The Death of Moses

By Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Deuteronomy 34:1 And the Lord showed him all the land

Upon the mountain's summit stands at last

Moses, the prophet and the man of God.

Unwavering his eyes look on the view,

survey the promised scene, the holy land.

Now, Lord, thy promises have been fulfilled,

to me thy word has been for ever sure.

Deliverance and salvation are thy gifts,

thy anger chastens, casts away, consumes.

Eternal faithful Lord, thy faithless slave

knows well - at all times righteous is thy will.

So now, today, inflict my punishment,

enfold me in the long dark sleep of death.

Rich grow the vineyards in the holy land;

faith only knows the promise of their wine.

Pour for the doubter, then, his bitter draught,

and let his faith proclaim thy thanks and praise.

Wondrous the works which thou hast done by me,

changing my cup from gall to sweet delight.

Grant me to witness through the veil of death

my people at their high triumphant feast.

I fail, and sink in thine eternity,

but see my people marching forward, free.

God quick to punish sin or to forgive,

thou knowest how this people has my love.

Enough that I have borne its shame and sin

and seen salvation—now I need not live.

Stay, hold my nerveless hands, let fall my staff;

thou faithful God, prepare me for my grave.

September 1944