Ellen Chat Conversation

The drought during the time of Elijah was a specific judgment directed toward the northern kingdom of Israel because of their systemic apostasy and the worship of Baal. The primary focus of this divine intervention was to demonstrate that the treasures of heaven, such as dew and rain, came from Jehovah rather than the natural forces or idols that the apostate tribes of Israel had chosen to worship (PK 120.1). This curse rested heavily upon the "polluted land" of the northern tribes to show them the folly of trusting in Baal for temporal blessings (Pr 134.1). Throughout the three and a half years of famine, the suffering was described as being concentrated within the kingdom where the apostasy was most rampant. The drought and famine did their devastating work throughout that specific kingdom, leading to a state where parents were forced to witness the death of their children (PK 127.1).

The judgment was a response to the fact that the northern Israelites had forsaken the commandments of the Lord to follow Baalim, and it was intended to bring those specific people to a state of repentance (SS 73.2). While the drought brought "suffering and want on every side" within the stricken land, the record emphasizes that it was a call to repentance for "apostate Israel" specifically (SS 69). The heavens remained shut over the territory of the ten tribes because they refused to humble their hearts or discern the hand of God in their calamity (T23 35.1).

The objective of the affliction was to recover the lost faith of those who had fully denied the God of their fathers in favor of Phoenician deities (SS 65).

You might also want to explore:
What did Ellen White teach about the spiritual condition of Judah during the reign of Ahab?
How does the drought in Elijah's day serve as a type for the end of time?
What practical counsel did she give regarding how God uses natural disasters to get the attention of His people?

Ellen White’s approach to disease management emphasized the importance of preventive measures and the responsibility of the individual to protect both their own health and the health of the community. She advocated for the study of the underlying causes of mortality and degeneracy, noting that much of the misery affecting the human race could be avoided through proactive steps (CG 361.4). This philosophy is summarized in the principle that preventing an ailment is far more valuable than attempting to cure it after it has developed (2SM 290.2). Regarding the specific practice of vaccination, historical records from her office indicate that she recognized its efficacy in managing contagious outbreaks. During a smallpox epidemic in her vicinity, she chose to be vaccinated herself and encouraged those working closely with her to do the same (2SM 303.6).

This decision was based on the understanding that vaccination could either provide immunity or significantly reduce the severity of the disease if contracted (2SM 303.6). Her support for vaccination also stemmed from a sense of moral obligation toward others. She recognized that failing to take such precautions could lead to the danger of exposing the wider community to infectious diseases (2SM 303.6). This aligns with her broader teachings on the handling of contagious conditions, where she highlighted the biblical precedent for isolating those with contaminating illnesses and maintaining strict cleanliness to prevent the spread of "poisonous elements" (MH 277) (MH 220.2).

While she strongly advocated for the use of "nature's remedies" and simple methods of treatment—such as water treatments—to avoid the use of "poisonous drugs," her personal example regarding the smallpox vaccine shows that she did not view such preventive medical interventions as being in conflict with health reform (SpTB08 30.5) (MM 227.1). Instead, she integrated practical medical precautions with a lifestyle focused on hygiene and the laws of health to combat disease in its various forms (MM 227.1) (2SM 303.3).

You might also want to explore:
What did Ellen White teach about the use of natural remedies versus drugs?
How does the principle of "an ounce of prevention" apply to daily health habits?
What were her specific instructions regarding the isolation and care of those with contagious diseases?