MH page 464

“The sum of Thy word is truth; And every one of Thy righteous ordinances endureth forever.”

The enduring truth and righteousness of divine ordinances. This paragraph is a scriptural quotation affirming the permanence and truth of God's word.

“Let my soul live, and it shall praise Thee; And let Thine ordinances help me.” “Great peace have they that love Thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling.

Spiritual life, peace, and protection from stumbling found in God's law. This paragraph consists of scriptural quotations connecting God's law and ordinances to life, praise, and peace.

“I have hoped for Thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done Thy commandments. My soul hath observed Thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly.”

Hope in salvation and diligence in keeping commandments. This paragraph is a scriptural quotation expressing hope in salvation and observance of divine testimonies.

“The opening of Thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.” “Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers; For Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept Thy precepts.” “Through Thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way.” “Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart.” Psalm 92:4 ; 36:5-7 ; 36:7-9 , A.R.V.; 119:1, 2 , 9 , 30 , A.R.V., margin; 119:11 , 45 , 18 , 24 , 72 , 97 , 129 , 54 , 140 , 160 , 175 , 165-167 , 130 , 98-100 , 104 , 111 , A.R.V.

Scriptural illumination granting understanding, wisdom, and joy. This paragraph consists of continuous biblical citations detailing the cognitive and spiritual benefits of studying God's word.

It is our privilege to reach higher and still higher for clearer revealings of the character of God. When Moses prayed, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory,” the Lord did not rebuke him, but He granted his prayer. God declared to His servant, “I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee.” Exodus 33:18, 19 .

Privilege of seeking deeper understanding of God's character. The passage discusses a spiritual privilege and divine interaction based on the biblical account of Moses.

It is sin that darkens our minds and dims our perceptions. As sin is purged from our hearts, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, illuminating His word and reflected from the face of nature, more and more fully will declare Him “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6 .

Sin obscures spiritual perception while purification reveals divine character through scripture and nature. The paragraph addresses the spiritual effects of sin on the mind and perception, along with spiritual illumination.