Thank you for the question on the burial of Moses, “And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. He buried him in Moab, in the Valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is” (Deut 34:5-6). Why is there so much mystery surrounding his burial?”
The Scripture does not state exactly location of the grave of Moses except that he was buried in Moab, in the Valley opposite Beth Peor. As to the reason surrounding his burial, here are some thoughts for one’s consideration.
A. If the staff or robe of Moses was found soon after his death, it is likely that the Israelites would deified those articles.
B. If the staff or robe of Moses was found soon after his death, the discoverer may claim the the position or power of Moses was transfer to him/her since he discovered it.
C. If the staff or robe of Moses was found soon after his death, the authority and position of Joshua may be contested by those who hold Moses’ staff. The staff symbolized for the Israelites the power and the presence of God.
In Numbers 17, the budding of Aaron’s staff was miraculous over the 12 staffs of the leaders of Israelites. One can only imagine what it would be like if someone was able to obtain that staff. That staff doesn’t compare to Moses’ staff!
D. The body of Moses was buried in an unmark grave so that the Israelites would not make that place a religious shrine. It would have be the world’s greatest tourist attraction just as people wanted to see the tomb of Jesus.
E. The body of Moses was buried in an unmark grave so that Satan would not use his body to cause the Israelites to worship him instead of the LORD God. It was a means to keep Satan from tempting the Israelites.
Jude 9 says this, “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (NIV).
SUMMARY: God knows that the Israelites have a tendency to worship their leaders. To possess an article of Moses would have led them into idolatry of worshiping Moses.
For more perspectives: