a mixture of mercy and judgment. God sees it good to deny many things we desire. He may accept our prayers, yet not grant us the very things we pray for. It God does not by his providence give us what we desire, yet if by his grace he makes us content without, it comes to much the same. Let it suffice thee to have God for thy Father, and heaven for thy portion, though thou hast not every thing thou wouldst have in the world. God promised Moses a sight of Canaan from the top of Pisgah. Though he should not have the possession of it, he should have the prospect of it. Even great believers, in this present state, see heaven but at a distance. God provided him a successor. It is a comfort to the friends of the church of Christ, to see God's work likely to be carried on by others, when they are silent in the dust. And if we have the earnest and prospect of heaven, let these suffice us; let us submit to the Lord's will, and speak no more to Him of matters which he sees good to refuse us.