Moses implored God to change his punishment and allow him to enter the Land of Israel, even if only after his death. His prayers were not accepted, and he was allowed only to view the land.

Moses said before Him: Master of the Universe, wasn’t the decree decreed that I would not enter the Land of Israel…as royalty? I will enter as a commoner. God said to him: A king does not enter as a commoner.

Moses continued standing and posing all these requests. Moses said before the Holy One, blessed be He: Master of the Universe, since the decree was issued that I will not enter the land by crossing the Jordan River, neither as a king nor as a commoner, I will enter it via the Caesarea Philippi tunnel, which is beneath the Banias spring, thus entering under the Jordan River. God said to him: “But there you will not cross” (Deuteronomy 34:4).

Moses said before Him: Master of the Universe, since it was decreed against me that I will not enter, neither as a king nor as a commoner, and not via the Caesarea Philippi tunnel, which is beneath the Banias spring, at least allow my bones to cross the Jordan for burial. God said to him: “As you will not cross this Jordan” (3:27).

Moses said before Him: Master of the Universe, if it is so that I may not cross in any fashion, allow me to see it with my eyes. Regarding that matter, it was stated to him: “Ascend to the top of the peak…and see with your eyes.” (Mekhilta deRabbi Yishmael, Beshalah, Mesekhta deAmalek 2)