"The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war. GC 631.1"
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of angelic protection found in Psalm 91:11, where angels are charged to protect believers.
"Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God."
The EGW passage echoes the story of Daniel 3:28, where God sends an angel to deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace because they trusted in Him. Both passages highlight God's protection of those who are faithful.
"In all ages, God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and deliverance of His people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have, with their own hands, kindled the fires at the altar. They have opened prison doors and set free the servants of the Lord. Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they came to roll away the stone from the Saviour's tomb. GC 631.2"
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
The EGW passage elaborates on the principle stated in Hebrews 1:14, that angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. It provides specific examples of how angels have ministered to God's people throughout history.
"In the form of men, angels are often in the assemblies of the righteous; and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom, to make a record of their deeds, to determine whether they have passed the boundary of God's forbearance. The Lord delights in mercy; and for the sake of a few who really serve Him, He restrains calamities and prolongs the tranquillity of multitudes. Little do sinners against God realize that they are indebted for their own lives to the faithful few whom they delight to ridicule and oppress. GC 631.3"
"And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;"
The EGW passage explicitly alludes to the story of the angels visiting Sodom in Genesis 19, using it as an example of angels observing the deeds of the wicked.