EGW → Biblical Foundation
Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.
Scripture Index
Ellen White & Bible Cross-Reference
1 Samuel 18:1
"And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."
"Our interview with that dear family was very precious. Our hearts were knit together; especially was the heart of Sister Hastings knit with mine as were those of David and Jonathan. Our union was not marred while she lived. LS 123.1"
The EGW passage explicitly alludes to the relationship between David and Jonathan, stating that the heart of Sister Hastings was knit with hers 'as were those of David and Jonathan,' directly referencing 1 Samuel 18:1.
1 Samuel 18:5
"And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants."
"“David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war.” David was prudent and faithful, and it was evident that the blessing of God was with him. Saul at times realized his own unfitness for the government of Israel, and he felt that the kingdom would be more secure if there could be connected with him one who received instruction from the Lord. Saul hoped also that his connection with David would be a safeguard to himself. Since David was favored and shielded by the Lord, his presence might be a protection to Saul when he went out with him to war. PP 649.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Samuel 18:5 and provides commentary on the events described. The direct quotation and surrounding context make it an explicit allusion.
"captain over a thousand.... But all Israel and Judah loved David.” The people were not slow to see that David was a competent person, and that the affairs entrusted to his hands were managed with wisdom and skill. The counsels of the young man were of a wise and discreet character, and proved to be safe to follow; while the judgment of Saul was at times unreliable, and his decisions were not wise. PP 651.2"
EGW describes David's wisdom and acceptance by the people, which is a clear parallel to the description in 1 Samuel 18:5. While not a direct quote, the description is clearly based on the biblical account.
1 Samuel 18:6
"And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick."
"Saul, however, did not long remain friendly to David. When Saul and David were returning from battle with the Philistines, “the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.” One company sang, “Saul hath slain his thousands,” while another company took up the strain, and responded, “And David his ten thousands.” The demon of jealousy entered the heart of the king. He was angry because David was exalted above himself in the song of the women of Israel. In place of subduing these envious feelings, he displayed the weakness of his character, and exclaimed. “They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?” PP 650.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Samuel 18:6 and the subsequent verses about the women singing about Saul and David. It's a clear and direct reference to the biblical text.
1 Samuel 18:7
"And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands."
"But the princes angrily persisted in their demand: “Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men? Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?” The slaughter of their famed champion and the triumph of Israel upon that occasion were still fresh in the memory of the Philistine lords. They did not believe that David would fight against his own people; and should he, in the heat of battle, take sides with them, he could inflict greater harm on the Philistines than would the whole of Saul's army. PP 691.2"
EGW directly quotes and elaborates on the verse about the women singing about Saul and David.
1 Samuel 18:10-11
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice."
"He loved to hear David play upon his harp, and the evil spirit seemed to be charmed away for the time; but one day when the youth was ministering before him, and bringing sweet music from his instrument, accompanying his voice as he sang the praises of God, Saul suddenly threw his spear at the musician, for the purpose of putting an end to his life. David was preserved by the interposition of God, and without injury fled from the rage of the maddened king. PP 650.4"
The EGW passage is a clear retelling of the events described in 1 Samuel 18:10-11, including specific details like Saul throwing a javelin at David while he played music.
1 Samuel 18:11
"And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice."
"Again war was declared between the Israelites and the Philistines, and David led the army against their enemies. A great victory was gained by the Hebrews, and the people of the realm praised his wisdom and heroism. This served to stir up the former bitterness of Saul against him. While the young man was playing before the king, filling the palace with sweet harmony, Saul's passion overcame him, and he hurled a javelin at David, thinking to pin the musician to the wall; but the angel of the Lord turned aside the deadly weapon. David escaped and fled to his own house. Saul sent spies that they might take him as he should come out in the morning, and put an end to his life. PP 652.3"
The EGW passage directly recounts the event described in 1 Samuel 18:11, including the detail of Saul casting a javelin at David. The wording is very similar.
1 Samuel 18:13
"Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people."
"captain over a thousand.... But all Israel and Judah loved David.” The people were not slow to see that David was a competent person, and that the affairs entrusted to his hands were managed with wisdom and skill. The counsels of the young man were of a wise and discreet character, and proved to be safe to follow; while the judgment of Saul was at times unreliable, and his decisions were not wise. PP 651.2"
The EGW passage directly references David being made a captain over a thousand, which is explicitly stated in 1 Samuel 18:13. The surrounding context in EGW elaborates on David's competence, which is implied but not directly stated in the verse.
1 Samuel 18:21
"And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain."
"An attachment for David on the part of Michal, Saul's youngest daughter, afforded the king another opportunity to plot against his rival. Michal's hand was offered the young man on condition that evidence should be given of the defeat and slaughter of a specified number of their national foes. “Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines,” but God shielded His servant. David returned a victor from the battle, to become the king's son-in-law. “Michal Saul's daughter loved him,” and the monarch, enraged, saw that his plots had resulted in the elevation of him whom he sought to destroy. He was still more assured that this was the man whom the Lord had said was better than he, and who should reign on the throne of Israel in his place. Throwing off all disguise, he issued a command to Jonathan and to the officers of the court to take the life of the one he hated. PP 652.1"
The EGW passage recounts the story of Saul offering Michal to David as a snare, hoping the Philistines would kill him. This directly parallels the events described in 1 Samuel 18:21, making it a thematic parallel.