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
Psalms 139:1-4
"O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether."
"The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it your privilege to approach Him by the name of Father. Understand all that this implies. No earthly parent ever pleaded so earnestly with an erring child as He who made you pleads with the transgressor. No human, loving interest ever followed the impenitent with such tender invitations. God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is spoken, listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every soul, regards the treatment that is given to father, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor. He cares for our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continually flowing to satisfy our need. MB 105.2"
Both passages emphasize God's intimate knowledge and care for individuals. EGW expands on the implications of God as Father, while Psalm 139 details God's comprehensive awareness. The connection is strong and meaningful.
Psalms 139:1-6
"O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."
"Thou compassest my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset my behind and before, And laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Jeremiah 10:6, 7 ; Psalm 139:1-6 . MH 433.3"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 139:1-6 in this passage.
"But, lo, O Jehovah, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid Thy hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Psalm 139:1-6 , A. R. V. 8T 282.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 139:1-6 in this passage.
Psalms 139:2-6
"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."
"“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways.... Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Psalm 139:2-6 , R.V. Ed 133.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 139:2-6 in this passage.
Psalms 139:3
"Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways."
"Thou compassest my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset my behind and before, And laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Jeremiah 10:6, 7 ; Psalm 139:1-6 . MH 433.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes Psalm 139:3.
Psalms 139:4
"For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether."
"faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul. COL 206.1"
Both passages emphasize God's awareness of our thoughts and desires, even before we express them. Psalms 139:4 speaks to God's complete knowledge, while the EGW passage suggests that God responds to our desires even before they are fully formed.
Psalms 139:7
"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?"
"If, when the call first came to him, Jonah had stopped to consider calmly, he might have known how foolish would be any effort on his part to escape the responsibility placed upon him. But not for long was he permitted to go on undisturbed in his mad flight. “The Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.” Verses 4, 5 . PK 267.1"
The EGW passage describes Jonah's attempt to flee from his responsibility and the ensuing storm. This directly relates to the question posed in Psalm 139:7, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" Both passages deal with the impossibility of escaping God's presence or will.
Psalms 139:7-8
"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."
"We are never alone. Whether we choose Him or not, we have a companion. Remember that wherever you are, whatever you do, God is there. Nothing that is said or done or thought can escape His attention. To your every word or deed you have a witness—the holy, sin-hating God. Before you speak or act, always think of this. As a Christian, you are a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King. Say no word, do no act, that shall bring dishonor upon “that worthy name by the which ye are called.” James 2:7 . MH 490.3"
Both passages emphasize God's omnipresence and awareness of our actions. While Psalm 139:7-8 is a more poetic and comprehensive statement of God's presence, the EGW passage applies this principle to daily life and moral choices.
Psalms 139:8
"If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."
"“Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: If I make my bed in the grave (see Psalm 139:8 , R.V.; Job 26:6 , R.V., margin), behold, Thou art there. Ed 132.4"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 139:8 in this passage.
Psalms 139:9
"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;"
"“If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall Thy hand lead me, And Thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 113:5, 6 ; 139:7-10 . Ed 132.5"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 139:9.
Psalms 139:10
"Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
"“If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall Thy hand lead me, And Thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 113:5, 6 ; 139:7-10 . Ed 132.5"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 139:10.
Psalms 139:12
"Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."
"Though the night of sorrow gathered dark about these followers of Jesus, yet were they not forsaken. Saith the prophet: “When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.... He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness.” “Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.” God hath spoken: “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.” “I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” Micah 7:8, 9 ; Psalm 139:12 ; 112:4 ; Isaiah 42:16 . GC 346.3"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 139:12 in this passage.
Psalms 139:14
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
"Let pupils be impressed with the thought that the body is a temple in which God desires to dwell, that it must be kept pure, the abiding place of high and noble thoughts. As in the study of physiology they see that they are indeed “fearfully and wonderfully made” ( Psalm 139:14 ), they will be inspired with reverence. Instead of marring God's handiwork, they will have an ambition to make all that is possible of themselves, in order to fulfill the Creator's glorious plan. Thus they will come to regard obedience to the laws of health, not as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, but as it really is, an inestimable privilege and blessing. Ed 201.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 139:14 in this passage.
If parents themselves would obtain knowledge, and feel the importance of putting it to a practical use in the education of their dear children, we should see a different order of things among youth and children. The children need to be instructed in regard to their own bodies. There are but few youth who have any definite knowledge of the mysteries of human life. They know but little about the living machinery. Says David: “I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Teach your children to study from cause to effect; show them that if they violate the laws of their being they must pay the penalty by suffering disease. If in your effort you can see no special improvement, be not discouraged; patiently instruct, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. If by this means you have succeeded in forgetting yourself, you have taken one step in the right direction. Press on until the victory is gained. Continue to teach your children in regard to…
EGW directly quotes Psalm 139:14 and uses it as a basis for encouraging parents to teach their children about the human body and its functions.
"As the mechanism of the body is studied, attention should be directed to its wonderful adaptation of means to ends, the harmonious action and dependence of the various organs. As the interest of the student is thus awakened, and he is led to see the importance of physical culture, much can be done by the teacher to secure proper development and right habits. Ed 198.2"
EGW directly references the idea of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" which is the core of Psalm 139:14. The passage amplifies the idea of the body's intricate design and its connection to God's creation.
"The Physical Well-Being Parents should seek to awaken in their children an interest in the study of physiology. From the first dawn of reason the human mind should become intelligent in regard to the physical structure. We may behold and admire the work of God in the natural world, but the human habitation is the most wonderful. It is therefore of the highest importance that among the studies selected for children, physiology occupy an important place. All children should study it. And then parents should see to it that practical hygiene is added. CT 125"
Both passages emphasize the importance of understanding the human body. EGW specifically advocates for the study of physiology, while the Psalm expresses awe at the body's intricate design.
"Tight lacing does not improve the form. One of the chief elements in physical beauty is symmetry, the harmonious proportion of parts. And the correct model for physical development is to be found, not in the figures displayed by French modistes, but in the human form as developed according to the laws of God in nature. God is the author of all beauty, and only as we conform to His ideal shall we approach the standard of true beauty. CT 305.2"
EGW's statement about God being the author of beauty and conforming to His ideal parallels the Psalm's declaration of being 'fearfully and wonderfully made' by God. Both emphasize God's role in the creation and perfection of the human form.
Psalms 139:15-16
"My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."
"Our substance was not hid from Him when we were made in secret. His eyes saw our substance, yet being imperfect; and in His book all our members were written, when as yet there were none of them. 8T 264.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes and paraphrases Psalm 139:15-16, referencing the creation of man in secret and God's knowledge of our substance.
Psalms 139:17
"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!"
"“What rich blessings are there! With the psalmist I could say: ‘How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.’ Psalm 139:17, 18 . These last words express my feelings and experience. When I awake, the first thought and expression of my heart is: ‘Praise the Lord! I love Thee, O Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee! Precious Saviour, Thou hast bought me with the price of Thine own blood. Thou hast considered me of value, or Thou wouldst not have paid an infinite price for my salvation. Thou, my Redeemer, hast given Thy life for me, and Thou shalt not have died for me in vain.’ ... LS 339.2"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 139:17 and attributes the sentiment to the psalmist. This is a clear and direct allusion.
Psalms 139:18
"If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
"“What rich blessings are there! With the psalmist I could say: ‘How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.’ Psalm 139:17, 18 . These last words express my feelings and experience. When I awake, the first thought and expression of my heart is: ‘Praise the Lord! I love Thee, O Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee! Precious Saviour, Thou hast bought me with the price of Thine own blood. Thou hast considered me of value, or Thou wouldst not have paid an infinite price for my salvation. Thou, my Redeemer, hast given Thy life for me, and Thou shalt not have died for me in vain.’ ... LS 339.2"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 139:18 and attributes the sentiment to the psalmist. This is a clear and direct allusion.
Psalms 139:23
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:"
"The Relation of Diet to Board Meetings Before our brethren assemble in council or board meetings, each one should present himself before God, carefully searching the heart and critically examining the motives. Pray that the Lord may reveal self to you so that you may not unwisely criticize or condemn propositions. 7T 257"
EGW directly encourages self-examination and prayer for discernment before meetings, mirroring the sentiment of Psalm 139:23, which asks God to search the heart and thoughts.
Psalms 139:23-24
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
"You who in heart long for something better than this world can give, recognize this longing as the voice of God to your soul. Ask Him to give you repentance, to reveal Christ to you in His infinite love, in His perfect purity. In the Saviour's life the principles of God's law—love to God and man—were perfectly exemplified. Benevolence, unselfish love, was the life of His soul. It is as we behold Him, as the light from our Saviour falls upon us, that we see the sinfulness of our own hearts. SC 28.2"
Both passages touch on the idea of God revealing the state of one's heart. The EGW passage speaks of asking God to reveal Christ and seeing sinfulness, while the Psalm is a direct request for God to search the heart. The connection is present, but not as strong as a direct principle or thematic parallel.