It seems strange that the life of the pre-eminent leader of Klal Yisrael came to an end with so little attention directed to it. Indeed, the appellation used to describe the essence of the man who achieved the apotheosis of spiritual leadership is simply ‘s scg, the servant of Hashem. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., explains that, in fact, this characterization of Moshe represents the ultimate tribute to him. Moshe’s entire life was devoted to Hashem and His people. He was an “eved Hashem,” servant of Hashem, in the truest sense of the word. He achieved total self-abnegation, so that his whole being was dedicated to serving as an instrument with which to convey Hashem’s message.
Horav Hirsch notes that no physical lasting commemorative of Moshe remains. Our leader has departed from this world, yet no monument or stone exists in testimony to him. We do not even know the location of his gravesite. Moshe’s whole earthly persona disappeared with his physical demise. All that survived of Moshe in this world is Hashem’s Word. This was transmitted in the most precise manner, so that if a later descendant arises to assume his mantle of leadership, he will carry with him an echo of the words of Moshe Rabbeinu.
