עברית
Faith
Why Was the Burial Place of Moshe Rabbeinu Not Revealed?
Question
If Hashem did not reveal where Moshe is buried, why are there explicit signs in the Torah indicating it is in the region of Nebo? This is confusing. Is it known or not? And if not, why is that? Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
The Gemara in Masechet Sotah (13b) explains regarding the verse (Devarim 34:6) "and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor," that Rabbi Berekhyah said it is "a sign within a sign." Even so, no one knows his burial place. Rashi explains "a sign within a sign" as meaning there are many signs in the land of Moab, in the valley, opposite Beth Peor, yet still no one knows, etc. Furthermore, the Gemara there (14a, as cited in the Bach's glosses) clarifies why Moshe's grave is hidden from the eyes of flesh and blood: because it is known before Hashem that the Temple will be destroyed and Israel will be exiled from their land. Should someone come to bury Moshe at that time and stand weeping and supplicating before him, saying, "Moshe our teacher, plead for us," Moshe would stand and nullify the harsh decree, since the righteous are beloved in their death more than in their life. See also this reason in Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah, Parashat Chukat, section 24.
Blessings, Hillel Meirs
