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 78:4
"We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done."
"Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children;” “Showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.” “That the generation to come might know them, Even the children which should be born; Who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God.” MH 448.1"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 78:4 and references the surrounding verses.
"Items of Experience The editors of our papers need the co-operation of our laborers in the field and of our people far and near. In our papers should be found communications from the workers in all parts of the world—articles giving living experiences. We do not need romance; but in the daily life there are real experiences that, if told in short articles and in simple words, would be more fascinating than romance, while at the same time they would be an invaluable aid to Christian experience and to practical missionary work. We want truth, solid truth, from consecrated men, women, and youth. 7T 157"
Both passages emphasize the importance of sharing experiences and testimonies. EGW calls for 'communications from the workers...articles giving living experiences,' while Psalm 78:4 speaks of 'shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works.' The connection lies in the value of sharing personal accounts of faith.
Psalms 78:4-7
"We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:"
"“Showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.” “That the generation to come might know them, Even the children which should be born; Who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God.:” Psalm 78:4-7 . CT 385.5"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 78:4-7 in this passage.
Psalms 78:5
"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:"
"Chapter 7—The Schools of the Prophets The Lord himself directed the education of Israel. His care was not restricted to their religious interests; whatever affected their mental or physical well-being was also the subject of divine providence, and came within the sphere of divine law. CE 60"
Both passages highlight the importance of teaching God's law and testimonies to the next generation. While Deuteronomy 6:6-7 focuses on the method of teaching, Psalms 78:5 emphasizes the establishment of law and testimony for the purpose of educating children.
Psalms 78:5-7
"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:"
In both the school and the home much of the teaching was oral; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings, and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study. The chief subjects of study in these schools were the law of God, with the instruction given to Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. In the records of sacred history were traced the footsteps of Jehovah. The great truths set forth by the types in the service of the sanctuary were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that system—the Lamb of God, that was to take away the sin of the world. A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were the students taught the duty of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith in Him, and how to understand and obey the teachings of His Spirit. Sanctified intellect brought forth from the treasure house of God things new and old, and the Spirit of God was manifested in p…
Both passages emphasize the importance of teaching future generations about God's law and works. The EGW passage describes how this was done in the schools of the prophets, while the Psalms passage is a general exhortation.
Psalms 78:5-8
"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God."
Parental Training .—Children are what their parents make them, by their instruction, discipline, and example. Hence the overwhelming importance of parental faithfulness in training the young for the service of God. Children should early be taught the sacredness of religious obligations. This is a most important part of their education. Our duty to God should be performed before any other. The strict observance of God's law, from principle, should be taught and enforced. “For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children. That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose sp…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 78:5-8 in this passage.
Psalms 78:7
"That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:"
"Heaven's plan of salvation is broad enough to embrace the whole world. God longs to breathe into prostrate humanity the breath of life. And He will not permit any soul to be disappointed who is sincere in his longing for something higher and nobler than anything the world can offer. Constantly He is sending His angels to those who, while surrounded by circumstances the most discouraging, pray in faith for some power higher than themselves to take possession of them and bring deliverance and peace. In various ways God will reveal Himself to them and will place them in touch with providences that will establish their confidence in the One who has given Himself a ransom for all, “that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” Psalm 78:7 . PK 377.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 78:7 in this passage.
Psalms 78:10
"They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;"
"“They kept not the covenant of God, And refused to walk in His law.” Psalm 78:10 . 8T 276.1"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 78:10 in this passage.
Psalms 78:11
"And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them."
"“Call to Remembrance the Former Days” Why did ancient Israel so easily forget God's dealings? The people did not retain in their memory His works of greatness and power or His words of warning. Had they remembered His wondrous dealings with them they would not have received the reproof: 8T 113"
Both passages discuss the people forgetting God's works and wonders. The connection is thematic and relevant.
Psalms 78:24
"And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven."
In bringing forth Israel from Egypt, the Lord again manifested His power and His mercy. His wonderful works in their deliverance from bondage and His dealings with them in their travels through the wilderness were not for their benefit alone. These were to be as an object lesson to the surrounding nations. The Lord revealed Himself as a God above all human authority and greatness. The signs and wonders He wrought in behalf of His people showed His power over nature and over the greatest of those who worshiped nature. God went through the proud land of Egypt as He will go through the earth in the last days. With fire and tempest, earthquake and death, the great I AM redeemed His people. He took them out of the land of bondage. He led them through the “great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought.” Deuteronomy 8:15 . He brought them forth water out of “the rock of flint,” and fed them with “the corn of heaven.” Psalm 78:24 . “For,” said Moses, “t…
Ellen White directly references Psalms 78:24 in this passage.
Psalms 78:25
"Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full."
"Diet Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number whom the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world. These are His peculiar people, zealous of good works. God has spoken in His word. In the case of Daniel and his three companions there are sermons upon health reform. God has spoken in the history of the children of Israel, from whom for their good He sought to withhold a flesh diet. He fed them with bread from heaven; “man did eat angels' food.” But they encouraged their earthly appetite; and the more they centered their thoughts upon the fleshpots of Egypt, the more they hated the food which God gave them to keep them in health physically, mentally, and morally. They longed for the fleshpots, and in this they did just as many in our own time have done. 6T 372"
The EGW passage directly quotes Psalm 78:25.
"“The children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited: they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.” For forty years they were daily reminded by this miraculous provision, of God's unfailing care and tender love. In the words of the psalmist, God gave them “of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels’ food” ( Psalm 78:24, 25 )—that is, food provided for them by the angels. Sustained by “the corn of heaven,” they were daily taught that, having God's promise, they were as secure from want as if surrounded by fields of waving grain on the fertile plains of Canaan. PP 297.1"
EGW directly quotes Psalm 78:25.
Psalms 78:32-35
"For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble. When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer."
"“For all this they sinned still, and believed not for His wondrous works.... When He slew them, then they sought Him: and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer.” Psalm 78:32-35 . Yet they did not turn to God with a sincere purpose. Though when afflicted by their enemies they sought help from Him who alone could deliver, yet “their heart was not right with Him , neither were they steadfast in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned He His anger away.... For He remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” Verses 37-39 . PP 410.3"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 78:32-35 in this passage.
Psalms 78:34
"When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God."
"“For all this they sinned still, and believed not for His wondrous works.... When He slew them, then they sought Him: and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer.” Psalm 78:32-35 . Yet they did not turn to God with a sincere purpose. Though when afflicted by their enemies they sought help from Him who alone could deliver, yet “their heart was not right with Him , neither were they steadfast in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned He His anger away.... For He remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” Verses 37-39 . PP 410.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes and references Psalm 78:34, making it an explicit allusion.
Psalms 78:38
"But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath."
"“For all this they sinned still, and believed not for His wondrous works.... When He slew them, then they sought Him: and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer.” Psalm 78:32-35 . Yet they did not turn to God with a sincere purpose. Though when afflicted by their enemies they sought help from Him who alone could deliver, yet “their heart was not right with Him , neither were they steadfast in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned He His anger away.... For He remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” Verses 37-39 . PP 410.3"
EGW directly quotes and references Psalm 78:38, elaborating on its meaning in the context of the Israelites' behavior.
Psalms 78:41
"Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel."
"In their unbelief they limited the power of God and distrusted the hand that had hitherto safely guided them. And they repeated their former error of murmuring against Moses and Aaron. “This, then, is the end of our high hopes,” they said. “This is the land we have traveled all the way from Egypt to possess.” They accused their leaders of deceiving the people and bringing trouble upon Israel. PP 388.2"
The EGW passage states that the Israelites "limited the power of God," which is directly echoed in Psalm 78:41: "they... limited the Holy One of Israel." This is a clear thematic parallel.
Psalms 78:61
"And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy’s hand."
"Though He “delivered His strength into captivity, and His glory into the enemy's hand,” yet He said, “My lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer My faithfulness to fail.” Psalm 78:61 ; 89:33 . 8T 276.4 “Is Ephraim My dear son? is he a pleasant [Authorized Version] child? for as often as I speak against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore My heart yearneth for him.” Jeremiah 31:20 , A. R. V. 8T 276.5"
Ellen White directly references Psalms 78:61 in this passage.
Psalms 78:70-72
"He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands."
"God was teaching David lessons of trust. As Moses was trained for his work, so the Lord was fitting the son of Jesse to become the guide of His chosen people. In his watchcare for his flocks, he was gaining an appreciation of the care that the Great Shepherd has for the sheep of His pasture. PP 644.1"
Both passages connect David's shepherding experience to his future role as a leader of God's people. The EGW passage explicitly states that God was training David through his shepherding, echoing the sentiment in Psalm 78:70-72 that God took David from the sheepfolds to feed Jacob.
"Man would have dispensed with that long period of toil and obscurity, deeming it a great loss of time. But Infinite Wisdom called him who was to become the leader of his people to spend forty years in the humble work of a shepherd. The habits of caretaking, of self-forgetfulness and tender solicitude for his flock, thus developed, would prepare him to become the compassionate, longsuffering shepherd of Israel. No advantage that human training or culture could bestow, could be a substitute for this experience. PP 247.4"
EGW draws a parallel between Moses's training as a shepherd and David's, as described in Psalm 78. Both were prepared for leadership through their experiences tending flocks. The connection is thematic, highlighting God's use of humble occupations to prepare leaders.
"In the wilds of Midian, Moses spent forty years as a keeper of sheep. Apparently cut off forever from his life's mission, he was receiving the discipline essential for its fulfillment. Wisdom to govern an ignorant and undisciplined multitude must be gained through self-mastery. In the care of the sheep and the tender lambs he must obtain the experience that would make him a faithful, long-suffering shepherd to Israel. That he might become a representative of God, he must learn of Him. Ed 62.3"
Both passages draw a parallel between shepherding and leadership, suggesting that caring for sheep can provide valuable experience for guiding people. EGW applies this to Moses, while the Psalm refers to David.