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
Deuteronomy 16:13
"Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:"
"In the seventh month came the Feast of Tabernacles, or of ingathering. This feast acknowledged God's bounty in the products of the orchard, the olive grove, and the vineyard. It was the crowning festal gathering of the year. The land had yielded its increase, the harvests had been gathered into the granaries, the fruits, the oil, and the wine had been stored, the first fruits had been reserved, and now the people came with their tributes of thanksgiving to God, who had thus richly blessed them. PP 540.2"
Both passages connect the Feast of Tabernacles with the ingathering of the harvest and expressions of gratitude for God's bounty.
Deuteronomy 16:14
"And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates."
"the Feast of Tabernacles, were opportunities for outdoor recreation and social life. These feasts were occasions of rejoicing, made sweeter and more tender by the hospitable welcome given to the stranger, the Levite, and the poor. MH 281.4"
Both passages discuss rejoicing during feasts and the inclusion of the Levite, stranger, and the poor. Deuteronomy 16:14 explicitly commands rejoicing and including these groups, while EGW describes the Feast of Tabernacles as an opportunity for this. The connection is strong and clear.
"This feast was to be pre-eminently an occasion of rejoicing. It occurred just after the great Day of Atonement, when the assurance had been given that their iniquity should be remembered no more. At peace with God, they now came before Him to acknowledge His goodness and to praise Him for His mercy. The labors of the harvest being ended, and the toils of the new year not yet begun, the people were free from care, and could give themselves up to the sacred, joyous influences of the hour. Though only the fathers and sons were commanded to appear at the feasts, yet, so far as possible, all the household were to attend them, and to their hospitality the servants, the Levites, the stranger, and the poor were made welcome. PP 540.3"
Both passages emphasize the rejoicing associated with the Feast of Tabernacles and the inclusion of various members of the community (family, servants, Levites, strangers) in the celebration.
Deuteronomy 16:15
"Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord shall choose: because the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice."
"Shall we not keep holy festivals unto God? Shall we not show that we have some enthusiasm in His service? With the grand, ennobling theme of salvation before us, shall we be as cold as statues of marble? If men can become so excited over a match game of cricket, or a horse race, or over foolish things that bring no good to anyone, shall we be unmoved when the plan of salvation is unfolded before us? Let the school and the church henceforth have festivals of rejoicing unto the Lord.— Special Testimonies On Education, 77-82 . CT 371.1"
Both passages encourage rejoicing and celebrating God. Deuteronomy 16:15 specifically mentions a solemn feast with rejoicing, while EGW speaks of 'holy festivals' and enthusiasm in God's service. The connection is more than just a general theme; it's about specific acts of celebration.
Deuteronomy 16:16
"Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the Lord empty:"
"As a means of education an important place was filled by the feasts of Israel. In ordinary life the family was both a school and a church, the parents being the instructors in secular and in religious lines. But three times a year seasons were appointed for social intercourse and worship. First at Shiloh, and afterward at Jerusalem, these gatherings were held. Only the fathers and sons were required to be present; but none desired to forgo the opportunities of the feasts, and, so far as possible, all the household were in attendance; and with them, as sharers of their hospitality, were the stranger, the Levite, and the poor. Ed 41.5"
The EGW passage describes the feasts of Israel and their educational and social significance, which directly relates to the command in Deuteronomy 16:16 for males to appear before the Lord three times a year. The EGW passage provides context and expands on the purpose of these feasts.
There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, at which all the men of Israel were commanded to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem. Of these feasts the Passover was the most largely attended. Many were present from all countries where the Jews were scattered. From every part of Palestine the worshipers came in great numbers. The journey from Galilee occupied several days, and the travelers united in large companies for companionship and protection. The women and aged men rode upon oxen or asses over the steep and rocky roads. The stronger men and the youth journeyed on foot. The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April, and the whole land was bright with flowers, and glad with the song of birds. All along the way were spots memorable in the history of Israel, and fathers and mothers recounted to their children the wonders that God had wrought for His people in ages past. They beguiled their journey wi…
The EGW passage describes the three annual feasts, including the Passover, and the requirement for men to appear before the Lord, directly referencing the information in Deuteronomy 16:16. It provides additional details about the journey and customs associated with the Passover.
"Elkanah faithfully observed the ordinances of God. The worship at Shiloh was still maintained, but on account of irregularities in the ministration his services were not required at the sanctuary, to which, being a Levite, he was to give attendance. Yet he went up with his family to worship and sacrifice at the appointed gatherings. PP 569.3"
The EGW passage describes Elkanah's faithfulness in observing God's ordinances by going to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice. This directly reflects the principle outlined in Deuteronomy 16:16, which commands all males to appear before the Lord three times a year.
"Throughout the land bands of pilgrims were making their way toward Jerusalem. The shepherds from their flocks, the herdsmen from the mountains, fishers from the Sea of Galilee, the husbandmen from their fields, and sons of the prophets from the sacred schools—all turned their steps toward the place where God's presence was revealed. They journeyed by short stages, for many went on foot. The caravans were constantly receiving accessions, and often became very large before reaching the Holy City. PP 538.2"
The EGW passage illustrates the practice commanded in Deuteronomy 16:16, where all males are to appear before the Lord three times a year. The connection is direct and supports the principle of pilgrimage to the feasts.
"Chapter 49—At the Feast of Tabernacles This chapter is based on John 7:1-15, 37-39 . Three times a year the Jews were required to assemble at Jerusalem for religious purposes. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, Israel's invisible Leader had given the directions in regard to these gatherings. During the captivity of the Jews, they could not be observed; but when the people were restored to their own land, the observance of these memorials was once more begun. It was God's design that these anniversaries should call Him to the minds of the people. But with few exceptions, the priests and leaders of the nation had lost sight of this purpose. He who had ordained these national assemblies and understood their significance witnessed their perversion. DA 447"
The EGW passage explicitly mentions the three times a year the Jews were required to assemble, which is directly stated in Deuteronomy 16:16.
"All the houses in Jerusalem were thrown open to the pilgrims, and rooms were furnished free; but this was not sufficient for the vast assembly, and tents were pitched in every available space in the city and upon the surrounding hills. PP 539.4"
Both passages describe the large gatherings in Jerusalem for feasts, implying accommodation challenges and the use of tents. EGW amplifies the description of the scene implied in Deuteronomy.
"By the devout in Israel, fully a month of every year was occupied in this way. It was a period free from care and labor, and almost wholly devoted, in the truest sense, to purposes of education. Ed 43.1"
Deuteronomy 16:16 mandates three annual feasts requiring travel and attendance before the Lord. EGW interprets this time as a period devoted to education and spiritual growth, free from regular labor. This is a reasonable interpretation of the principle behind the commanded feasts.
Deuteronomy 16:18
"Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment."
"The judicial system was perfected by the founding of a court of appeal at Jerusalem, where Jehoshaphat “set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies.” Verse 8 . PK 197.2"
Both passages discuss the establishment of a judicial system with judges appointed to administer justice. While Deuteronomy 16:18 is a general command, the EGW passage describes Jehoshaphat's specific implementation of this principle.