We know the broad strokes from the Torah: he ascends Mount Nebo, gazes upon the Promised Land he will never enter, and then… he dies. But Jewish tradition, bless its heart, rarely leaves a good story unfinished. It fills in the gaps, adding layers of drama, even cosmic battles, to the familiar narrative.
So, picture this: Moses is nearing the end. He's bargaining with God, trying to stave off the inevitable decree. But as Legends of the Jews tells us, based on various Midrashic sources, another hour has slipped by. A heavenly voice echoes: "How long wilt thou endeavor in vain to avert the sentence? Thou has not only two hours more of life." (Ginzberg, Legends of the Jews, vol. 3)
And who’s been impatiently waiting in the wings? None other than Samael, the head of all evil spirits. He's been counting down the seconds until Moses’ death, eager to snatch his soul, just like any other mortal. He’s practically gloating, "When will the moment be at hand when Michael shall weep and I shall triumph?" (Ibid.)
Talk about high stakes! It's not just about death; it’s a cosmic showdown.
With only two hours left, Michael, Israel’s guardian angel, starts to weep. Can you imagine the scene? The protector of the Jewish people, overcome with grief. For Samael, this is the moment he’s been craving. His victory seems assured.
But Michael, ever the champion, isn’t giving up without a fight. He retorts to Samael: "'Rejoice not against me, mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.'" (Ibid.) It's a powerful declaration of faith and resilience. Even in the face of Moses’ death, even if it feels like a defeat, Michael knows that hope remains. He will rise again through Joshua, who will lead the Israelites to conquer the land.
And there's more! Even if darkness descends with the destruction of the First and Second Temples, Michael asserts, God will be a light on the day of the Messiah.
It's a breathtaking moment, isn't it? This isn't just about the death of a man; it’s about the eternal struggle between good and evil, hope and despair, and the unwavering belief in ultimate redemption. It's a reminder that even in our darkest hours, the light of faith can guide us forward. The story of Moses' final hours, as embellished by these traditions, offers a powerful message of hope and resilience. It reminds us that even in the face of death, the spirit of the Jewish people, and the promise of redemption, endures.