The Sages relate that just before Moses’ death, he requested that God allow him to continue to live, but transfer his position and his authority to his successor, Joshua. God granted his request, but when Moses realized that he was becoming jealous of Joshua, he immediately requested to die.

Moses said before God: Master of the Universe, let Joshua assume my position, and I will remain alive. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: Act with him as his attendant, as he acts with you.

Immediately, Moses arose early and went to Joshua’s home. Joshua feared what would occur and said: Moses our teacher, come to me. They went for a walk, and Moses walked to the left of Joshua. They entered the Tent of Meeting and the pillar of cloud descended and went between them. When the pillar of cloud ascended, Moses went to Joshua and said: What did the word of God say to you? Joshua said to him: When the word of God was revealed to you, did I know what it would say to you? At that moment, Moses screamed and said: One hundred deaths but not one jealousy.

Solomon elaborates on this: “As love is as intense as death, jealousy is as cruel as the grave” (Song of Songs 8:6). This is a reference to the love that Moses had for Joshua and the jealousy that Moses had of Joshua. Once Moses accepted that he would die, the Holy One, blessed be He, began consoling him. God said to him: I take an oath by your life that just as in this world you led My children, in the future too, after the resurrection of the dead, I will lead them through you. (Devarim Rabba 9)