Does Ellen white comment at all on Israel waging war or defending itself on sabbath?
Ellen White’s analysis of Israel’s military history emphasizes that their success was never dependent on human strategy or superior weaponry, but on their strict adherence to God's commands. She notes that even when facing massive armies, such as the Philistines, the Israelites often experienced periods of great anxiety and hesitation when they felt their own strength was insufficient. This highlights a recurring theme in her writings: that the "God of battle" fought for Israel, and victory was ascribed to Him alone rather than to the skill or equipment of the soldiers (DG 38.1). Regarding the specific conduct of warfare and the preservation of the law, she underscores that God's people are never to compromise the truth or set aside the law of God to gain favor or security in the world (19MR 101). While the historical accounts of Israel involve physical combat, she frequently transitions these lessons into the spiritual realm, describing the life of the believer as a "daily warfare" against sin (YI July 8, 1897, par. 1).
In this context, the "armor" and "swords" used by the faithful are spiritual tools—the Word of God and the shield of faith—intended to resist the temptations and doubts introduced by the enemy (YI July 15, 1897, par. 1). The tension between observing the Sabbath and facing opposition is a documented reality for those who follow God's law. She explains that those who began to observe the seventh-day Sabbath historically encountered strong opposition (CIHS 14). However, she cautions against getting distracted by minor "straws" or questions suggested by the enemy, urging believers instead to focus on the grand, soul-saving truths provided through God's messengers (12MR 87).
The ultimate goal for a "Sabbathkeeping people" is to remain efficient servants of the Master, using every faculty to His glory regardless of the hardships they face (3SM 367.10), (14MR 26).
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What did Ellen White teach about the fall of Jericho occurring on the Sabbath?
Ellen White explains that the conquest of Jericho was a unique military operation directed entirely by divine instruction rather than human strategy. The Lord commanded the Israelite men of war to march around the city once each day for six consecutive days, but on the seventh day, the nature of the mission changed significantly (SR 178.4). On this final day, the armies were instructed to compass the city seven times instead of once, beginning their march at the very first dawn of light (PP 488.3). The seventh day of the siege was marked by a solemn and magnificent procession that included the ark of God, priests in their sacred vestments, and the armed host of Israel (4T 161.1).
While the people remained silent throughout the seven circuits, the atmosphere was punctuated by the sounding of trumpets. At the conclusion of the seventh circuit on that seventh day, a long blast from the trumpets served as the signal for the entire congregation to shout, at which point the massive stone walls fell flat by divine power (SR 180.2). This specific timing and method were intended to demonstrate that the victory belonged to God alone and not to the strength of men. White notes that from a human or "scientific" perspective, these movements appeared inconsistent and illogical (PrT April 9, 1896, par. 4).
However, the success of the mission was guaranteed by the presence of Christ and His angels, who attended the circuit of the ark and ultimately cast down the walls to deliver the city into the hands of His people (TA 111.2).
