3:23 ...I pleaded to G-d at that time saying.......... 3:25....Please allow me to cross over and see the good land that is across the yarden, the good mountain, and the Lebanon

The above pesukim inform us of Moshe's request to enter the land of Eress Yisrael. Since it was previously told to Moshe that he would not have the privilege to enter, why did Moshe seek to plead to Hashem one last time, knowing he would be refused?

In order to answer this question, we must ask: What do the words in 3:23 "at that time" refer to? The Malbim, as well as Don Yishaq Abarbanel, state that this request was specifically after the time Yehoshua was appointed as Moshe's replacement. Meaning, G-ds commandment to Moshe was "You shall not lead them into the land" as opposed to "You shall not enter the land," thereby pertaining to him only while leading the Jewish people.

While accepting the truth that it was now Yehoshua's nation, still Moshe never lost site of the big picture, which was establishing a home for himself and the Jewish people, even though it may have meant arriving as a commoner and not as the leader. In addition, the Talmud in Sotah 14B states that Moshe specifically wanted to enter the land solely to eat from its fruits, to derive enjoyment from the land, and to perform the Misvot that can only be performed in Israel.

Many people today whether they live in the land of Israel, or in the diaspora, may not appreciate the land's value and gift it provides to the Jewish nation. Moshe was able to see this even though he was denied.

May we only have the strength to never lose sight of the goal of one day restoring the Temple in Jerusalem in order that we can fully appreciate the treasure we call Eress Yisrael. Amencom