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 34:1
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
"Chorus: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long. MH 259.3"
Both passages express a continuous and joyful praise of God. The Psalm speaks of blessing the Lord at all times, while the hymn excerpt speaks of praising the Saviour all day long. The connection is clear and meaningful.
Psalms 34:3
"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."
"“O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 69:30 ; Revelation 4:11 ; Psalm 86:12 ; 34:3 . PK 70.4"
The EGW passage directly quotes Psalm 34:3.
Psalms 34:4-10
"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing."
"Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:4-10, 17, 18 , A. R. V. 8T 272.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:4-10 in this passage.
Psalms 34:5
"They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed."
"earnestly and tenderly His heart yearns over us. He invites us to take our trials to His sympathy, our sorrows to His love, our wounds to His healing, our weakness to His strength, our emptiness to His fullness. Never has one been disappointed who came unto Him. “They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:5 . MB 84.4"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:5 in this passage.
"The jailer had trembled as he beheld the wrath of God manifested in the earthquake; when he thought that the prisoners had escaped he had been ready to die by his own hand; but now all these things seemed of little consequence compared with the new, strange dread that agitated his mind, and his desire to possess the tranquillity and cheerfulness shown by the apostles under suffering and abuse. He saw in their countenances the light of heaven; he knew that God had interposed in a miraculous manner to save their lives; and with peculiar force the words of the spirit-possessed woman came to his mind: “These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.” AA 216.3"
The EGW passage describes the jailer seeing the 'light of heaven' in the apostles' faces, which thematically aligns with Psalm 34:5, where those who look to God are 'lightened' and not ashamed. It's a parallel in the sense of reflecting God's presence and receiving divine favor.
"The Lord has been waiting long to impart the greatest, truest joys to the heart. All those who look to Him with undivided hearts, He will greatly bless. Those who have thus looked to Him have caught more distinct views of Jesus as their sin bearer, their all-sufficient sacrifice, and have been hid in the cleft of the Rock, to behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. When we have a sense of Christ's sacrifice in our behalf, our lips are tuned to the highest, loftiest themes of praise. CT 369.4"
Both passages speak of looking to God and receiving blessing and light. The EGW passage expands on the blessings received, but the core idea of looking to God is present in both.
"That evening the burden left us. It was rolled upon the brethren and sisters of Waukon, and they labored for each other with zeal and with the power of God upon them. Countenances that looked sad when we came to the place, now shone with the heavenly anointing. It seemed that heavenly angels were passing from one to another in the room to finish the good work which had begun. Soon we were able to bid farewell to our brethren in Waukon, and to start on our homeward journey. LS 161.1"
Both passages describe a transformation from sadness to joy and light, reflecting a positive change brought about by faith or divine intervention. The phrase 'countenances that looked sad...now shone' parallels 'They looked unto him, and were lightened'.
"Those who received the light appeared very happy. They looked steadfastly toward heaven and longed for the appearing of Jesus. Some were weeping and praying in great distress. Their eyes seemed to be fixed upon themselves, and they dared not look upward. A light from heaven parted the darkness from them, and their eyes, which had been fixed in despair upon themselves, were turned upward, while gratitude and holy joy were expressed upon every feature. Jesus and all the angelic host looked with approbation upon the faithful, waiting ones. EW 248.2"
Both passages describe looking towards a divine figure and receiving light/being lightened. The connection is thematic, focusing on the act of looking up and receiving divine favor.
Psalms 34:7
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
"A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one. This Satan himself recognized when he said: “Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?” Job 1:9, 10 . The agency by which God protects His people is presented in the words of the psalmist: “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7 . Said the Saviour, speaking of those that believe in Him: “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father.” Matthew 18:10 . The angels appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to His presence. GC 512.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:7 in this passage.
The people were surrounded by fierce, warlike tribes, that were eager to seize upon their lands; yet three times every year all the able-bodied men and all the people who could make the journey were directed to leave their homes and repair to the place of assembly, near the center of the land. What was to hinder their enemies from sweeping down upon those unprotected households, to lay them waste with fire and sword? What was to prevent an invasion of the land, that would bring Israel into captivity to some foreign foe? God had promised to be the protector of His people. “The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7 [A.R.V.]. While the Israelites went up to worship, divine power would place a restraint upon their enemies. God's promise was, “I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the Lord thy God thrice in the year.” Exodus 34:24 . …
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:7 in this passage.
"Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have listened to their appeals; human lips have opposed their suggestions and ridiculed their counsels; human hands have met them with insult and abuse. In the council hall and the court of justice these heavenly messengers have shown an intimate acquaintance with human history; they have proved themselves better able to plead the cause of the oppressed than were their ablest and most eloquent defenders. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have greatly retarded the work of God and would have caused great suffering to His people. In the hour of peril and distress “the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7 . GC 632.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:7 in this passage.
"“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7 . God commissions His angels to save His chosen ones from calamity, to guard them from “the pestilence that walketh in darkness” and “the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” Psalm 91:6 . Again and again have angels talked with men as a man speaketh with a friend, and led them to places of security. Again and again have the encouraging words of angels renewed the drooping spirits of the faithful and, carrying their minds above the things of earth, caused them to behold by faith the white robes, the crowns, the palm branches of victory, which overcomers will receive when they surround the great white throne. AA 153.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:7 in this passage.
"There appeared tokens of danger to the Protestants; there were tokens, also, that the divine hand was stretched out to protect the faithful. It was about this time that “Melanchthon hastily conducted through the streets of Spires toward the Rhine his friend Simon Grynaeus, pressing him to cross the river. The latter was astonished at such precipitation. ‘An old man of grave and solemn air, but who is unknown to me,’ said Melanchthon, ‘appeared before me and said, In a minute officers of justice will be sent by Ferdinand to arrest Grynaeus.’” GC 205.1"
The EGW passage describes divine protection of Grynaeus, echoing the Psalm's promise of angelic protection for those who fear God.
"Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. SC 91.1"
Both passages connect humility, seeking God, and the presence/assistance of angels. The EGW passage speaks of angels guiding those who seek divine guidance with humility, while Psalm 34:7 describes the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear Him. The thematic connection is strong.
"But while men were cruel and vindictive, or criminally negligent of the solemn responsibilities devolving upon them, God had not forgotten to be gracious to His servants. All heaven was interested in the men who were suffering for Christ's sake, and angels were sent to visit the prison. At their tread the earth trembled. The heavily bolted prison doors were thrown open; the chains and fetters fell from the hands and feet of the prisoners; and a bright light flooded the prison. AA 215.1"
EGW's statement that God is gracious to his servants and sends angels to help them aligns with the general principle expressed in Psalm 34:7, which speaks of the angel of the Lord delivering those who fear him.
"God's children be opened as were the eyes of Elisha's servant at Dothan, they would see angels of God encamped about them, holding in check the hosts of darkness. PK 590.3"
Both passages speak of angelic protection surrounding those who fear God. The EGW passage uses the Elisha story as an example, while the Psalm provides a general statement of this protection.
must obtain a different experience from any you have yet had, or your service will not be accepted of God. 4T 215.2 Our heavenly Father has been very gracious to you. He has dealt tenderly with you. Sickness and disease came upon you when you were unprepared to die, for you had not perfected a Christian character and had not a moral fitness for heaven. Satan stood by your side to afflict and destroy, that you might be numbered with the transgressors. Fervent and effectual prayer prevailed in your behalf. Angels were sent to wait and watch about you, to guard and protect you from Satan's power and preserve your life. God has, in His matchless love, granted you another trial. Not because of any goodness or virtue in you but, because of His mercy, He has answered the prayers of faith. Your probation has been lengthened that you may have an opportunity to redeem the past, overcome the defects in your character, and show in your life that devotion to God which He claims from you. You have h…
The EGW passage speaks of angels protecting and guarding, which aligns with the Psalm's depiction of angelic encampment and deliverance.
"By these angel messengers a faithful record is kept of the words and deeds of the children of men. Every act of cruelty or injustice toward God's people, all they are caused to suffer through the power of evil workers, is registered in heaven. COL 177.1"
Both passages deal with the protection and care provided by angels. While EGW speaks of a record being kept, Psalm 34:7 speaks of encampment and deliverance, suggesting a protective role. The connection is thematic, not a direct quote or explicit allusion.
"God designs they should, there will be a power that will affect their hearts. With God and angels on their side, His commandment-keeping people can but prosper. This institution is not to be established for the object of gain, but to aid in bringing God's people into such a condition of physical and mental health as will enable them to rightly appreciate eternal things and to correctly value the redemption so dearly purchased by the sufferings of our Saviour. This institution is not to be made a place for diversion or amusement. Those who cannot live unless they have excitement and diversion will be of no use to the world; none are made better for their living. They might just as well be out of the world as to be in it. 1T 564.2"
The EGW passage mentions 'God and angels on their side,' which echoes the sentiment of Psalm 34:7 about the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear Him. The connection is valid, though thematic.
"Christ will never abandon the soul for whom He has died. The soul may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life. Could our spiritual vision be quickened, we should see souls bowed under oppression and burdened with grief, pressed as a cart beneath sheaves and ready to die in discouragement. We should see angels flying swiftly to aid these tempted ones, who are standing as on the brink of a precipice. The angels from heaven force back the hosts of evil that encompass these souls, and guide them to plant their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging between the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and on the issue of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend. MB 118.4"
The EGW passage describes angels aiding those who are tempted, which aligns with Psalm 34:7, which speaks of the angel of the Lord encamping around and delivering those who fear Him. The connection is thematic, focusing on divine protection through angelic intervention.
Psalms 34:8
"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
"Thus through faith they come to know God by an experimental knowledge. They have proved for themselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. They have tasted, and they know that the Lord is good. MH 461.1"
EGW directly alludes to Psalm 34:8, using the phrase 'tasted, and they know that the Lord is good,' which is a clear echo of the verse.
"There is an evidence that is open to all,—the most highly educated, and the most illiterate,—the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. He bids us “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8 . Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves. He declares, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” John 16:24 . His promises will be fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. And as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice in the fullness of His love, our doubt and darkness will disappear in the light of His presence. SC 111.3"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:8 in this passage.
"beside your path on every hand? Will you not let their beauty and sweetness fill your heart with joy? SC 117.1"
Both passages encourage experiencing and appreciating God's goodness. The EGW passage speaks of beauty and sweetness filling the heart with joy, while the Psalm encourages tasting and seeing that the Lord is good. While not a direct quote, the sentiment aligns.
Psalms 34:12-14
"What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
"The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.” [ Proverbs 19:23 .] “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” [ Psalm 34:12-14 .] The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” [ Proverbs 4:22 .] CE 67.2"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:12-14 in this passage.
"The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied.” Proverbs 19:23 . “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:12-14 . The words of wisdom “are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:22 . PP 600.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:12-14 in this passage.
Psalms 34:15
"The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.” Christ will succor those who flee to Him for wisdom and strength. If they meet duty and trial with humility of soul, depending upon Jesus, His mighty angel will be round about them, and He whom they have trusted will prove an all-sufficient helper in every emergency. Those who occupy responsible positions should daily become more intimately acquainted with the excellency, the faithfulness, and the love of Christ. They should be able to exclaim with assurance: “I know whom I have believed.” These men should work as brethren, without one feeling of strife. Each should do his duty, knowing that the eye of God is searching motives and purposes, and reading the inmost feelings of the soul. The work is one. And if leading men do not let their own mind and their own feelings and ideas come in to rule and change the Lord's design, there will be the most perfect harmony between these two branches of the same wo…
The passage directly quotes Psalm 34:15, emphasizing God's attentiveness to the righteous.
“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.... And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” 1 Peter 3:12, 13 . When Balaam, allured by the promise of rich rewards, practiced enchantments against Israel, and by sacrifices to the Lord sought to invoke a curse upon His people, the Spirit of God forbade the evil which he longed to pronounce, and Balaam was forced to exclaim: “How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?” “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!” When sacrifice had again been offered, the ungodly prophet declared: “Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and He hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them.” “Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is ther…
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Peter 3:12 and references the story of Balaam, which illustrates the principle of God's protection over the righteous.
"The eye of the dear Saviour has been upon you, or you would have been left in your unsettled state, and in your sins, to become abandoned in character and miserable in circumstances. While in the land of strangers and in the hour of sickness, you have sadly felt your forlorn, desolate condition. You have passed long nights and weary days of restlessness and pain, away from your mother and sisters, with none but stranger hands to do a kindly office for you, and no Christian hope to sustain you. 2T 423.2"
Both passages speak of God's attentiveness and care, though the Psalm is a general statement and the EGW passage is a specific application.
Psalms 34:16
"The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth."
"The Lord had shown me the character and final come-out of that party; that His frown was upon those connected with that paper, and His hand was against them. And although they might appear to prosper for a time, and some honest ones be deceived, yet truth would eventually triumph, and every honest soul would break away from the deception which had held him, and come out clear from the influence of those wicked men; as God's hand was against them, they must go down. 1T 96.1"
Both passages describe God's opposition to those who do evil. The EGW passage speaks of God's 'frown' and 'hand against them,' while the Psalm speaks of God's 'face' being against them. The core idea of divine opposition to evildoers is present in both.
"The Lord had shown me the character and final come-out of the party; that His frown was upon those connected with that paper, and His hand was against them, and although they might appear to prosper for a time, and some honest ones be deceived, yet truth would eventually triumph, and every honest soul would break away from the deception which had held them, and come out clear from the influence of these wicked men; as God's hand was against them, they must go down. LS 155.2"
Both passages describe God's opposition to evildoers. EGW states that God's frown and hand are against a certain group, while Psalm 34:16 says the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. The parallel is strong and clear.
Psalms 34:17
"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
"to be on my spirits, driving me to despair. I doubted my acceptance with God, and could not pray. I had not courage so much as to lift my eyes to heaven. I suffered intense anguish of mind until my husband besought the Lord in my behalf. He would not yield until my voice was united with his for deliverance. The blessing came, and I began to hope. My trembling faith grasped the promises of God. LS 136.3"
The EGW passage describes a period of intense spiritual distress followed by deliverance through prayer, directly mirroring the theme of the righteous crying out to God and being delivered from their troubles in Psalm 34:17.
"Said the angel: “God will be glorified in the restoration of His servant to health. God has heard the prayers of His servants. His arms are beneath His afflicted servant. God has the case, and he must, although afflicted, dismiss his fears, his anxiety, his doubts and unbelief, and calmly trust in the great yet merciful God, who pities, loves, and cares for him. He will have conflicts with the enemy, but should ever be comforted with the remembrance that a stronger than the enemy has charge of him, and he need not fear. By faith rely on the evidences which God has been pleased to give, and he will gloriously triumph in God.” 1T 617.2"
Both passages highlight God's attentiveness to the prayers of the righteous and His deliverance from troubles. The EGW passage provides a more detailed context of affliction and reliance on God's care.
"such scenes in our early experience, and had suffered so much from unruly, untamable spirits, that we dreaded to be brought in contact with them. I sent in a request for the church at Battle Creek to pray for my husband, and at our family altar we earnestly sought the Lord in his behalf. With brokenness of spirit, and many tears, we tried to fasten our trembling faith upon God's promises, and we had the evidence that He heard us pray and that He would stand by my husband and impart to him counsel and wisdom. 1T 244.2"
Both passages deal with prayer, the Lord hearing, and deliverance from trouble. EGW's passage illustrates the principle of Psalms 34:17.
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against this company, who had the power and light of God. Darkness thickened around them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed. Next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and night their cry ceased not. [“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7, 8 . See also Revelation 14:14, 15 .] I heard these words: “Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen round about us! They have appointed us un…
Both passages highlight the theme of the righteous crying out to God and receiving deliverance. The EGW passage describes believers praying earnestly, and Psalms 34:17 affirms that God hears and answers such prayers.
Psalms 34:18
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
"And delivered them out of all their troubles. Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 93:1, 2 . 8T 271.2"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 34:18 (KJV), though she cites it as Psalm 93:1,2, which is an error. The connection is undeniable.
"urged from the sinner. It is not to be made in a flippant and careless way, or forced from those who have no realizing sense of the abhorrent character of sin. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity. The psalmist says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18 . SC 37.4"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 34:18 in this passage.
"Many times in those childhood days I was made to feel my misfortune keenly. My feelings were unusually sensitive and caused me great unhappiness. Often with wounded pride, mortified and wretched in spirit, I sought a lonely place and gloomily pondered over the trials I was doomed daily to bear. 1T 12.1"
EGW describes feeling wounded, mortified, and wretched, seeking solace in loneliness. This resonates with the sentiment in Psalm 34:18, which assures that God is near to those with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. The connection lies in the shared theme of emotional distress and the promise of divine comfort.
"My dear babe was a great sufferer. Twenty-four days and nights we anxiously watched over him, using all the means that we could for his recovery and earnestly presenting his case to the Lord. At times I could not control my feelings as I witnessed his sufferings. Much of my time was spent in tears and humble supplication to God. But our heavenly Father saw fit to remove the loved one. 1T 245.3"
Both passages deal with sorrow and God's presence in times of grief. The EGW passage describes her grief over her child's suffering and death, while the Psalm speaks of God's nearness to the brokenhearted. The connection is thematic and meaningful.
"Jacob's history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected. GC 621.1"
Both passages speak of God's nearness and care for those who are brokenhearted and repentant, even amidst trials and temptations. The EGW passage expands on this theme, using the imagery of the refiner's fire, but the core idea of God's compassion for the afflicted is present in both.
"No soul bows low but Jesus knows; For He is with us everywhere, And marks each bitter tear that flows. And He will never, never, never Forsake the soul that trusts Him ever.” MB 95.4"
Both passages convey the idea that God is close to those who are suffering and contrite. The EGW passage expresses this through the image of Jesus knowing and marking each tear, while the Psalm speaks of God being near to the brokenhearted.
"The surrender must be complete. Every weak, doubting, struggling soul who yields fully to the Lord is placed in direct touch with agencies that enable him to overcome. Heaven is near to him, and he has the support and help of angels of mercy in every time of trial and need. AA 299.1"
Both passages convey the idea that God is close to those who are humble and broken in spirit. EGW speaks of 'weak, doubting, struggling soul who yields fully to the Lord' and Psalms 34:18 speaks of 'them that are of a broken heart' and 'a contrite spirit.'
"Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God's glory is to shine forth through His church in lifting up the bowed down and comforting those that mourn. COL 417.2"
Both passages address God's presence and comfort to those who are suffering (mourning/broken-hearted).
"Only He who reads the heart can know with what trembling and terror many patients consent to an operation under the surgeon's hand. They realize their peril. While they may have confidence in the physician's skill they know that it is not infallible. But as they see the physician bowed in prayer, asking help from God, they are inspired with confidence. Gratitude and trust open the heart to the healing power of God, the energies of the whole being are vitalized, and the life forces triumph. MH 118.4"
Both passages highlight God's nearness to those in distress. The Psalm speaks of God being near to the brokenhearted, while EGW describes patients' fear and the comfort they find in the physician's prayer.
"Those who, standing in the forefront of the conflict, are impelled by the Holy Spirit to do a special work, will frequently feel a reaction when the pressure is removed. Despondency may shake the most heroic faith and weaken the most steadfast will. But God understands, and He still pities and loves. He reads the motives and the purposes of the heart. To wait patiently, to trust when everything looks dark, is the lesson that the leaders in God's work need to learn. Heaven will not fail them in their day of adversity. Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on God. PK 174.3"
Both passages offer comfort and assurance to those who are struggling. EGW speaks of God's pity and love during adversity, while Psalm 34:18 states that God is near to those with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
"until they crushed him; he was prostrated, broken physically and mentally; and now to gather up words and acts and use them to destroy his influence, after God has put His hand under him to raise him up that his voice may again be heard, is cruel and wicked.” 1T 574.2"
Both passages deal with brokenness and God's response. The EGW passage describes someone 'crushed' and 'broken,' while the Psalm speaks of God being near to the brokenhearted. The EGW passage also mentions God raising him up, which aligns with the Psalm's promise of saving the contrite spirit.
"As the others knelt for prayer, I bowed with them, trembling, and after a few had prayed, my voice arose in prayer before I was aware of it. In that moment the promises of God appeared to me like so many precious pearls that were to be received only for the asking. As I prayed, the burden and agony of soul that I had so long endured, left me, and the blessing of the Lord descended upon me like the gentle dew. I praised God from the depths of my heart. Everything seemed shut out from me but Jesus and His glory, and I lost consciousness of what was passing around me. LS 38.1"
The EGW passage describes a state of spiritual burden and agony followed by relief and blessing, which aligns with the Psalm's promise of God's nearness to the brokenhearted and contrite. The connection is thematic, focusing on God's response to spiritual distress.
"In 1860 death stepped over our threshold, and broke the youngest branch of our family tree. Little Herbert, born September 20, 1860, died December 14 of the same year. When that tender branch was broken, how our hearts did bleed none may know but those who have followed their little ones of promise to the grave. 1T 102.3"
EGW describes the broken heart she experienced after the death of her child. Psalm 34:18 speaks of God's nearness to those with a broken heart. The connection is thematic, focusing on grief and divine comfort.
"The Spirit of God attended the message I bore; hearts were made glad in the truth, and the desponding ones were cheered and encouraged to renew their faith. At Garland a large number collected from different quarters to hear my message. But my heart was very heavy; I had just received a letter from my mother begging me to return home, for false reports were circulating concerning me. This was an unexpected blow. My name had always been free from the shadow of reproach, and my reputation was very dear to me. I also felt grieved that my mother should suffer on my account; her heart was bound up in her children, and she was very sensitive in regard to them. If there had been an opportunity, I should have set out for home immediately; but this was impossible. 1T 65.5"
EGW describes her heavy heart due to the false reports and her mother's suffering. This emotional distress connects to the idea of a 'broken heart' in Psalm 34:18, where God is near to those who are suffering. The psalm offers comfort in times of emotional pain, which is relevant to EGW's situation.
"The disciples marveled at Christ's words when He said, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad ... that I was not there.” Did the Saviour by His own choice avoid the home of His suffering friends? Apparently Mary and Martha and the dying Lazarus were left alone. But they were not alone. Christ beheld the whole scene, and after the death of Lazarus the bereaved sisters were upheld by His grace. Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their rent hearts, as their brother wrestled with his strong foe, death. He felt every pang of anguish, as He said to His disciples, “Lazarus is dead.” But Christ had not only the loved ones at Bethany to think of; He had the training of His disciples to consider. They were to be His representatives to the world, that the Father's blessing might embrace all. For their sake He permitted Lazarus to die. Had He restored him from illness to health, the miracle that is the most positive evidence of His divine character, would not have been performed. DA 528.1"
The EGW passage describes Christ's awareness of the suffering of Mary and Martha, even though He was not physically present. This aligns with the Psalm's assertion that God is near to the brokenhearted. However, the connection is not strong, as the EGW passage focuses more on Christ's reasons for not being present than on His emotional connection to their suffering. Therefore, the confidence is adjusted downwards.
Psalms 34:19
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
I saw you struggling with poverty, seeking to support yourself and your children. Many times you knew not what to do; the future looked dark and uncertain. In your distress you cried unto the Lord, and He comforted and helped you, and hopeful rays of light shone around you. How precious was God to you at such times! how sweet His comforting love! You felt that you had a precious treasure laid up in heaven. As you viewed the reward of the afflicted children of God, what a consolation to feel that you could claim Him as your Father! 2T 269.2 Your case was, in reality, worse than if you had been widowed. Your heart was agonized by the wicked course pursued by your husband. But his persecutions, his threats and violence, did not lead you to trust in your own wisdom, and forget God. Far from this; you sensibly felt your weakness and that you were incapable of carrying your burdens, and in your conscious weakness you were relieved by bringing your heavy burdens to Jesus, the great Burden Bea…
The EGW passage describes a person struggling with poverty and hardship, finding comfort and help from the Lord. This aligns with the theme in Psalm 34:19 that the righteous face many afflictions, but the Lord delivers them. The EGW passage provides a specific example of this principle in action.
"I saw that God will in a wonderful manner preserve His people through the time of trouble. As Jesus poured out His soul in agony in the garden, they will earnestly cry and agonize day and night for deliverance. The decree will go forth that they must disregard the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and honor the first day, or lose their lives; but they will not yield, and trample under their feet the Sabbath of the Lord, and honor an institution of papacy. Satan's host and wicked men will surround them, and exult over them, because there will seem to be no way of escape for them. But in the midst of their revelry and triumph, there is heard peal upon peal of the loudest thunder. The heavens have gathered blackness, and are only illuminated by the blazing light and terrible glory from heaven, as God utters His voice from His holy habitation. 1T 353.4"
The Psalm speaks of God delivering the righteous from afflictions, while the EGW passage describes God's preservation of His people during the time of trouble. The connection is thematic, focusing on God's protection, but not a direct quote or explicit allusion.
"Through the pleading of these men of influence the prophet's life was spared, although many of the priests and false prophets, unable to endure the condemning truths he uttered, would gladly have seen him put to death on the plea of sedition. PK 418.3"
The EGW passage describes Jeremiah's deliverance from those who sought to harm him, aligning with the theme of Psalm 34:19 that the Lord delivers the righteous from afflictions.
"The restlessness of the next few days and nights was accompanied with very little pain. In fact, from the very first, the Lord mercifully spared His aged servant the severe pain that ordinarily comes with such injuries. The usual symptoms of shock, also, were absent. The respiration, the temperature, and the circulation were nearly normal. Dr. Klingerman, and Dr. B. F. Jones, his associate, did all that medical science could suggest to make their patient comfortable; but at her advanced age they could hold out but little prospect of ultimate recovery. LS 443.1"
The EGW passage describes God's mercy in sparing Ellen White severe pain during her injury, aligning with the Psalm's promise of deliverance from afflictions. The connection lies in God's provision and care during suffering.
Psalms 34:22
"The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate."
"The Healing Promises “The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants: And none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate.” Psalm 34:22 . MH 250"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 34:22.