Deuteronomy 3 Footnotes

3:14 The phrase “as it is today” suggests a time somewhat later than the setting of the narrative and therefore an author or editor besides Moses. There are a number of such instances in Deuteronomy (34:6) but taken altogether they hardly undermine the case for Mosaic authorship of the book as a whole. Such incidental explanations are the product of divine inspiration.

3:26 The Lord’s refusal to permit Moses to enter the land of promise was not pettiness on his part nor had Moses committed an unpardonable sin. Rather, his punishment was severe because he had dishonored the Lord in the presence of the people (Nm 20:12). The principle is that to whom much is given, much is required (Lk 12:48). In any event, Moses did appear in the promised land in the company of the transfigured Jesus (Mt 17:3).