Devarim Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Book of Deuteronomy, gives us a glimpse into that incredible scene, a cosmic struggle between life and death, between Moses and the Angel of Death.

The text asks, what does "before his death" even mean? And the Rabbis answer with a truly audacious image: Moses actually took the Angel of Death and threw him before himself! Can you imagine the sheer force of will?

Rabbi Meir elaborates, picturing the Angel of Death approaching Moses with the message: "The Holy One, blessed be He, sent me to you, for you are departing today." But Moses, ever the servant of God, refuses. "Go from here," he says, "as I seek to laud the Holy One, blessed be He!" He quotes Psalm 118:17: "May I not die but live, so I may relate the deeds of the Lord."

The Angel of Death, not easily deterred, challenges Moses’s hubris. "Why are you being arrogant?" he asks. "He has those who will laud him. The heavens and the earth laud him every hour, as it is stated: 'The heavens relate the glory of God' (Psalms 19:2)." But Moses retorts, "I will silence them and laud him!" invoking Deuteronomy 32:1, "Listen, heavens, and I will speak, [and the earth will hear the sayings of my mouth]."

This scene plays out like a divine chess match. The Angel returns a second time, but Moses, in his immense power, invokes the ineffable Name of God – the Shem HaMeforash – against him, and the Angel flees. Deuteronomy 32:3 provides the source: "For I will call out the name of the Lord."

Finally, on the third approach, Moses accepts his fate. "Since he [the angel of death] is from the Lord, I must accept the judgment," he concedes. Deuteronomy 32:4 seals this moment: "The Rock: His actions are perfect." It's a powerful reminder of submission to the Divine will.

But the story doesn't end there. Rabbi Yitzḥak offers a moving inner dialogue, a conversation between Moses and his own soul. Moses asks his soul if it fears the Angel of Death, if it weeps at the sight of impending loss, if it dreads judgment in Gehenna (a concept similar to purgatory). The soul, however, remains steadfast, quoting Psalm 116, "For You rescued me from death… My eyes from tears… My feet from stumbling… I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living."

Hearing this, Moses grants his soul permission to depart, saying, "Return, my soul to your restfulness..." (Psalms 116:7).

Rabbi Avin adds a final, beautiful touch. As Moses’s soul departs, both the earthly and heavenly realms sing his praises. Those in the lower worlds proclaim, "Torah, Moses commanded us" (Deuteronomy 33:4), while those in the upper worlds declare, "He performed the righteousness of the Lord..." (Deuteronomy 33:21). And, ultimately, the Holy One, blessed be He, lauds him, "There has not arisen another prophet in Israel like Moses" (Deuteronomy 34:10).

What does this all mean? It's more than just a story about death. It's a testament to Moses’s unwavering devotion, his constant striving to praise God, even in the face of the ultimate challenge. It's a reminder that even in our own struggles, we can find strength in faith and the courage to face whatever comes our way. And perhaps, it's a glimpse into the profound mystery of the soul's journey.