is our motive for keeping the commandment, while it certainly assures us that it will be the result. Others query the material nature of the promise. But, in Old Testament days, God’s promises are usually couched in material terms, understandable by those who are still, as it were, in God’s school. To those who had as yet no sure knowledge of a future life, ‘length of days’ (understood as long life in this world) meant possibility of extended communion with God, and was of great importance. Others,