EGW WritingsDeuteronomy 4

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 120, 1909

Portland, Maine

July 3, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 1

Deuteronomy 4:1, 2, 3, 4. Now you see that God keeps account with His people. Those that shall be obedient and shall walk in humility of mind before God, His eye is over them; His angels are guiding them, His angels protect them.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 2

And here, verse 4. Now remember this, it makes a difference decidedly with every one of us whether we search the Scriptures diligently to see and obey the Word of the living God, or whether we are careless and do not keep the fear of God before us and His goodness and His mercy and His love that should stimulate us as we think of it, and that we should try to serve the Lord with full purpose of heart.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 3

Verse 4. Now remember all these things, that the Lord tells His servants who have the care and charge of the work. They are to tell these things over and over and over to the children they are preparing, for what? They are preparing for the heavenly courts above; they are preparing to have an entrance into that kingdom that there shall be no going out from it, no danger of any of these things, because they have kept the word of the Lord. It makes some difference whether we are obedient or disobedient. It makes every difference, and we want to stand in right relation to God today. We want to know on this very third of July—to remember throughout all the excitement that may be produced from this time onward for days—we want you to remember there is a God in the heavens that is watching, and is guarding His people that following in obedience to His will. Let every one of us take heed we should place ourselves in that relation to God that He cannot keep us.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 4

Verse 5. They wanted to go into that land in strict obedience to all the commandments of God. After they got into that land they may have a determination to follow the Lord closely.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 5

Verse 6. Some will call you very foolish that you are very particular about this and that. Verse 6. We want just exactly such a testimony, that shall be borne always, that we follow on to know the Lord that His going forth is prepared as the morning.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 6

Verse 7. Wonderful statement. Will we let this encourage us? Here such a wonderful God, and yet He takes notice, and is so faithful to fulfil all the requirements on His part, if we will fulfill the first on our part as He bids us.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 7

Verse 7. Thank the Lord. We want to keep thinking of that.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 8

Verses 8, 9. Well, that will be very wonderful, if you will do your duty to your sons and your daughters as God would have you to do it. He is the one that makes the impression. You act your part. You faithfully teach them in the Scriptures, and the way of the Lord, and encourage their hearts by all these words that I have read.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 9

Verse 9. That is quite a broad field. Will we do it? That is the question. Will you consider that you are not only bring grace and blessing to yourselves, but also the youth when you are watching and teaching them, and guarding and guiding them, to all patience, to all kindness by your kindness, to all watchfulness by your watchfulness. Then your children will have the impression from the heavenly Father to follow on in the way of obedience. Now this is a great thing.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 10

Verses 9, 10. We are just as much responsible for these lessons as they were. We are responsible for all these lessons of instruction, to follow on to know the Lord that His going forth is prepared as the morning.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 11

Verses 11-13. You are to study these Ten Commandments thoroughly and see if you are keeping the very day that is specified in these Ten Commandments. “Verily, my sabbaths ye shall keep them. It is a sign unto you, and it is kept before the Lord as your obedience if you will obey His commandments and reverence His holy day.”

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 12

Verses 12, 13. These commandments are, after they had been rewritten the second time, these commandments are preserved, and will be brought forth at the last great judgment, for we are to be judged according to the commandments that God has given us.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 13

Verse 14. Now there they were given a place to come into the land among idolaters, where idolaters and things which God had forbidden would be before them continually. They were to bear it in their minds.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 14

Verse 15. And here he goes on to say that these things should not be entered into. We have representations over and over and over again that take time and money, and what do they amount to? All the time that is devoted to the work of the Lord is to bring souls into right relation to God. When you diligently study these commandments and follow them to the letter, angels of God write it in the books of heaven. When every one of us is judged, according to the deeds that are done in the body, all this faithfulness will be remembered; and the unfaithfulness will be remembered, to bring punishment, just as surely as God lives.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 15

Verse 21. What was the matter there? Why here there was not a following out the exact requirement of God that He had given. The Lord said, Speak to the rock. The people were complaining and finding fault with Moses because he did not give them drink. He could not given them drink unless the Lord gave the drink, and the Lord said to Moses to go and take the rod in his hand and speak to the rock and it gave forth its waters. Well, Moses felt so wrought up, so provoked with the children of Israel for their unreasonable course that he said, Shall we bring you water out of this rock? Why, he never could have brought the water out of the rock. He forgot himself for the first time, and it makes me cry nearly every time I read it—so faithful, so true. Rebels, he said, shall we bring you,—and struck the rock when he had no command to strike it. Speak to the rock and it shall being forth water.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 16

Now these are the very things that we must bear in mind. We must follow the Word of God exactly. If you deviate from it, and think you will come out just as well, you will find in the end you have met with terrible loss. O, Moses begged of the Lord to let him go over, but the Lord did not let him go. Why? Because the example before Israel would make of little account the word of God. The Word of God is precious in His sight, and He wants every old man and middle-aged man, and He wants every soul that lives, to obey His Word to the letter, and not think it will be just as well. It is not convenient for me to keep the Sabbath, although that is in the commandment strictly. It is not convenient, and therefore they go on and take up the first day that God has placed His sanctity upon, and take up the first day of the week. You cannot afford it. Not one of you can afford it. It is to be faithful and true to God’s requirements. The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 17

Verse 20. He wants to be fitting you and us for translation to heaven, and He wants you to read all these things. The trials that are brought upon the people are often through their own carelessness. If you would just obey God from day to day and walk in all humility of mind, He would give you your children. He would give you your friends. The angels of God would protect you and your families, because of your obedience. He can trust you that you can be an example to those that are around you.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 18

It means something for us to be overcomers. But He must show all Israel, even if Moses, that faithful Moses that had suffered so much that he should permit himself to make a mistake—the Lord said, You cannot see that land that you have desired so much. Well, he begged Him to let him see it. No, he had made that mistake before all Israel, and now He could not pardon that transgression and let it go on just as though he was obedient. And let each one of us remember we are serving the same God.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 19

Verse 21. I feel like crying every time I read it. Verses 22, 23-26. Angels of God were watching. Jesus Christ, the light of the world in the pillar of cloud, had guided them all their way, and when the place came that they were to rest, that cloud halts over right over that place, and there they take notice and they rest until the cloud begins to lift, and then they begin to work, and they get ready to make a move. Now, here was Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, that was commissioned to come and tell them where to rest and then move when they should move, and there Israel was protected all the way along. And yet there were murmurers and complainers too. God help us as a people that we may know when God guideth, and that we may praise Him and honor Him who has given so great light and opportunities and privileges that we may glorify His name.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 20

He says, (Verse 30) “latter days” and that is the very times we are living in now—verse 32. Here a messenger right from heaven in the cloudy pillar was guiding them in the way. How careful and kind and tender should they have been to give the example to their children and all that were in that vast army.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 21

Verses 33-35. We are the people of His care, and He wants that we shall improve upon the great sacrifice that He has made in giving us Jesus, His only begotten Son. He sent Him into the world to come up in humanity, that humanity might grasp the divinity of Christ and have no excuse for sin. Every soul of us, if we are sinful, can repent, and humanity grasps divinity and humanity and divinity combined works out that all the corruptions that are in the world. Lust cannot overcome them, if we connect humanity with divinity. This is the very work that is before us.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 22

Verses 36, 37. Who is speaking these very words to us, and demanding that all be put in print? Whosoever should take a line from the things that were written here and put their own words in their place, He tells just what shall be done unto them. He tells the punishment that shall come upon them. Therefore the Word of God stands in many cases among many people. We see those in foreign language, heathen you may call them, that have been heathen worshipers, who have been converted. The truth is sent to them, and this is what is taking our means largely. We are gathering all the means we can, and we are depriving ourselves of ministers, we are depriving ourselves of teachers, we are depriving ourselves of the very help that we want to retain, but we have such a deep moving of spirit for those in the foreign lands that we cannot refuse their call, Send us help. And we will help them to translate, so that they can help the people in darkness all around us.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 23

Yes, our means is being drawn upon continually to sustain the foreign work as well as the sanitariums and the various institutions. We are working with all the powers of our being to extend the knowledge of the truth, and yet we cannot be satisfied. We want men converted, and we want converted women missionaries that keep the commandments of God, who will teach His commandments, for it is only those that keep His commandments, when they have that Word that tells them what the commandments are. We want that every one of us shall make determined efforts to that we will dedicate ourselves to God at this meeting. You need not feel that it is a great condescension on your part. It is a great blessing to you to come in right relation to God. It is a wonderful blessing, and a privilege as well, if you will hold to it.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 24

Don’t any of you say, It does not matter what day I keep. You go right through the Bible and you see whether it makes any difference or not. What God says is truth and righteousness, and we do not want you to perish. I shall be the 26th of November—82 years old. And yet I am speaking to thousands and thousands of people to try to awaken them to a sense of their accountability to God. I cannot sleep nights, I am in such anxiety. I am pleading with God, and going over the history of the people of God, how He assures them that if they will obey He will deliver them out of their calamities when they call upon Him.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 25

Let us prove the Lord. Let us prove Him with heart and soul and voice. And we want to say that just as surely as you prove the Lord, there will be a humility on your part and on my part, and we shall not exalt ourselves so that we will be afraid, almost, to put persons in position of trust for fear they will get clear beyond their bearings. Now we do not want to do that, no, but I will tell you what we do want. We want to see a people that can pray to the Lord and believe He hears them.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 26

We want to see a people that can come right to the Lord, even at this meeting, and believe He will hear you. We want to see fathers and mothers that are anxious for their children, and can encircle them in their arms, with no hasty words, no passionate speech, no passionate blows to be put upon them. Take them right before the Lord, and tell Him all about it, and then, tell the children that you do not want to correct them and punish them. You want them to love God as you love God, to glorify God as you are trying to do, that you must glorify Him to present these children with clean characters. God help us that we may watch, that we may pray, that we may press the battle to the gates. This is the work before us.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 27

I want to say a few words more before I shall close my remarks. There is a world to be saved. There is a heathen world. Noble looking men have been brought in now and then to be introduced to me, who had embraced the truth. They have said, We want helpers. Then they would tell of the places God has opened where they need help. They have said, We want means to have a little church and a sanitarium, that we may help our sick.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 28

We do a great deal in our sanitariums to help the sick. They do not know how to treat their sick, and when we come in and we pray and we work, the Lord gives us the victory, and life is spared; then they are willing to be converted. They prayed for those that are not converted. They do not wait for them to be converted, but they come right in and offer their prayers to Jesus Christ who knows the heart, Jesus Christ who gave His life a sacrifice for man, that humanity might lay hold upon divinity.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 29

Christ was sent into the world and they crucified Him in the most cruel manner, but He was not left in the grave. He came up, and proclaimed over the sepulcher, He proclaimed the resurrection. He was the life and the strength and the grace through the obedience in His humanity. He did not lose His divinity. He held fast His divinity. They saw humanity and divinity combined. There they were combined, and that is what God wants of us today. I would not be here at my age, traveling as I am, if I did not think some souls would be benefited.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 30

Portland—I was born in Gorham, and nearly all the first part of my life was spent in Portland. There is where I was converted. There is where the Lord opened before me His light and His grace, and He said, Write it out. Write it. Here was the accident that had destroyed my strength and nerve, a stone thrown broke the bridge of my nose. Well, then I began to talk down lower. In time, by using the abdominal muscles in talking, I could extend my voice to almost any company. Now, it has proved a blessing to me.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 31

Never has that right hand, from the elbow, been in a situation that I could not use it. Even when all my body has been in agony—for eleven months when I first went to Australia. It was there with their open drains, and all those difficulties I was exposed to, and we knew not the danger, that I could not move without help, and I suffered for eleven months. They built me a kind of a framework that I could use that arm and that hand, and there I wrote twenty-four hundred pages in eleven months. I felt the Spirit of God coming upon me, because I could use that arm. Well, after a while the blessing of God came upon me in a large measure. I bore the test. And now I travel with infirmities, but I do not mind; if I can only get the word before the people, I shall feel that I have done my duty.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 32

And Portland is where I lived when this accident occurred. They thought I could go to school after I was laid up for about two years. And the strange thing happened. That very girl was the monitor over my section. She knew just exactly what the matter was with me, that I was so nervous that I could not hold a pen in my hand, and she would cry, and the sweat would roll down off of her face. But nevertheless, the Lord said, Write, and I took the pen to write. And lo, my arm was strengthened, the nerves were strengthened, and I have been writing ever since. I have been writing books and books and books by the representation that the Lord has given me. I said, Why I cannot use that hand. Said He, Write, write. And I commenced to write, and I have not stopped writing since—the eleven months even, when I was in such awful suffering, I kept that hand moving, and wrote twenty-four hundred pages in a few months.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 33

Well, good is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. I have proved Him, and I know that we can trust Him. I want every soul not to get exalted above the simplicity of true godliness. I want that every soul should realize their dependence upon God continually, and then exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, and magnify His name. How? By your humility and by your obedience, by your trying to help somebody else who is ready to perish.

24LtMs, Ms 120, 1909, par. 34

There is a work to be done for perishing souls. Missionaries are called for from all parts of the foreign countries. They say, We will try to teach you the language, and we want you to come and teach us the truth. From all parts of the world is the word coming. We want every one of you to be in relation to God, so that if you can grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Right around you there are souls perishing, and you are to open the Scriptures to them even if they do not see any beauty in it. Take right hold upon the Scriptures. Show them its simplicity. Show them how God has marked out what He will do for them if they would be obedient.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 92, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 92, 1899, par. 30

“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” [Deuteronomy 4:5-7.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 23—The Lord’s Vineyard

COL 289.3

“Behold,” said Moses, “I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 1—God’s Purpose in the Church

6T 12.1

The purpose which God seeks to accomplish through His people today is the same that He desired to accomplish through Israel when He brought them forth out of Egypt. By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the love of God revealed in the church, the world is to have a representation of His character. And when the law of God is thus exemplified in the life, even the world will recognize the superiority of those who love and fear and serve God above every other people on the earth. The Lord has His eye upon every one of His people; He has His plans concerning each. It is His purpose that those who practice His holy precepts shall be a distinguished people. To the people of God today as well as to ancient Israel belong the words written by Moses through the Spirit of Inspiration: “Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6.“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

The Story of Redemption

The Judgments and Statutes

SR 150.1

Moses had this in view when he said to Israel, “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

The Kress Collection

God’s Design in Establishing Sanitariums

KC 14.5

“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me. Keep therefore and do them: for this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations, who shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

Australasian Union Conference Record

June 1, 1900

AUCR June 1, 1900, par. 44

The purpose which God seeks to accomplish through His people today is the same that He desired to accomplish through Israel when He brought them forth out of Egypt. By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the love of God revealed in the Church, the world is to have a representation of His character. And when the law of God is thus exemplified in the life, even the world will recognize the superiority of those who love and serve God above every other people on the face of the earth. The Lord has His eye upon every one of His people, He has His plans concerning each. It is His purpose that those who practice His holy precepts shall be a distinguished people. To the people of God today, as well as to ancient Israel, belong the words written by Moses through the Spirit of inspiration in Deuteronomy 7:6, and 4:5-8.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

To Represent God’s Character

2TT 367.1

The Lord has His eye upon every one of His people; He has His plans concerning each. It is His purpose that those who practice His holy precepts shall be a distinguished people. To the people of God today as well as to ancient Israel belong the words written by Moses through the Spirit of Inspiration: “Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6. “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 12b, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 12b, 1896, par. 26

Through Moses, the Lord gave to the children of Israel that instruction he deemed most essential. Read and study his words; for this is higher education. “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore, and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath the Lord nigh unto them, as the Lord our God in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” [Deuteronomy 4:5-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 166, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 166, 1899, par. 18

“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me. ... Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely, this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:5-8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 201, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 201, 1903, par. 6

“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” (Deut. 4:5-8.) [See also] Deut. 6:1-9, 13-25.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1057—The Need to Stand Firmly, but Kindly, for Truth

13MR 321.5

Moses declared, “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.... Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons” [Deuteronomy 4:5, 6, 9].—Letter 30, 1906.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 30, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 30, 1906, par. 12

Moses declared, “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. ... Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons.” [Deuteronomy 4:5, 6, 9.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

History in the Bible

CT 428.1

Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, yet he said to Israel, “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For ... what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.” Deuteronomy 4:5-9.

Lift Him Up

Do Not Judge, November 16

LHU 334.5

Moses declared, “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Sure this great nation is a wise and understanding people.... Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons” (Deuteronomy 4:5-9) (Letter 30, 1906).

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 65, 1912

2SAT 332.4

[Deuteronomy 10:12-18; 11:13-15; Deuteronomy 4:5-9, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 34, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 34, 1897, par. 27

“For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons.” [Deuteronomy 4:5-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 95, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 95, 1899, par. 12

“For what nation is there so great, who hath the Lord so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law which I set before thee this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest thy depart from thine eyes all the days of thy life; but teach them to thy sons and thy sons’ sons.” [Deuteronomy 4:5-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 65, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 65, 1912, par. 36

“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.” Deuteronomy 4:5-9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 195, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 195, 1901, par. 9

God’s great lesson book, his holy Word, gives parents instruction regarding the preparation their children must receive before they can be admitted into the heavenly family. Hear the word of the Lord speaking to you: “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great who hath the Lord God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous, as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thine heart all the days of thy life; but teach them to thy sons and to thy son’s son; especially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear all my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” [Deuteronomy 4:5-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 31, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 31, 1898, par. 38

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thine heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons; specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them bear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. ... And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” [Deuteronomy 4:5-10, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 125, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 125, 1901, par. 2

“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” [Deuteronomy 4:5-13.]

Education

Chapter 5—The Education of Israel

Ed 40.2

God surrounded Israel with every facility, gave them every privilege, that would make them an honor to His name and a blessing to surrounding nations. If they would walk in the ways of obedience, He promised to make them “high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor.” “All people of the earth,” He said, “shall hear that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.” The nations which shall hear all these statutes shall say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 26:19; 28:10; Deuteronomy 4:6.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 12—The French Reformation

GC 230.3

The Reformation had presented to the world an open Bible, unsealing the precepts of the law of God and urging its claims upon the consciences of the people. Infinite Love had unfolded to men the statutes and principles of heaven. God had said: “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 4:6. When France rejected the gift of heaven, she sowed the seeds of anarchy and ruin; and the inevitable outworking of cause and effect resulted in the Revolution and the Reign of Terror.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 12—The French Reformation

GC88 230.2

The Reformation had presented to the world an open Bible, unsealing the precepts of the law of God, and urging its claims upon the consciences of the people. Infinite love had unfolded to men the statutes and principles of Heaven. God had said, “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people,” [Deuteronomy 4:6.] When France rejected the gift of Heaven, she sowed the seeds of anarchy and ruin; and the inevitable outworking of cause and effect resulted in the Revolution and the reign of terror.

Special Testimonies on Church Schools

A Brief History of Christian Schools

PH081 35.1

We learn that they had a school in which workers were trained, called a “College” or “School of the Prophets,” by reading 2 Chronicles 34:22; 1 Samuel 10:9-13; 2 Kings 4:38-44; 6:1-7. This plan of education, when strictly followed out, placed the Israelites at the head of learning, and it is said that they were regarded by the pagan nations round about, thus: “For this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 4:6. Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the East country and all the wisdom of Egypt, for he was wiser than all men. His fame was in all nations roundabout. 1 Kings 4:29-34. The Bible was the basis of their principal studies, which were the natural sciences (1 Kings 4:33), the study of the law, sacred history, sacred music, poetry, agriculture, and horticulture. “The Lord Himself directed the education of Israel,” and he wishes to direct our education today.

Loma Linda Messages

Established Prosperity

LLM 33.3

Two texts are here set before God’s people: two conditions for success. The law spoken by Jehovah himself, and the spirit of prophecy, are the two sources of wisdom to guide His people in every experience. Deuteronomy 4:6. “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, who shall say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 2—The People Who Should Have Welcomed Him

HLv 17.4

Had Israel been true to God, He would have made them “high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor.” “The nations, which shall hear all these statutes,” shall say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 26:19; 4:6.

From Splendor to Shadow

Counsel to Youths

SS 43.2

It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to God’s commandments: “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations.” Deuteronomy 4:6. Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, the purity of the home, or the stability of the nation. “The statutes of the Lord are right,” and “he that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Psalm 19:8; 15:5.

Homeward Bound

God’s Hand in History, January 19

HB 34.5

God has revealed in His law the principles that underlie all true prosperity both of nations and of individuals. “This is your wisdom and your understanding,” Moses declared to the Israelites of the law of God. “It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:47.) The blessings thus assured to Israel are, on the same conditions and in the same degree, assured to every nation and every individual.—Education, 173, 174.

Education

Chapter 19—History and Prophecy

Ed 174.1

God has revealed in His law the principles that underlie all true prosperity both of nations and of individuals. “This is your wisdom and your understanding,” Moses declared to the Israelites of the law of God. “It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.” Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:47. The blessings thus assured to Israel are, on the same conditions and in the same degree, assured to every nation and every individual under the broad heavens.

Education

Chapter 25—Education and Character

Ed 229.2

It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations.” Deuteronomy 4:6.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 59—The First King of Israel

PP 605.2

The days of Israel’s greatest prosperity had been those in which they acknowledged Jehovah as their King—when the laws and the government which He had established were regarded as superior to those of all other nations. Moses had declared to Israel concerning the commandments of the Lord: “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 4:6. But by departing from God’s law the Hebrews had failed to become the people that God desired to make them, and then all the evils which were the result of their own sin and folly they charged upon the government of God. So completely had they become blinded by sin.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 1—Solomon

PK 30.1

God promised that as He had been with David, so He would be with Solomon. If the king would walk before the Lord in uprightness, if he would do what God had commanded him, his throne would be established and his reign would be the means of exalting Israel as “a wise and understanding people,” the light of the surrounding nations. Deuteronomy 4:6.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 5—Solomon’s Repentance

PK 83.1

It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations.” Deuteronomy 4:6. Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all life’s perplexities and dangers and conflicting claims, the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says. “The statutes of the Lord are right,” and “he that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Psalm 19:8; 15:5.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 40—Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

PK 500.3

In His law God has made known the principles that underlie all true prosperity, both of nations and of individuals. To the Israelites Moses declared of this law: “This is your wisdom and your understanding.” “It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.” Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:47. The blessings thus assured to Israel are, on the same conditions and in the same degree, assured to every nation and to every individual under the broad heavens.

Reflecting Christ

The World Needs People of Noble Character, October 2

RC 289.7

It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: “This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations” (Deuteronomy 4:6).

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 2—The Chosen People

DA 28.2

Had Israel been true to God, He could have accomplished His purpose through their honor and exaltation. If they had walked in the ways of obedience, He would have made them “high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor.” “All people of the earth,” said Moses, “shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.” “The nations which shall hear all these statutes” shall say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 26:19; 28:10; 4:6. But because of their unfaithfulness, God’s purpose could be wrought out only through continued adversity and humiliation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 154, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 33

Constantly God’s people are to reveal the line of demarcation separating them from the world. To Israel was given the promise that the Lord would make them a nation of kings and priests, and that in the midst of the surrounding nations they were to stand as a peculiar people, holy unto the Lord. Concerning the statutes of the law, Moses said to the Israelites: “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom ... in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” [Deuteronomy 4:6-8.] This is what the Lord desires to hear the world say concerning His people today.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 110, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 110, 1904, par. 23

“Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord your God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” [Deuteronomy 4:6-8.]

Lift Him Up

Obeying God’s Law, May 11

LHU 145.1

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Deuteronomy 4:7, 8.

In Heavenly Places

Influence of Godly Parents, July 24

HP 212.1

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons. Deuteronomy 4:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 24, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 24, 1904, par. 2

“And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves, ... lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, the likeness of anything that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters under the earth; and lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.” [Deuteronomy 4:12-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 119, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 119, 1903, par. 17

“And because He loved thy fathers, therefore He chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in His sight with His mighty power out of Egypt; to drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath; there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, forever.” [Deuteronomy 4:20-24, 30-40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 18, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 18, 1905, par. 25

Nothing that God has created is to be given the place that He alone should occupy. Man is not to be placed where God alone should be. Of the danger of doing this, an illustration is given in the experience of Moses when leading the children of Israel through the wilderness. “Furthermore,” he said, “the Lord was angry with me for your sakes.” [Deuteronomy 4:21.] Provoked by the conduct of the people, Moses failed to do expressly as God had commanded. The Lord told him to speak to the rock, and it would give forth water; but instead, Moses struck the rock twice and then brought himself and Aaron into prominence by saying, “Shall we bring you forth water out of this rock?” [Numbers 20:10.] Often today a great and good work is spoiled because those connected with it bring self into prominence.

20LtMs, Ms 18, 1905, par. 27

“But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto His voice, (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” [Deuteronomy 4:21, 23-31.]

20LtMs, Ms 18, 1905, par. 28

“Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee forever.” [Verse 40.]

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 46—“The Prophets of God Helping Them”

PK 569.1

The result that would follow an entrance into covenant relation with surrounding nations was plainly foretold. “The Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other,” Moses had declared; “and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone. And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: and thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life: in the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.” Deuteronomy 28:64-67. “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God,” the promise had been, “thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29.

Prayer

Nehemiah

Pr 148.3

As Nehemiah prayed, his faith and courage grew strong. His mouth was filled with holy arguments. He pointed to the dishonor that would be cast upon God, if His people, now that they had returned to Him, should be left in weakness and oppression; and he urged the Lord to bring to pass His promise: “If ye turn unto Me, and keep My Commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set My name there.” See Deuteronomy 4:29-31. This promise had been given to Israel through Moses before they had entered Canaan, and during the centuries it had stood unchanged. God’s people had now returned to Him in penitence and faith, and His promise would not fail.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 52—A Man of Opportunity

PK 629.2

As Nehemiah prayed, his faith and courage grew strong. His mouth was filled with holy arguments. He pointed to the dishonor that would be cast upon God, if His people, now that they had returned to Him, should be left in weakness and oppression; and he urged the Lord to bring to pass His promise: “If ye turn unto Me, and keep My Commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set My name there.” See Deuteronomy 4:29-31. This promise had been given to Israel through Moses before they had entered Canaan, and during the centuries it had stood unchanged. God’s people had now returned to Him in penitence and faith, and His promise would not fail.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 52—Nehemiah, Man of Prayer and Action

SS 325.3

As Nehemiah prayed, his faith and courage grew. He pointed to the dishonor that would be cast on God if His people should be left in weakness and oppression. He urged the Lord to bring to pass His promise given to Israel through Moses before they entered Canaan. See Deuteronomy 4:29-31. God’s people had now returned to Him in penitence, and His promise would not fail.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 28—Hezekiah

PK 334.2

Those who entered the temple courts to seek forgiveness and to renew their vows of allegiance to Jehovah, had wonderful encouragement offered them in the prophetic portions of Scripture. The solemn warnings against idolatry, spoken through Moses in the hearing of all Israel, had been accompanied by prophecies of God’s willingness to hear and forgive those who in times of apostasy should seek Him with all the heart. “If thou turn to the Lord thy God,” Moses had said, “and shalt be obedient unto His voice; (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them.” Deuteronomy 4:30, 31.

The Review and Herald

April 22, 1915

RH April 22, 1915, par. 10

Those who entered the temple courts to seek forgiveness and to renew their vows of allegiance to Jehovah, had wonderful encouragement offered them in the prophetic portions of Scripture. The solemn warnings against idolatry, spoken through Moses in the hearing of all Israel, had been accompanied by prophecies of God’s willingness to hear and forgive those who in times of apostasy should seek him with all the heart. “If thou turn to the Lord thy God,” Moses had said, “and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” Deuteronomy 4:30, 31.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 28—King Hezekiah Repairs the Damage

SS 177.1

Those who sought forgiveness had wonderful encouragement offered in Scripture. “You will return to the Lord,” Moses had said, “and obey His voice, for the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not fail you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.” Deuteronomy 4:30, 31, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 233, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 233, 1902, par. 29

All pride in human agencies is a direct affront to God. All exaltation of self is displeasing to God. Men claim to themselves the honor of wisdom which honor belongs wholly to God and came from God. Man originates nothing. God will abase all who rob Him of His glory. “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better is it to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. ... The wise ... lips increaseth learning.” “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” [Proverbs 16:18, 19, 21, 23, 24.] “The Lord He is God.” [Deuteronomy 4:35.]