I think the Israelites are condemned by the Lord because they were not grateful for all of the blessings God had provided them. Beginning in Numbers 11, the Israelites complain about the lack of variety in their diet, yet they do not exalt God for rescuing them from Egypt. They are unable to see the loving things God does for them, and they instead act selfishly. Moreover, they exhibit a lack of faith in God. The Israelites emphasize their doubt in God leading them to their promised land and express their desires to return to Egypt. They also show the most severe form of disobedience by worshiping other gods in Numbers 25. This leads to God growing angry and results in the generation’s condemnation.
Although Moses dies at the conclusion of the Pentateuch, I think this ends on a triumphant note rather than a somber one. It is states that “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses” ( Deuteronomy 34). I think this emphasizes the power and respect held by Moses. Despite not personally reaching the promised land, Moses allowed thousands of other descendants to reach the promised land and fulfill the covenant he entered into with God. This closing passage also guides our reading of what takes place in the book of Joshua. As Moses lay dying, Joshua consumes the spirit of his wisdom, and the Israelites immediately listen to him as he took on Moses’s role. They listen to what God had instructed Moses to do. I think this establishes a newfound obedience in the Israelites who had previously been doubtful of God. However, Joshua will never be able to fill the shoes of Moses. Moses had a unique relationship with God as he knew him “face to face” (Deuteronomy 34). Joshua never experiences this interaction with God, despite being the successor of Moses.
Notre Dame Theology 
I agree with your point of how Moses has immense power and respect especially since he was a prophet who had the chance to see a part of God and communicate with God. I also liked how you brought up the new obedience of the Israelites, which comes after Moses dying, hearing the words of God from Moses, and the new leadership.
LikeLike
I like how you described the relationship between the Israelites and God. Completely ungrateful for the blessings that He bestowed upon them, as seen through their idolatry. Seems kind of similar to how our daily sin pushes us farther away from Him and we must work to restore that relationship by maintaining faith.
LikeLike
I agree that the Israelites were very ungrateful towards God. While I get that the grass is always greener on the other side, it seems horrible to cast aside a God that set you free from slavery. I also liked the point you made about Moses’ death being a triumphant point in the Pentateuch. I hadn’t looked at it that way before.
LikeLike
I like how you said Deuteronomy ended on a triumphal note rather than somber one. While it does end with Moses’s death, it summarizes his greatness and what he did for the Israelites. And being that he never was able to enter the promised land, yet still led his people in its direction, it shows his true nature and dedication as God’s servant.
LikeLike
I like how you describe the transition of power from Moses to Joshua. Since Moses has done everything in his power to help the Israelites stay faithful to the Lord, it is now Joshua’s turn to make the people obey him and help them cross into the promised land. I think it is interesting how you said that Moses’ death was not a let down overall.
LikeLike