MH page 283

God gave to Israel instruction in all the principles essential to physical as well as to moral health, and it was concerning these principles no less than concerning those of the moral law that He commanded them:

God provided Israel with comprehensive instructions essential for both physical and moral health. This summarizes the divine origin of health and moral principles given to ancient Israel without making a testable modern clinical claim.

“These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 .

The commandments and statutes of God should be diligently taught to children and incorporated into daily home life. This paragraph consists entirely of biblical quotations instructing the Israelites to keep God's words in their hearts and teach them to their children.

“And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord our God hath commanded you? Then thou shalt say unto thy son, ... The Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.” Verses 20-24 .

Obedience to God's statutes is designed for the permanent good and preservation of His people. This paragraph consists of a biblical passage explaining the purpose of God's statutes.

Had the Israelites obeyed the instruction they received, and profited by their advantages, they would have been the world's object lesson of health and prosperity. If as a people they had lived according to God's plan, they would have been preserved from the diseases that afflicted other nations. Above any other people they would have possessed physical strength and vigor of intellect. They would have been the mightiest nation on the earth. God said:

Obedience to divine health and lifestyle instructions would have resulted in superior national health, vigor, and prosperity for ancient Israel. The author presents a conditional historical and spiritual claim regarding national health and divine blessings contingent upon obedience.

“Thou shalt be blessed above all people.” Deuteronomy 7:14 .

God promised special blessings above all people to those who follow His commands. This paragraph is a direct biblical quotation from Deuteronomy.