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 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
"“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 63:1-7 , R.V.; 42:11; 27:1. Ed 164.6"
The EGW passage directly quotes Psalm 27:1.
"“I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise Him.” Psalm 27:1 ; 27:5, 6 , R.V.; 40:1-3 ; 28:7 . MH 256.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 27:1 in this passage.
"Amidst great discouragement, Nehemiah made God his trust, his sure defense. And He who was the support of His servant then has been the dependence of His people in every age. In every crisis His people may confidently declare, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 . However craftily the plots of Satan and his agents may be laid, God can detect them, and bring to nought all their counsels. The response of faith today will be the response made by Nehemiah, “Our God shall fight for us;” for God is in the work, and no man can prevent its ultimate success. PK 645.2"
While EGW quotes Romans 8:31 directly in the preceding sentence, the sentiment expressed in Psalms 27:1 aligns with Nehemiah's trust in God amidst discouragement, making it a valid thematic parallel.
"Luther trembled as he looked upon himself—one man opposed to the mightiest powers of earth. He sometimes doubted whether he had indeed been led of God to set himself against the authority of the church. “Who was I,” he writes, “to oppose the majesty of the pope, before whom ... the kings of the earth and the whole world trembled? ... No one can know what my heart suffered during these first two years, and into what despondency, I may say into what despair, I was sunk.”— Ibid., b. 3, ch. 6. But he was not left to become utterly disheartened. When human support failed, he looked to God alone and learned that he could lean in perfect safety upon that all-powerful arm. GC 132.1"
The EGW passage describes Luther's initial fear and doubt, followed by his reliance on God. This thematically parallels Psalm 27:1, which expresses confidence in God as a source of strength and protection, eliminating fear.
"But the faithful prophet was daily strengthened to endure. “The Lord is with me as a mighty terrible One,” he declared in faith; “therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be really ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.” “Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for He hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.” Jeremiah 20:11, 13 . PK 420.2"
Both passages express trust in God for protection and deliverance from enemies. While not a direct quote, the sentiment and theme are clearly echoed.
"The council declined to take action against Zwingli, and Rome prepared for a fresh attack. The Reformer, when apprised of the plots of his enemies, exclaimed: “Let them come on; I fear them as the beetling cliff fears the waves that thunder at its feet.”—Wylie, b. 8, ch. 11. The efforts of the ecclesiastics only furthered the cause which they sought to overthrow. The truth continued to spread. In Germany its adherents, cast down by Luther's disappearance, took heart again, as they saw the progress of the gospel in Switzerland. GC 181.2"
Both passages express a lack of fear in the face of opposition, relying on a higher power for strength and protection. Zwingli's analogy of the cliff and the waves thematically parallels the sentiment in Psalm 27:1.
"In every effort to reach the higher classes, the worker for God needs strong faith. Appearances may seem forbidding, but in the darkest hour there is light above. The strength of those who love and serve God will be renewed day by day. The understanding of the Infinite is placed at their service, that in carrying out His purposes they may not err. Let these workers hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, remembering that the light of God's truth is to shine amid the darkness that enshrouds our world. There is to be no despondency in connection with God's service. The faith of the consecrated worker is to stand every test brought to bear upon it. God is able and willing to bestow upon His servants all the strength they need and to give them the wisdom that their varied necessities demand. He will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him. AA 242.1"
Both passages connect God with light and strength. EGW expands on the idea of God as light in the context of a dark world and the strength He provides to His servants.
"“O almighty and everlasting God,” he pleaded, “how terrible is this world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so little trust in Thee.... If it is only in the strength of this world that I must put my trust, all is over.... My last hour is come, my condemnation has been pronounced.... O God, do Thou help me against all the wisdom of the world. Do this, ... Thou alone; ... for this is not my work, but Thine. I have nothing to do here, nothing to contend for with these great ones of the world.... But the cause is Thine, ... and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord, help me! Faithful and unchangeable God, in no man do I place my trust.... All that is of man is uncertain; all that cometh of man fails.... Thou hast chosen me for this work.... Stand at my side, for the sake of Thy well-beloved Jesus Christ, who is my defense, my shield, and my strong tower.”— Ibid., b. 7, ch. 8. GC 156.3"
Both passages express trust in God as a source of strength and protection in the face of fear and opposition. Luther's prayer echoes the Psalmist's declaration of faith in God as his light and salvation.
"promises of the Word, he is strengthened for the duties of the hour. He realizes his need of strength from above. The victories that he gains do not lead to self-exaltation, but cause him to lean more and more heavily on the Mighty One. Relying upon that power, he is enabled to present the message of salvation so forcibly that it awakens an answering chord in other minds. GW 16.2"
Both passages speak to the idea of finding strength and overcoming fear through reliance on God. Psalm 27:1 declares God as the source of light, salvation, and strength, while the EGW passage describes how relying on God's power enables effective ministry.
"himself, in his old age, alone and friendless, would bow to the combined authority of the crown and the miter. But instead of this the papists saw themselves defeated. Parliament, roused by the stirring appeals of Wycliffe, repealed the persecuting edict, and the Reformer was again at liberty. GC 89.4"
The Psalm expresses trust in God amidst fear, while the EGW passage describes Wycliffe's deliverance from persecution. The connection is thematic, reflecting a reliance on God's protection, but it's not a strong or direct parallel.
"Total darkness settled upon me, and there seemed no way out of the shadows. Could the truth have been presented to me as I now understand it, much perplexity and sorrow would have been spared me. If the love of God had been dwelt upon more, and His stern justice less, the beauty and glory of His character would have inspired me with a deep and earnest love for my Creator. 1T 25.3"
Both passages address fear and the presence of God as a source of light and strength. The EGW passage speaks of 'total darkness' and the need for God's love, while the Psalm declares 'The Lord is my light.' The connection is thematic, but not a direct quote or explicit allusion.
Psalms 27:3
"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident."
"The calm faith of their leader inspired the people with confidence in God. They trusted all to His omnipotent arm, and He did not fail them. Not mighty giants nor walled cities, armed hosts nor rocky fortresses, could stand before the Captain of the Lord's host. The Lord led the army; the Lord discomfited the enemy; the Lord conquered in behalf of Israel. The giant king and his army were destroyed, and the Israelites soon took possession of the whole country. Thus was blotted from the earth that strange people who had given themselves up to iniquity and abominable idolatry. PP 436.2"
Both passages express confidence in God's protection against enemies. The EGW passage describes how the Israelites trusted in God's power, while Psalm 27:3 states that the speaker will not fear even if an army encamps against them.
Psalms 27:4
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
"It is only at the altar of God that we can kindle our tapers with divine fire. It is only the divine light that will reveal the littleness, the incompetence, of human ability, and give clear views of the perfection and purity of Christ. It is only as we behold Jesus that we desire to be like Him, only as we view His righteousness that we hunger and thirst to possess it; and it is only as we ask in earnest prayer, that God will grant us our heart's desire. GW 255.1"
Both passages express a deep desire to be close to God and to behold His beauty/perfection. EGW's passage expands on the idea of beholding Jesus and desiring to be like Him, which aligns with the Psalmist's desire to 'behold the beauty of the Lord'.
"We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God's children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things. SC 99.3"
Both passages connect beauty and seeking God. The Psalm speaks of beholding the beauty of the Lord, while EGW speaks of the 'beauty of holiness.' Both encourage seeking God's presence.
"I want to see the King in His beauty. I want to behold His matchless charms. I want you to behold Him, too. Christ will lead His redeemed ones beside the river of life and will explain to them all that perplexed them in this world. The mysteries of grace will unfold before them. Where their finite minds discerned only confusion and broken purposes, they will see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. 9T 193.3"
Both passages express a desire to behold the beauty of the Lord. EGW's statement, 'I want to see the King in His beauty,' directly echoes the sentiment in Psalm 27:4, making this a valid thematic parallel.
"“How near we seemed to God, as in the clear moonlight we bowed upon some lonely mountain side to ask for needed blessings at His hand! What faith and confidence were ours! God's purposes of love and mercy seemed more fully revealed, and we felt the assurance that our sins and errors were pardoned. Upon such occasions I have seen my husband's countenance lighted up with a radiance that seemed reflected from the throne of God, as in changed voice he praised the Lord for the rich blessings of His grace. Amid earth's gloom and darkness, we could still discern on every hand gleams of brightness from the Fount of light. Through the works of creation we communed with Him who inhabiteth eternity. As we looked upon the towering rocks, the lofty mountains, we exclaimed, ‘Who is so great a God as our God?’ LS 256.2"
Both passages express a deep desire to be close to God and to experience His presence. The Psalm speaks of dwelling in the house of the Lord to behold His beauty, while the EGW passage describes feeling near to God while praying in nature.
"The Author of all beauty, Himself a lover of the beautiful, God provided to gratify in His children the love of beauty. He made provision also for their social needs, for the kindly and helpful associations that do so much to cultivate sympathy and to brighten and sweeten life. Ed 41.4"
Both passages connect God with beauty and the desire for beauty. EGW expands on this by linking it to social needs and cultivating sympathy, while the Psalm focuses on beholding the beauty of the Lord in His temple. The connection is thematic but not a direct allusion.
Psalms 27:5
"For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock."
"Thus God will destroy the wicked from off the earth. But the righteous will be preserved in the midst of these commotions, as Noah was preserved in the ark. God will be their refuge, and under His wings shall they trust. Says the psalmist: “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee.” Psalm 91:9, 10 . “In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me.” Psalm 27:5 . God's promise is, “Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.” Psalm 91:14 . PP 110.3"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 27:5 in this passage.
The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the crisis which His people are to meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they will be in fear of death by starvation or by violence. But the Holy One who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will manifest His mighty power and turn their captivity. “They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Malachi 3:17 . If the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were shed at this time, it would not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for God. Their fidelity would not be a testimony to convince others of the truth; for the obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until they return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall a prey to their enemies, it would be a triumph for the prince of darkness. Says the psalmist: “In the time of trouble He shall hide m…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 27:5 in this passage.
"Urged on by the queen, Ahab instituted a most diligent search for the hiding place of the prophet. To the surrounding nations, far and near, he sent messengers to seek for the man whom he hated, yet feared; and in his anxiety to make the search as thorough as possible, he required of these kingdoms and nations an oath that they knew nothing of the whereabouts of the prophet. But the search was in vain. The prophet was safe from the malice of the king whose sins had brought upon the land the denunciation of an offended God. PK 126.2"
Ahab's relentless search for Elijah, and Elijah's protection, thematically parallels the idea of God hiding and protecting his people as expressed in Psalm 27:5.
The armor-bearer, who also was a man of faith and prayer, encouraged the design, and together they withdrew from the camp, secretly, lest their purpose should be opposed. With earnest prayer to the Guide of their fathers, they agreed upon a sign by which they might determine how to proceed. Then passing down into the gorge separating the two armies, they silently threaded their way, under the shadow of the cliff, and partially concealed by the mounds and ridges of the valley. Approaching the Philistine fortress, they were revealed to the view of their enemies, who said, tauntingly, “Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves,” then challenged them, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing,” meaning that they would punish the two Israelites for their daring. This challenge was the token that Jonathan and his companion had agreed to accept as evidence that the Lord would prosper their undertaking. Passing now from the sight of the Philistines, and c…
The EGW passage describes Jonathan and his armor-bearer moving secretly and being partially concealed. Psalm 27:5 speaks of being hidden in God's pavilion in times of trouble. The shared theme of seeking refuge and concealment connects the two passages.
"One of the family before mentioned as being opposed to the manifestations of the power of God upon me, on this occasion stated his belief that I was under an excitement which he thought it my duty to resist, but instead of doing so, he thought I encouraged it as a mark of God's favor. His doubts and opposition did not affect me at this time, for I seemed shut in with the Lord, and lifted above all outward influence; but he had scarcely stopped speaking when a strong man, a devoted and humble Christian, was struck down before his eyes by the power of God, and the room was filled with the Holy Spirit. 1T 46.1"
The EGW passage describes feeling 'shut in with the Lord, and lifted above all outward influence,' which can be seen as a parallel to the idea of being hidden in God's pavilion or tabernacle during times of trouble, as described in Psalm 27:5. The connection is not as strong as other pairs, hence the lower confidence.
Psalms 27:8
"When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek."
"The psalmist declares, “When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalm 27:8 . The whole of this psalm should find a place in the reading and spelling lessons of the school. The twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, and seventy-eighth psalms tell of the rich blessings bestowed by God upon His people and of their poor returns for all His benefits. The eighty-first psalm explains why Israel was scattered—they forgot God, as the churches in our land are forgetting Him today. Consider also the eighty- ninth, ninetieth, ninety-first, ninety-second, and ninety-third psalms. CT 457.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 27:8 in this passage.
"In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself, at certain periods, from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart. Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. His face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance. PP 86.4"
Both passages highlight the importance of seeking God's face and presence. The EGW passage describes Enoch's practice of withdrawing to seek divine knowledge, aligning with the sentiment in Psalm 27:8.
Psalms 27:9
"Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation."
Many are the figures by which the Spirit of God has sought to illustrate this truth, and make it plain to souls that long to be freed from the burden of guilt. When, after his sin in deceiving Esau, Jacob fled from his father's home, he was weighed down with a sense of guilt. Lonely and outcast as he was, separated from all that had made life dear, the one thought that above all others pressed upon his soul, was the fear that his sin had cut him off from God, that he was forsaken of Heaven. In sadness he lay down to rest on the bare earth, around him only the lonely hills, and above, the heavens bright with stars. As he slept, a strange light broke upon his vision; and lo, from the plain on which he lay, vast shadowy stairs seemed to lead upward to the very gates of heaven, and upon them angels of God were passing up and down; while from the glory above, the divine voice was heard in a message of comfort and hope. Thus was made known to Jacob that which met the need and longing of his …
The EGW passage describes Jacob's fear of being forsaken by God, which thematically aligns with the Psalmist's plea not to be forsaken in Psalm 27:9. While not a direct quote or allusion, the shared theme of fearing abandonment by God makes this a valid thematic parallel.
Psalms 27:10
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."
"Infirmities are gathering about your mother. She needs you; any attention you may render will be very precious to her. There are none of her other children to whom she can look. They feel under no obligation to her. But you will find the privilege which is now yours may soon be lost. Do not think, however, that should you neglect your privilege and your duty as a son, your mother would suffer. She has true friends who will feel it a privilege to do the duties from which you withdraw yourself. God loves your mother and will care for her. If her own children neglect her, He will raise up others to do the work they might have done, and receive the blessing which was offered them. It is their privilege to make her last days her best and happiest. 5T 125.3"
The EGW passage discusses the potential neglect of a mother by her children and God's provision for her even in such circumstances. This thematically parallels Psalm 27:10, where the psalmist expresses confidence that even if forsaken by parents, God will provide. The connection lies in God's care for those who are abandoned or neglected by their family.
Psalms 27:11
"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies."
"***** Instead of choosing the work most pleasing to us, and refusing to do something that our brethren think we should do, we are to inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” Instead of marking out the way that natural inclination prompts us to follow, we are to pray: “Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path.” Psalm 27:11 . 7T 252.4"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 27:11 in this passage.
Psalms 27:14
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
"My mind was in great perplexity in consequence of this opposition, and as the time drew near for our regular meeting, I was in doubt whether or not it was best for me to attend it. For some days previous I had been in great distress on account of the feeling manifested toward me. Finally I decided to remain at home, and thus escape the criticism of my brethren. In trying to pray, I repeated these words again and again: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” The answer that came to my heart seemed to bid me trust in my heavenly Father and wait patiently to know His will. I yielded myself to the Lord with the simple trust of a little child, remembering He had promised that those who follow Him shall not walk in darkness. 1T 45.2"
EGW's passage emphasizes trusting in God and waiting patiently for His will, which aligns with the principle of waiting on the Lord as expressed in Psalm 27:14.
"Day after day Saul tarried, but without making decided efforts toward encouraging the people and inspiring confidence in God. Before the time appointed by the prophet had fully expired, he became impatient at the delay and allowed himself to be discouraged by the trying circumstances that surrounded him. Instead of faithfully seeking to prepare the people for the service that Samuel was coming to perform, he indulged in unbelief and foreboding. The work of seeking God by sacrifice was a most solemn and important work; and God required that His people should search their hearts and repent of their sins, that the offering might be made with acceptance before Him, and that His blessing might attend their efforts to conquer the enemy. But Saul had grown restless; and the people, instead of trusting in God for help, were looking to the king whom they had chosen, to lead and direct them. PP 617.3"
The EGW passage describes Saul's impatience and failure to encourage the people to trust in God, while Psalm 27:14 encourages waiting on the Lord and being of good courage. The connection lies in the contrast between Saul's actions and the advice given in the Psalm, highlighting the importance of patience and trust in God during difficult times.