Biblical References
The language is seen by some as a "prophetic" analogy. Moses is the leader of the people of Israel, whom they follow because of the prospect of life within a Promised Land. Before they reach it however, Moses is informed by God that he will not allow him to enter into the land and that he will only see it with his eyes.
"Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo ... There the Lord showed him the whole land ... Then the Lord said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ... I will let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it." —Deuteronomy 34:1-4Shortly after, Moses dies and is buried by God, and his successor, Joshua, leads the people of Israel into the Promised Land.
Read more about this topic: I've Been To The Mountaintop