Moses is one of the most important leaders in the Bible. He led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and gave them God’s laws. His story spans the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. But how old was Moses when he died? The Bible gives us a clear answer.
Moses Lived to 120 Years Old
Moses died at 120 years old. This is stated in Deuteronomy 34:7:
"Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." (Deuteronomy 34:7, NIV)
Even at that age, he was still strong and healthy. He did not die from weakness or illness. His death was a part of God’s plan.
Why Didn’t Moses Enter the Promised Land?
Though Moses led the people for 40 years in the wilderness, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. This may seem unfair, but the Bible explains why.
In Numbers 20:12, God said to Moses:
"Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."
At Meribah, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, as God had told him. He disobeyed and took some of the glory for himself. This moment of disobedience cost him the chance to enter Canaan.
The Life of Moses in Three Parts
Moses’ life can be divided into three major periods of 40 years each:
| Stage of Life | Years | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Prince of Egypt | 0–40 | Raised in Pharaoh's palace (Acts 7:23) |
| Shepherd in Midian | 40–80 | Lived in the wilderness and met God at the burning bush (Exodus 3) |
| Leader of Israel | 80–120 | Led the Exodus and gave the Law (Exodus–Deuteronomy) |
God Buried Moses
Moses died on Mount Nebo, near the land of Moab. There, God showed him the Promised Land from a distance.
"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." (Deuteronomy 34:5–6)
This is unique. The Bible says God Himself buried Moses, and no one ever found his grave. This adds to the mystery and honor of his death.
Moses’ Legacy in the Bible
Moses was not only a leader, but also a prophet and servant of God. His legacy continues through Scripture. Joshua took over as leader after Moses' death (Joshua 1:1–2), and many generations remembered Moses’ words and actions.
Jesus even spoke with Moses during the Transfiguration:
"And there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." (Matthew 17:3)
This shows that Moses still had a role in God’s story long after his earthly death.
Bible Verses About Moses’ Death and Age
Here is a summary of key verses:
| Verse | Content |
|---|---|
| Deuteronomy 34:7 | Moses was 120 years old, still strong |
| Deuteronomy 34:5–6 | God buried Moses in Moab |
| Numbers 20:12 | Why Moses couldn’t enter the Promised Land |
| Acts 7:23–30 | Stephen’s speech outlining Moses’ life |
| Matthew 17:3 | Moses appears with Jesus in glory |
Final Thoughts
Moses lived a full 120 years. He saw miracles, spoke with God, and led a nation. He died strong, honored, and faithful—though he did not enter the Promised Land, he saw it and was at peace. His story still teaches us about trust, obedience, and leadership.
