So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
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Ambrose of Milan
AD 397
We do not read of [Moses], as we do of others, that he fell sick and died. We read that “he died by the word of God”—for God does not grow weak or undergo diminution or addition. Hence Scripture added, “No man has known of his sepulcher until this present day”—by which we are to understand that he was taken up into heaven rather than buried, for death may be called a separation of the soul from the body. He died therefore as the Scripture states: “by the word of God”—not “in accordance with the word”—so as to make known that this was not an announcement of his death but was more in the nature of a gracious gift to one who was translated rather than left here and whose sepulcher was known to no one. .
Died there. This last chapter of Deuteronomy, in which the death of Moses is related, was written by Josue, or by some of the prophets. (Challoner)
Josephus ( iv. 9.), Philo, and Origen (contra Cels. ii. p. 95,) believe, however, that Moses wrote the account of his own death. See preface to Deuteronomy. (Haydock)
Moab, which had formerly belonged to that nation. (Menochius)
Commandment. Hebrew literally, "the mouth. "The Rabbins say God kissed him, and thus released his soul. Some have nevertheless pretended that Moses was translated, like Elias, without dying. (Chaldean; Catharin;) But his death and burial are too clearly mentioned in Scripture. St. Jerome (in Amos viii.) seems, at first view, to countenance the former opinion: but he only speaks of a spiritual translation, and not of the body. (Calmet)
Josephus thinks that it was to prevent this mistake, that Moses wrote this chapter.
Moses’ death is recorded to have been even more sublime than his life. He died on a mountain peak and left behind neither trace nor memorial of his earthly burden in life. The impress of beauty was not altered by time but remained unchangeable in the changeable nature.
