"Traveling on the Sabbath If we desire the blessing promised to the obedient, we must observe the Sabbath more strictly. I fear that we often travel on this day when it might be avoided. In harmony with the light which the Lord has given in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, we should be more careful about traveling on the boats or cars on this day. In these matters we should set a right example before our children and youth. In order to reach the churches that need our help, and to give them the message that God desires them to hear, it may be necessary for us to travel on the Sabbath; but so far as possible we should secure our tickets and make all necessary arrangements on some other day. When starting on a journey we should make every possible effort to plan so as to avoid reaching our destination on the Sabbath. 6T 359"
"But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
EGW's discussion about avoiding travel on the Sabbath is a direct application and interpretation of the principle in Exodus 20:10, which prohibits work on the Sabbath.
"How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."
While not a direct quote, the EGW passage addresses the tension between strict Sabbath observance and acts of necessity/mercy, which is also a theme in Matthew 12:12. The EGW passage allows for travel to help churches, which is a 'good work' similar to the healing allowed by Jesus.
"Thus parents can make the Sabbath, as it should be, the most joyful day of the week. They can lead their children to regard it as a delight, the day of days, the holy of the Lord, honorable. 6T 359.2"
"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:"
EGW's statement directly echoes Isaiah 58:13, using similar phrases like "call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable." This is a clear and intentional connection.
"Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Both passages emphasize joy and celebration in relation to a holy day. Nehemiah 8:10 encourages rejoicing and sharing on a holy day, while EGW encourages parents to make the Sabbath joyful. The connection is thematic, focusing on the joyful aspect of a holy day.
"I counsel you, my brethren and sisters: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” If you desire your children to observe the Sabbath according to the commandment, you must teach them by both precept and example. The deep engraving of truth in the heart is never wholly effaced. It may be obscured, but can never be obliterated. The impressions made in early life will be seen in afteryears. Circumstances may occur to separate the children from their parents and their home, but as long as they live the instruction given in childhood and youth will be a blessing. 6T 359.3"
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
EGW directly quotes Exodus 20:8.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
EGW's statement about teaching children by precept and example, and the lasting impact of early instruction, directly reflects the principle in Proverbs 22:6.