Moses. One of the genuinely towering figures of the biblical story. Protected by God at his birth, chosen by God as a man, led by God throughout his career, buried by God at his death - as the scripture says, "Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses...unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the LORD sent him to perform...for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power..." Hollywood needs a handsome, powerful Charleton Heston with flowing hair and full beard to begin to portray this "lion" of a man.

Our lesson introduces us to him at the end of his life. Moses is on the mountaintop across the Jordan River from Jericho. Before him is a vast panorama. To the north is the Sea of Galilee, to the west is the Mediterranean, to the south is the vast Nege…