"From the standpoint of health the smoke and dust of the cities are very objectionable. And the patients who for a large part of their time are shut up within four walls often feel that they are prisoners in their rooms. When they look out of a window they see nothing but houses, houses, houses. Those who are thus confined to their rooms are liable to brood over their suffering and sorrow. Sometimes an invalid is poisoned by his own breath. 7T 82.2"
"Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;"
Both passages describe a state of confinement and suffering. While Psalm 107:10 speaks of literal imprisonment, the EGW passage describes the confinement of patients in a city environment, leading to mental and emotional distress. The parallel lies in the negative impact of confinement.
"Why deprive patients of the health-restoring blessing to be found in outdoor life? I have been instructed that as the sick are encouraged to leave their rooms and spend time in the open air, cultivating flowers, or doing some other light, pleasant work, their minds will be called from self to something more health-giving. Exercise in the open air should be prescribed as a beneficial, life-giving necessity. The longer patients can be kept out of doors the less care will they require. The more cheerful their surroundings, the more hopeful will they be. Surround them with the beautiful things of nature; place them where they can see the flowers growing and hear the birds singing, and their hearts will break into song in harmony with the song of the birds. Shut them in rooms, and, be these rooms ever so elegantly furnished, they will grow fretful and gloomy. Give them the blessing of outdoor life; thus their souls will be uplifted. Relief will come to body and mind. 7T 82.4"
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
Both passages highlight the restorative power of nature. Psalm 23:2 speaks of green pastures and still waters, while the EGW passage emphasizes the benefits of outdoor life, flowers, and birdsong for healing and mental well-being. The connection is strong and meaningful.