John Gill Commentary Deuteronomy 3:23

"And I besought Jehovah at that time, saying," — Deuteronomy 3:23 (ASV)

And I besought the Lord at that time
When he was told he should die, and Joshua should succeed him; or when the two kings were slain, and their kingdoms conquered; this being the beginning, pledge, and earnest of what God had promised to do for the people of Israel; Moses was very desirous of living to see the work completed, and therefore sought the Lord by prayer and supplication:

saying ;
as follows.