"Upon fathers as well as mothers rests a responsibility for the child's earlier as well as its later training, and for both parents the demand for careful and thorough preparation is most urgent. Before taking upon themselves the possibilities of fatherhood and motherhood, men and women should become acquainted with the laws of physical development—with physiology and hygiene, with the bearing of prenatal influences, with the laws of heredity, sanitation, dress, exercise, and the treatment of disease; they should also understand the laws of mental development and moral training. Ed 276.1"
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands diligent teaching of children. EGW expands on this principle by specifying the areas in which parents should be educated to fulfill this command effectively. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"This work of education the Infinite One has counted so important that messengers from His throne have been sent to a mother that was to be, to answer the question, “How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?” ( Judges 13:12 ), and to instruct a father concerning the education of a promised son. Ed 276.2"
"And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?"
Ellen White directly references Judges 13:12 in this passage.
"Never will education accomplish all that it might and should accomplish until the importance of the parents’ work is fully recognized, and they receive a training for its sacred responsibilities. Ed 276.3"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of training children. EGW builds upon this by highlighting the necessity of parental training to effectively fulfill this responsibility. The connection is direct and reinforces the biblical principle.
"The necessity of preparatory training for the teacher is universally admitted; but few recognize the character of the preparation most essential. He who appreciates the responsibility involved in the training of the youth, will realize that instruction in scientific and literary lines alone cannot suffice. The teacher should have a more comprehensive education than can be gained by the study of books. He should possess not only strength but breadth of mind; should be not only whole-souled but large-hearted. Ed 276.4"
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
1 Timothy 4:16 speaks to the importance of a teacher's self-care and doctrine. EGW's passage echoes this by emphasizing the need for a teacher to have a comprehensive education beyond just academics, including breadth of mind and a large heart. Both passages stress the importance of the teacher's character and knowledge.
"He only who created the mind and ordained its laws can perfectly understand its needs or direct its development. The principles of education that He has given are the only safe guide. A qualification essential for every teacher is a knowledge of these principles and such an acceptance of them as will make them a controlling power in his own life. Ed 276.5"
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
This verse emphasizes trusting in God's understanding rather than one's own, which aligns with the idea that God's principles of education are the only safe guide.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Both passages emphasize the importance of God's guidance (Word) for direction in life. The EGW passage speaks of God's principles as a safe guide, while the Psalm speaks of God's word as a lamp. The connection is thematic, but not a direct allusion.