While Ellen White does not specifically address the topic of marrying based on tribe, her writings provide principles that can offer guidance. The primary focus of her counsel on marriage is on the importance of shared religious faith and character. She points to the example of ancient Israel, where the concern was not about marrying someone from a different tribe, but about marrying someone who was not a believer in God. For instance, she writes about Nehemiah's time: > "In those days,” he writes, “saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: and their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.” (PK 673.1) The issue here was not the nationality of the wives, but their idolatrous practices and the negative influence on the children, who were not being raised in the faith of their fathers. The consistent counsel in her writings is to choose a partner who shares a common faith and commitment to God. Here are the key principles she emphasizes when considering marriage: * **Shared Faith:** The most important factor is that both individuals are united in their worship of God. * **Seek Counsel:** She advises seeking guidance from older, more experienced, and God-fearing individuals before making a lifelong commitment. "If there is any subject which should be carefully considered and in which the counsel of older and more experienced persons should be sought, it is the subject of marriage" (PP 175.4). * **Consider the Future:** Prospective partners should consider the potential for raising healthy and morally strong children. "They should consider whether their offspring will possess physical health, and mental and moral strength" (SA 104.1). * **A Sacred Union:** Marriage is described as "one of God's sacred ordinances" and a "union for life" that symbolizes the relationship between Christ and His church (SA 139.1; 7T 46.3). In summary, according to the principles found in Ellen White's writings, the most critical consideration in choosing a marriage partner is not their tribe or nationality, but their character and whether they share your faith and love for God.