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
Isaiah 30:9-11
"That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."
"“The plans and work of men,” she said, “are not keeping pace with the providence of God; for while some in these countries who claim to believe the truth declare by their attitude, ‘We want not Thy way, O Lord, but our own way,’ there are many who are pleading with God that they may understand what is truth. In secret places they are weeping and praying that they may see light in the Scriptures, and the Lord of heaven has commissioned His angels to cooperate with human agencies in carrying forward His vast design, that all who desire life may behold the glory of God.” LS 337.1"
The EGW passage contrasts those who reject God's way with those who seek truth, while Isaiah 30:9-11 describes a rebellious people who refuse to hear the truth and desire smooth words. The thematic parallel lies in the rejection of divine guidance and the presence of those who genuinely seek truth.
Isaiah 30:10
"Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:"
"In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible—doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning. GC 606.1"
The EGW passage directly references the desire for 'smooth things' and the rejection of 'unvarnished truth,' which is a clear allusion to Isaiah 30:10.
"“But not all are following the light. Some are moving away from the safe path, which at every step is a path of humility. God has committed to His servants a message for this time; but this message does not in every particular coincide with the ideas of all the leading men, and some criticize the message and the messengers. They dare even to reject the words of reproof sent to them from God through His Holy Spirit. LS 324.2"
Both passages address the rejection of prophetic messages. Isaiah 30:10 speaks directly to the desire for 'smooth things' and the rejection of 'right things,' while EGW describes a similar scenario where individuals criticize and reject messages that don't align with their ideas. The thematic parallel is strong.
"“I was shown some things in regard to you. I saw that the living, pointed testimony had been crushed in the church. You have not been in harmony with the straight testimony. You have shunned to lay your hand decidedly upon wrong, and you have been tried with those who felt compelled to do so. Disaffected ones have had your sympathy. This has had a tendency to make you a weak man. You have not been in union with pointed, cutting testimony which has been sent home to the individual. 1T 214.1"
Both passages deal with the rejection of direct, pointed prophetic messages in favor of more comfortable or deceptive ones. The EGW passage speaks of crushing 'pointed testimony,' while Isaiah speaks of telling seers to 'see not' and prophets to 'prophesy not right things.'
"By the pride of human wisdom, by contempt for the influence of the Holy Spirit, and by disrelish for the truths of God's word, many who profess to be Christians, and who feel competent to teach others, will be led to turn away from the requirements of God. Paul declared to Timothy, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” AA 504.2"
Both passages describe people who reject sound doctrine and prefer to hear what they want to hear. Isaiah 30:10 speaks of wanting 'smooth things' and 'deceits,' while the EGW passage, referencing 2 Timothy, speaks of 'itching ears' and turning to 'fables.' The connection is thematic, dealing with a rejection of truth in favor of pleasing falsehoods.
"reproof, there is nothing more pleasing than to receive sympathy and praise. And thus Korah and his associates gained the attention and enlisted the support of the congregation. The charge that the murmurings of the people had brought upon them the wrath of God was declared to be a mistake. They said that the congregation were not at fault, since they desired nothing more than their rights; but that Moses was an overbearing ruler; that he had reproved the people as sinners, when they were a holy people, and the Lord was among them. PP 397.3"
Both passages describe people who prefer to hear smooth things and deceits rather than truth and reproof. Korah and his followers wanted to hear about their good deeds and rights, not their sins. Isaiah 30:10 directly states this preference for smooth things.
Isaiah 30:10-11
"Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."
"instruction presented before the students duties of the highest order; and to efface by the amusements afterward entered into, the good impressions made, was virtually saying, “We want not Thy way, O God; we want our own way; we want to follow our own wisdom.” CT 349.3"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment expressed in Isaiah 30:10-11. The phrase 'We want not Thy way, O God; we want our own way; we want to follow our own wisdom' is a clear parallel to the people of Isaiah's time who rejected right things and desired smooth, deceitful prophecies. Both passages highlight a rejection of God's guidance in favor of personal desires.
Isaiah 30:11
"Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."
The long-suffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the Jews in their stubborn impenitence. In their hatred and cruelty toward the disciples of Jesus they rejected the last offer of mercy. Then God withdrew His protection from them and removed His restraining power from Satan and his angels, and the nation was left to the control of the leader she had chosen. Her children had spurned the grace of Christ, which would have enabled them to subdue their evil impulses, and now these became the conquerors. Satan aroused the fiercest and most debased passions of the soul. Men did not reason; they were beyond reason—controlled by impulse and blind rage. They became satanic in their cruelty. In the family and in the nation, among the highest and the lowest classes alike, there was suspicion, envy, hatred, strife, rebellion, murder. There was no safety anywhere. Friends and kindred betrayed one another. Parents slew their children, and children their parents. The rulers of the people had n…
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:11 in this passage.
Isaiah 30:15
"For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."
"Human power and human might did not establish the church of God, and neither can they destroy it. Not on the rock of human strength, but on Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages, was the church founded, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 . The presence of God gives stability to His cause. “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man,” is the word that comes to us. Psalm 146:3 . “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 . God's glorious work, founded on the eternal principles of right, will never come to nought. It will go on from strength to strength, “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 . PK 595.3"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:15 in this passage.
"Jesus says, “Abide in Me.” These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. Again He invites, “Come unto Me, ... and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 . The words of the psalmist express the same thought: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” And Isaiah gives the assurance, “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Psalm 37:7 ; Isaiah 30:15 . This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: “Take My yoke upon you: ... and ye shall find rest.” Matthew 11:29 . The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him. SC 71.1"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:15 in this passage.
"One day alone is ours, and during this day we are to live for God. For this one day we are to place in the hand of Christ, in solemn service, all our purposes and plans, casting all our care upon Him, for He careth for us. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Jeremiah 29:11 ; Isaiah 30:15 . MB 101.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:15 in this passage.
Isaiah 30:20
"And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:"
"Often the church militant is called upon to suffer trial and affliction; for not without severe conflict is the church to triumph. “The bread of adversity,” “the water of affliction” ( Isaiah 30:20 ), these are the common lot of all; but none who put their trust in the One mighty to deliver will be utterly overwhelmed. “Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.” Isaiah 43:1-4 . PK 723.1"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:20 in this passage.
Isaiah 30:21
"And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
"Section 11—Profitable Study “The excellency of knowledge is that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” The False and the True in Education CT 377 The master mind in the confederacy of evil is ever working to keep out of sight the words of God and to bring into view the opinions of men. He means that we shall not hear the voice of God saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Isaiah 30:21 . Through perverted educational processes he is doing his utmost to obscure heaven's light. CT 377"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:21 in this passage.
"Christ has given, we surrender ourselves to the guidance of God, asking Him to lead us in safe paths. We cannot offer this prayer in sincerity, and yet decide to walk in any way of our own choosing. We shall wait for His hand to lead us; we shall listen to His voice, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Isaiah 30:21 . MB 117.2"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:21 in this passage.
Many think that they must consult commentaries on the Scriptures in order to understand the meaning of the word of God, and we would not take the position that commentaries should not be studied; but it will take much discernment to discover the truth of God under the mass of the words of men. How little has been done by the church as a body professing to believe the Bible, to gather up the scattered jewels of God's word into one perfect chain of truth? The jewels of truth do not lie upon the surface, as many suppose. The master mind in the confederacy of evil is ever at work to keep the truth out of sight, and to bring into full view the opinions of great men. The enemy is doing all in his power to obscure heaven's light through educational processes; for he does not mean that men shall hear the voice of the Lord, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” [ Isaiah 30:21 .] CE 85.2 The jewels of truth lie scattered over the field of revelation; but they have been buried beneath human t…
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:21 in this passage.
"Chapter 37—The False and the True in Education The mastermind in the confederacy of evil is ever working to keep out of sight the words of God, and to bring into view the opinions of men. He means that we shall not hear the voice of God, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Isaiah 30:21 . Through perverted educational processes he is doing his utmost to obscure heaven's light. MH 439"
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 30:21.
"The Lord desires all to understand that their prosperity is hid with Him in Christ; that it is dependent on their humility and meekness, their wholehearted obedience and devotion. When they shall learn the lesson of the great Teacher, to die to self, to put no confidence in man, nor to make flesh their arm, then, as they call upon Him, the Lord will be to them a present help in every time of need. He will guide them in judgment. He will be at their right hand to give them counsel. He will say to them: “This is the way, walk ye in it.” 7T 212.4"
The EGW passage directly quotes Isaiah 30:21 ('This is the way, walk ye in it'), making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"Though in many respects our institutions of learning have swung into worldly conformity, though step by step they have advanced toward the world, they are prisoners of hope. Fate has not so woven its meshes about their workings that they need to remain helpless and in uncertainty. If they will listen to His voice and follow in His ways, God will correct and enlighten them, and bring them back to their upright position of distinction from the world. When the advantage of working upon Christian principles is discerned, when self is hid in Christ, much greater progress will be made; for each worker will feel his own human weakness; he will supplicate for the wisdom and grace of God, and will receive the divine help that is pledged for every emergency. 6T 145.1"
Both passages emphasize God's guidance and direction. Isaiah 30:21 speaks of hearing a voice guiding one's path, while the EGW passage encourages listening to God's voice to be corrected and enlightened. The EGW passage applies the principle of divine guidance to institutions.
Isaiah 30:28
"And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err."
“The pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart away.” Zechariah 10:11 . This is true not only of the nations that arrayed themselves against God in ancient times, but also of nations today who fail of fulfilling the divine purpose. In the day of final awards, when the righteous Judge of all the earth shall “sift the nations” ( Isaiah 30:28 ), and those that have kept the truth shall be permitted to enter the City of God, heaven's arches will ring with the triumphant songs of the redeemed. “Ye shall have a song,” the prophet declares, “as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard.... Through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the Lord shall lay upon him, it shall be wit…
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 30:28 in this passage.
Isaiah 30:29
"Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel."
"The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains —still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen. Saith the Lord; “Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth ... to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm, with the indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.” Isaiah 30:29, 30 . GC 635.2"
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 30:29.