The Legends of the Jews tells us that Moses's time was up. Not in a vague, someday-it'll-happen kind of way, but precisely. A voice, resonant and unmistakable, booms from the heavens: "Why, Moses, dost thou strive in vain? Thy last second is at hand." Can you even fathom that?
Immediately, Moses turns to prayer. A desperate, heartfelt plea. "Lord of the world!" he cries. "Be mindful of the day on which Thou didst reveal Thyself to me in the bush of thorns, and be mindful also of the day when I ascended into heaven and during forty days partook of neither food nor drink." He's reminding God of their shared history, of his unwavering dedication. He begs, "Thou, Gracious and Merciful, deliver me not into the hand of Samael."
Now, Samael, in some Jewish traditions, is a name sometimes associated with the Angel of Death. Moses doesn't want to meet his end at the hands of an angel, especially not one with such a fearsome reputation. He wants something more.
And God answers. "I have heard thy prayer. I Myself shall attend to thee and bury thee." Think about the weight of that promise. Not an angel, not a messenger, but God Himself will be there.
What does Moses do? He prepares. He "sanctified himself as do the Seraphim," the fiery, celestial beings that surround the Divine Throne. He elevates himself, striving for a state of utter purity, ready for the encounter.
Then, a revelation. God, in all His glory, reveals Himself from the highest heavens to receive Moses's soul. The sight is so overwhelming that Moses falls upon his face. He makes one final request: "Lord of the world! In love didst Thou create the world, and in love Thou guidest it. Treat me also with love, and deliver me not into the hands of the Angel of Death."
The fear is still there, that primal dread of the unknown. But Moses is consistent, pleading for love.
A heavenly voice responds, offering comfort. "Moses, be not afraid. 'Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.'" The words echo with reassurance. Moses's life of service, his dedication to righteousness, has paved the way. He will be met not with fear, but with glory.
This passage from Legends of the Jews reminds us that even in the face of death, there can be grace, love, and the ultimate reward for a life well-lived. It makes you wonder: what preparations do we make in our own lives for that final moment? What kind of legacy of righteousness do we hope to leave behind?