John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 3:26

"But Jehovah was wroth with me for your sakes, and hearkened not unto me; and Jehovah said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter." — Deuteronomy 3:26 (ASV)

But the Lord was wroth with me. Some imagine that God was offended by such a longing as this; but Moses is rather giving the reason why he did not obtain what he sought, namely, because he had already been excluded from it. For, although he certainly does not argue with God, as if he had been unjustly condemned for the faults of others, he still indirectly implies the people's responsibility, since it was fitting that they should all be reminded that the punishment inflicted upon God’s distinguished servant was caused by the guilt of them all. We have seen elsewhere ²⁴⁰ how the penalty of their common transgression was justly imposed upon Moses.

Its mitigation then follows, when God commands him to go up to the top of Mount Abarim (which is here called Pisgah, and elsewhere Nebo), so that he might nevertheless enjoy a sight of the promised land.

In conclusion, he more clearly explains why he exhorted Joshua, namely, because Joshua was about to cross over ahead of the people. In the last verse, Moses also assigns the reason for their delay and why they remained so long in the valley near Mount Abarim. For it is precisely as if he had said that they were held back by God’s extended hand, so that they should not proceed any further until Joshua had been installed as his successor.

²⁴⁰ See ante, on on Deuteronomy 1:37. . p. 137..