The mourning period referred to in Deuteronomy 34:8 relates to the death of Moses. Moses was the leader of the Israelites and had led them out of slavery in Egypt. His death marked the end of an era for the Israelites.
Deuteronomy 34:8 states: “The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.” This verse gives us some insight into the mourning practices of the Israelites at that time.
Here are some key things we can gather about what the Israelites did during this mourning period:
- The mourning took place for 30 days – This was a substantial period of mourning, indicating the significance of Moses’ leadership and the sense of loss felt by the people.
- It took place in the plains of Moab – This was an area east of the Jordan River where the Israelites were encamped before entering the promised land.
- There was weeping and mourning – The people expressed their grief openly through weeping and other mourning customs.
Although details are limited, based on other Old Testament accounts of mourning practices, here are some things the Israelites likely did during this 30-day period:
- Engaged in public lamentation and weeping – There were likely public gatherings for mourning and expressions of grief. (2 Samuel 1:11-12)
- Fasted – Going without food was a common practice and abstaining from pleasures as a sign of grief. (2 Samuel 1:12)
- Wore sackcloth – Rough sackcloth garments were worn instead of normal clothes. (Genesis 37:34)
- Rolled in ashes – Ashes were put on one’s head as a visible sign of mourning. (2 Samuel 13:19)
- Rent their clothes – Clothes were torn or cut as an act of grief and mourning. (Joshua 7:6)
- Cried out in lament – There was likely passionate crying out in grief. (2 Samuel 3:31-32)
- Composed laments and elegies – Songs and poetry with themes of loss were created. (2 Samuel 1:17-27)
- Had a time of purification – Time was taken for spiritual cleansing and purification after the loss. (Numbers 19:11-13)
- Commemorated the deceased – Stories were shared remembering and commemorating Moses. (Deuteronomy 32:1-43)
- Displayed signs of grief – customs such as not washing, going barefoot, and covering the head showed their mourning state. (2 Samuel 14:2)
The grieving for Moses was both an expression of sadness at the passing of their leader, as well as a recognition of the major transition facing the Israelites. Moses had been their mediator with God, their lawgiver, their intercessor, and the key person leading them towards the Promised Land.
His death left a huge void in leadership over the nation. The 30 days was likely a period for the people both to grieve and process Moses’ death, as well as prepare for the next phase of entering Canaan under their new leader Joshua.
The season of grief came to an appointed end after 30 days, recognizing the need to move forward even amidst the pain of loss. The formal mourning period for Moses facilitated a time of communal grieving and processing, allowing the nation to come together and support one another during a vulnerable transitional time.
While specific details are limited, Deuteronomy 34:8 provides us a snapshot into the mourning customs of ancient Israel. It reveals the great love and honor the Israelites had for Moses and the serious grief they endured at his passing. Their substantial mourning underscores Moses’ towering legacy and irreplaceable leadership over the people of Israel.
The mourning for Moses also sets a precedent for the nation, demonstrating the importance of taking time to grieve and commemorate a great leader. While their tears ended after 30 days, their memories of Moses’ legacy would endure and inspire them for generations to come.
The Bible has many references to mourning practices. Here are some other examples:
Jacob’s mourning for Joseph – Genesis 37:34-35
“Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.”
Jacob engaged in mourning customs like tearing his clothes and wearing sackcloth. He mourned intensely for many days, being inconsolable in his grief.
David’s mourning for Abner – 2 Samuel 3:31-37
“Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier. They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept.
And the king lamented for Abner, saying, “Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him.
Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was yet day. But David swore, saying, “God do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down!” And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.”
David led the public mourning for Abner, calling for weeping, lamentation, and fasting until sundown.
The death of King Josiah – 2 Chronicles 35:24-25
“So his servants took him out of the chariot and carried him in his second chariot and brought him to Jerusalem. And he died and was buried in the tombs of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day. They made these a rule in Israel; behold, they are written in the Laments.”
There was deep national mourning for King Josiah. Musical laments and elegies were composed that became a regular tradition of remembrance.
Jesus weeps at Lazarus’ tomb – John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.
Jesus joined in the mourning, weeping with Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha. He showed that mourning with those who mourn is honorable and expressions of grief are right.
While mourning practices have changed over time, the Bible gives us many glimpses into how God’s people grieved deeply yet with hope. The mourning period for Moses reminds us of the honor due to great leaders, and the need to properly grieve and process loss as a community. While grief is inevitable, the resurrection promise of Christ gives hope that joy comes in the morning.