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
Matthew 2:1
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,"
"The wise men from the East were philosophers. They belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation. Among these were many who imposed on the credulity of the people. Others were upright men who studied the indications of Providence in nature, and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. Of this character were the wise men who came to Jesus. DA 59.2"
The EGW passage elaborates on the nature and character of the wise men mentioned in Matthew 2:1, providing additional context and interpretation. It expands on the biblical account without contradicting it.
Matthew 2:1-3
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
"They have reached the land of Israel, and are descending the Mount of Olives, with Jerusalem in sight, when, lo, the star that has guided them all the weary way rests above the temple, and after a season fades from their view. With eager steps they press onward, confidently expecting the Messiah's birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue. But their inquiries are in vain. Entering the holy city, they repair to the temple. To their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt. DA 60.3"
The EGW passage retells the story of the wise men's arrival in Jerusalem as described in Matthew 2:1-3. It's a clear retelling of the same event.
Matthew 2:1-6
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."
"The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels’ visit to the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated it as unworthy of their notice. They themselves might have found Jesus, and might have been ready to lead the magi to His birthplace; but instead of this, the wise men came to call their attention to the birth of the Messiah. “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” they said; “for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him.” DA 62.4"
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on the Matthew passage regarding the wise men's visit and their question about the King of the Jews.
"An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared to welcome Jesus. But he can discern no tokens of expectancy. He hears no voice of praise and triumph that the period of Messiah's coming is at hand. The angel hovers for a time over the chosen city and the temple where the divine presence has been manifested for ages; but even here is the same indifference. The priests, in their pomp and pride, are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple. The Pharisees are with loud voices addressing the people or making boastful prayers at the corners of the streets. In the palaces of kings, in the assemblies of philosophers, in the schools of the rabbis, all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact which has filled all heaven with joy and praise—that the Redeemer of men is about to appear upon the earth. GC 314.1"
Both passages describe a lack of recognition of Jesus' arrival. Matthew 2:1-6 describes the reaction of Herod and Jerusalem to the news of Jesus' birth, while the EGW passage describes a general indifference to the coming Messiah. The EGW passage amplifies the theme of the world's unpreparedness for Christ's coming, as hinted at in Matthew.
Matthew 2:2
"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
"Chapter 6—“We Have Seen His Star” This chapter is based on Matthew 2 . “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him.” DA 59"
The EGW passage explicitly states it is based on Matthew 2, and quotes Matthew 2:2.
He was permitted to look down the stream of time and behold the first advent of our Saviour. He saw Jesus as a babe in Bethlehem. He heard the voices of the angelic host break forth in the glad song of praise to God and peace on earth. He beheld in the heavens the star guiding the Wise Men of the East to Jesus, and a great light flooded his mind as he called those prophetic words, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17 . He beheld Christ's humble life in Nazareth, His ministry of love and sympathy and healing, His rejection by a proud, unbelieving nation. Amazed he listened to their boastful exaltation of the law of God, while they despised and rejected Him by whom the law was given. He saw Jesus upon Olivet as with weeping He bade farewell to the city of His love. As Moses beheld the final rejection of that people so highly blessed of Heaven—that people for whom he had toiled and prayed and sacrificed, for whom he had been willing…
Both passages refer to the star that guided the Wise Men to Jesus. EGW's passage expands on the biblical narrative by placing it within Moses' vision.
"enveloped the minds of the priests and rulers. At His birth the star had known Christ, and had guided the wise men to the manger where He lay. The heavenly hosts had known Him, and had sung His praise over the plains of Bethlehem. The sea had known His voice, and had obeyed His command. Disease and death had recognized His authority, and had yielded to Him their prey. The sun had known Him, and at the sight of His dying anguish, had hidden its face of light. The rocks had known Him, and had shivered into fragments at His cry. Inanimate nature had known Christ, and had borne witness to His divinity. But the priests and rulers of Israel knew not the Son of God. DA 770.4"
The EGW passage references the star guiding the wise men, which is directly from Matthew 2:2. It's a clear thematic parallel.
"go in search of the newborn Prince. DA 60.1"
Both passages refer to the search for the newborn Jesus, who is identified as a king or prince. The connection is thematic, focusing on the event of the wise men seeking Jesus.
Matthew 2:3
"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
"The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem. Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival. Countless murders had stained his pathway to the throne. Being of alien blood, he was hated by the people over whom he ruled. His only security was the favor of Rome. But this new Prince had a higher claim. He was born to the kingdom. DA 61.2"
The EGW passage directly recounts the events described in Matthew 2:3, including Herod's reaction to the news of the Magi's arrival and the general disturbance in Jerusalem.
"Through the wise men, God had called the attention of the Jewish nation to the birth of His Son. Their inquiries in Jerusalem, the popular interest excited, and even the jealousy of Herod, which compelled the attention of the priests and rabbis, directed minds to the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and to the great event that had just taken place. DA 64.3"
The EGW passage expands on the statement in Matthew 2:3, explaining the impact of Herod's concern and the wise men's visit on Jerusalem. It's a thematic parallel, elaborating on the same event and its consequences.
"An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared to welcome Jesus. But he can discern no tokens of expectancy. He hears no voice of praise and triumph that the period of Messiah's coming is at hand. The angel hovers for a time over the chosen city and the temple where the divine presence has been manifested for ages; but even here is the same indifference. The priests, in their pomp and pride, are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple. The Pharisees are with loud voices addressing the people or making boastful prayers at the corners of the streets. In the palaces of kings, in the assemblies of philosophers, in the schools of the rabbis, all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact which has filled all heaven with joy and praise—that the Redeemer of men is about to appear upon the earth. GC 314.1"
Both passages describe a lack of awareness or preparation for the coming of Jesus. Herod and Jerusalem were troubled by the news of Jesus' birth, indicating a lack of welcome, which aligns with the EGW passage's description of indifference.
Matthew 2:4
"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born."
"Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. He concealed his mistrust, however, determined to thwart their schemes by superior cunning. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of the Messiah's birth. DA 61.3"
The EGW passage closely follows the narrative in Matthew 2:4, describing Herod's summoning of the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the Messiah's birthplace.
Matthew 2:5
"And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,"
"This inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the request of strangers, stung the pride of the Jewish teachers. The indifference with which they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous tyrant. He thought them trying to conceal their knowledge of the matter. With an authority they dared not disregard, he commanded them to make close search, and to declare the birthplace of their expected King. “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, DA 62.1"
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on the events described in Matthew 2:5, including the chief priests' response to Herod's inquiry about the Messiah's birthplace.
Matthew 2:6
"And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."
"“And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in nowise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Which shall be shepherd of My people Israel.” R. V. DA 62.2"
EGW directly quotes Matthew 2:6 (which itself quotes Micah 5:2) with only minor variations (R.V. version).
"“And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a Governor, Which shall be Shepherd of My people Israel.” Matthew 2:6 , R.V. PK 697.6"
Ellen White directly references Matthew 2:6 in this passage.
Matthew 2:8
"And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also."
"Herod now invited the magi to a private interview. A tempest of wrath and fear was raging in his heart, but he preserved a calm exterior, and received the strangers courteously. He inquired at what time the star had appeared, and professed to hail with joy the intimation of the birth of Christ. He bade his visitors, “Search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.” So saying, he dismissed them to go on their way to Bethlehem. DA 62.3"
EGW directly quotes Matthew 2:8. The surrounding context is also a close paraphrase of the biblical narrative.
Matthew 2:11
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
"The disciples were not like Judas. They loved the Saviour. But they did not rightly appreciate His exalted character. Had they realized what He had done for them, they would have felt that nothing bestowed upon Him was wasted. The wise men from the East, who knew so little of Jesus, had shown a truer appreciation of the honor due Him. They brought precious gifts to the Saviour, and bowed in homage before Him when He was but a babe, and cradled in a manger. DA 564.3"
The EGW passage directly references the wise men's gifts and worship of Jesus as a baby, which is a clear and intentional allusion to Matthew 2:11.
"go in search of the newborn Prince. DA 60.1"
Both passages relate to the wise men finding and worshipping the young Jesus. While EGW's statement is brief, it clearly alludes to the broader narrative in Matthew 2:11.
Matthew 2:12
"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
"The wise men had not penetrated Herod's design toward Jesus. When the object of their journey was accomplished, they prepared to return to Jerusalem, intending to acquaint him with their success. But in a dream they received a divine message to hold no further communication with him. Avoiding Jerusalem, they set out for their own country by another route. DA 64.1"
The EGW passage is a clear restatement and expansion of the biblical account of the wise men being warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
Matthew 2:13
"And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
"In like manner Joseph received warning to flee into Egypt with Mary and the child. And the angel said, “Be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him.” Joseph obeyed without delay, setting out on the journey by night for greater security. DA 64.2"
The EGW passage directly recounts the events described in Matthew 2:13, including direct quotes. This is a clear and strong allusion.
"Such was the Saviour's reception when He came to the earth. There seemed to be no place of rest or safety for the infant Redeemer. God could not trust His beloved Son with men, even while carrying forward His work for their salvation. He commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him till He should accomplish His mission on earth, and die by the hands of those whom He came to save. DA 67.1"
Both passages describe the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth and the threat posed by Herod, leading to the flight to Egypt. The EGW passage emphasizes God's protection through angels, which is directly related to the angel's appearance to Joseph in Matthew.
Matthew 2:16
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men."
"Soldiers were at once sent to Bethlehem, with orders to put to death all the children of two years and under. The quiet homes of the city of David witnessed those scenes of horror that, six hundred years before, had been opened to the prophet. “In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” DA 65.4"
The EGW passage directly references the events described in Matthew 2:16, specifically the slaughter of the children in Bethlehem.
"Herod in Jerusalem impatiently awaited the return of the wise men. As time passed, and they did not appear, his suspicions were roused. The unwillingness of the rabbis to point out the Messiah's birthplace seemed to indicate that they had penetrated his design, and that the magi had purposely avoided him. He was maddened at the thought. Craft had failed, but there was left the resort to force. He would make an example of this child- king. Those haughty Jews should see what they might expect in their attempts to place a monarch on the throne. DA 65.3"
Both passages describe Herod's anger and frustration at being deceived by the wise men, leading to his decision to kill the children in Bethlehem. The EGW passage provides additional context and details about Herod's motivations.
"This act of cruelty was one of the last that darkened the reign of Herod. Soon after the slaughter of the innocents, he was himself compelled to yield to that doom which none can turn aside. He died a fearful death. DA 66.1"
Both passages discuss Herod's slaughter of the innocents and his subsequent demise. The EGW passage directly references the event and elaborates on its significance as one of Herod's last cruel acts before his death.
Matthew 2:18
"In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."
"As the Jews had departed from God, faith had grown dim, and hope had well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were uncomprehended. To the masses of the people, death was a dread mystery; beyond was uncertainty and gloom. It was not alone the wailing of the mothers of Bethlehem, but the cry from the great heart of humanity, that was borne to the prophet across the centuries,—the voice heard in Ramah, “lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” Matthew 2:18 . In “the region and shadow of death,” men sat unsolaced. With longing eyes they looked for the coming of the Deliverer, when the darkness should be dispelled, and the mystery of the future should be made plain. DA 32.4"
The EGW passage directly quotes Matthew 2:18 and provides context for its use, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
Matthew 2:22
"But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:"
"Joseph, who was still in Egypt, was now bidden by an angel of God to return to the land of Israel. Regarding Jesus as the heir of David's throne, Joseph desired to make his home in Bethlehem; but learning that Archelaus reigned in Judea in his father's stead, he feared that the father's designs against Christ might be carried out by the son. Of all the sons of Herod, Archelaus most resembled him in character. Already his succession to the government had been marked by a tumult in Jerusalem, and the slaughter of thousands of Jews by the Roman guards. DA 66.2"
The EGW passage directly recounts the biblical narrative from Matthew 2:22 about Joseph's fear of Archelaus and his decision to go to Galilee. It's a clear and direct reference.
Matthew 2:23
"And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene."
"Again Joseph was directed to a place of safety. He returned to Nazareth, his former home, and here for nearly thirty years Jesus dwelt, “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” Galilee was under the control of a son of Herod, but it had a much larger admixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea. Thus there was less interest in matters relating especially to the Jews, and the claims of Jesus would be less likely to excite the jealousy of those in power. DA 66.3"
This is a direct reference to Matthew 2:23, including the specific phrase 'He shall be called a Nazarene.'