"The king and his princes had done more than their part in opening the way for the return. They had provided abundant means, but where were the men? The sons of Levi failed at a time when the influence of a decision to accompany their brethren would have led others to follow their example. Their strange indifference is a sad revelation of the attitude of the Israelites in Babylon toward God's purpose for His people. PK 614.1"
"For many are called, but few are chosen."
Both passages address the idea of a call being extended, but not everyone responding positively. In Ezra's time, many Israelites chose to remain in Babylon, despite the opportunity to return to Jerusalem. This mirrors the sentiment in Matthew 22:14, where many are called, but few are chosen. The EGW passage highlights the indifference of the Levites, illustrating the principle of selective response to a divine call.
"Once more Ezra appealed to the Levites, sending them an urgent invitation to unite with his company. To emphasize the importance of quick action, he sent with his written plea several of his “chief men” and “men of understanding.” Ezra 7:28 ; 8:16 . PK 614.2"
"And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me."
Ellen White directly references Ezra 7:28 in this passage.
"While the travelers tarried with Ezra, these trusted messengers hastened back with the plea, “Bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.” Ezra 8:17 . The appeal was heeded; some who had been halting, made final decision to return. In all, about forty priests and two hundred and twenty Nethinim—men upon whom Ezra could rely as wise ministers and good teachers and helpers—were brought to the camp. PK 614.3"
"And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God."
Ellen White directly references Ezra 8:17 in this passage.