3. What are the benefits of following God’s commandments? Deuteronomy 30:16. Compare Deuteronomy 4:40; Deuteronomy 5:29; Isaiah 48:18.
NOTE: ‘Let us notice one item that is named as the result of hearkening to the commandments of God, viz: Peace as a river, and righteousness as the waves of the sea. There is a beauty and significance to this expression, that perhaps is overlooked,
or not fully comprehended by the casual reader. Peace, as a river. All understand a river to be a living, or continually flowing stream of water; and may be distinguished from other streams, not only by its greater size, but by its not being so liable to fluctuation, or sudden change, as by drought or freshet; not to-day a wild torrent, and to-morrow but a rippling streamlet; nor now a sluggish creek, and anon a vast rushing stream, madly sweeping everything in its course. But whether it be wet or dry, drought or freshet, a river usually maintains the same even course, the same steady, majestic flow; only gently rising or falling as may be necessary to meet the demands made upon it. Such we understand is the nature of that peace that falls to the lot of him who hearkens to the commandments of God. Peace, under all circumstances. Peace not only when the sky is bright, but when the clouds appear. Not peace to-day, and disquietude to-morrow, not now all calmness, tranquillity and quietude of mind, and then all aroused, agitated and confused; but peace continually. Peace in times of peril. Peace, even in times of deep sorrow and affliction. Oh, who would not desire, yea long for such peace, the peace that knows no abatement. Doubtless the Psalmist spoke from rich experience, when he said, “Great peace have they which love Thy law.” Psalm 119:165.’ Uriah Smith: Review & Herald, November 28, 1865.
4. What are the results of turning our hearts away from God? Deuteronomy 30:17-18.
NOTE: ‘Had Israel taken heed to the messages of the prophets emphasising the value of “the great things” of God’s law, they would have been spared the humiliation that followed. It was because they persisted in turning aside from His law that God was compelled to allow their enemies to take them captive. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” was His message to them through Hosea. “Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, ... seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God.” Hosea 4:6.’ Review & Herald, February 26, 1914.
‘It is a solemn thought that by our present course of action we are deciding our eternal destiny. Let those who know the truth practise the truth, remembering that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and is of more value than all the treasure which the world contains.’ Review & Herald, October 8, 1901.