"Beside Nehemiah stood a trumpeter, and on different parts of the wall were stationed priests bearing the sacred trumpets. The people were scattered in their labors, but on the approach of danger at any point a signal was given for them to repair thither without delay. “So we labored in the work,” Nehemiah says, “and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.” PK 644.1"
"In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us."
EGW directly quotes Nehemiah 4:20.
"Those who had been living in towns and villages outside Jerusalem were now required to lodge within the walls, both to guard the work and to be ready for duty in the morning. This would prevent unnecessary delay, and would cut off the opportunity which the enemy would otherwise improve, of attacking the workmen as they went to and from their homes. Nehemiah and his companions did not shrink from hardship or trying service. Neither by day nor night, not even during the short time given to sleep, did they put off their clothing or lay aside their armor. PK 644.2"
"Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the instruction given in Nehemiah 4:22 regarding lodging within Jerusalem for protection and labor.
"So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing."
The EGW passage directly alludes to the practice described in Nehemiah 4:23, where Nehemiah and his men did not remove their clothes except for washing, indicating their constant readiness and vigilance.
"The opposition and discouragement that the builders in Nehemiah's day met from open enemies and pretended friends is typical of the experience that those today will have who work for God. Christians are tried, not only by the anger, contempt, and cruelty of enemies, but by the indolence, inconsistency, lukewarmness, and treachery of avowed friends and helpers. Derision and reproach are hurled at them. And the same enemy that leads to contempt, at a favorable opportunity uses more cruel and violent measures. PK 644.3"
"And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household."
Both passages highlight the challenges faced by those working for God, including opposition from both enemies and those who claim to be friends. While Matthew 10:36 focuses on familial opposition, the broader theme of betrayal and opposition from within is present in both.