“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.” Hebrews 11:30 . The Captain of the Lord's host communicated only with Joshua; He did not reveal Himself to all the congregation, and it rested with them to believe or doubt the words of Joshua, to obey the commands given by him in the name of the Lord, or to deny his authority. They could not see the host of angels who attended them under the leadership of the Son of God. They might have reasoned: “What unmeaning movements are these, and how ridiculous the performance of marching daily around the walls of the city, blowing trumpets of rams’ horns. This can have no effect upon those towering fortifications.” But the very plan of continuing this ceremony through so long a time prior to the final overthrow of the walls afforded opportunity for the development of faith among the Israelites. It was to be impressed upon their minds that their strength was not in the wisdom of man, nor in his might, but only in the God of their salvation. They were t…
"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days."
EGW directly quotes Hebrews 11:30 and elaborates on the event it references.
"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
The EGW passage discusses the Israelites' need to believe without seeing, which aligns with the principle of walking by faith, not by sight, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:7.
"And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"
EGW refers to the 'Captain of the Lord's host' communicating with Joshua, which is a direct reference to Joshua 5:14.
"God will do great things for those who trust in Him. The reason why His professed people have no greater strength is that they trust so much to their own wisdom, and do not give the Lord an opportunity to reveal His power in their behalf. He will help His believing children in every emergency if they will place their entire confidence in Him and faithfully obey Him. PP 493.2"
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of trusting in God rather than one's own understanding, as presented in Proverbs 3:5-6.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Both passages emphasize God's role as a source of strength and help in times of need, highlighting a thematic parallel.
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
Both passages emphasize humility and trust in God as prerequisites for receiving His grace and power. While not a direct quote, the EGW passage echoes the sentiment of God favoring the humble and resisting the proud.
"Soon after the fall of Jericho, Joshua determined to attack Ai, a small town among the ravines a few miles to the west of the Jordan Valley. Spies sent to this place brought back the report that the inhabitants were but few, and that only a small force would be needed to overthrow it. PP 493.3"
"And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth–aven, on the east side of Beth–el, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few."
The EGW passage directly references the events described in Joshua 7:2-3, including the sending of spies to Ai and their report on the small number of inhabitants.
"And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes."
Both passages involve sending spies to assess the land and its inhabitants. While not a direct quote, the theme of reconnaissance and assessing the strength of the enemy is present in both.
"The great victory that God had gained for them had made the Israelites self-confident. Because He had promised them the land of Canaan they felt secure, and failed to realize that divine help alone could give them success. Even Joshua laid his plans for the conquest of Ai without seeking counsel from God. PP 493.4"
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
EGW describes the Israelites' self-confidence leading to a failure to seek God's counsel, which aligns with the principle of Proverbs 16:18 about pride preceding a fall.
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
The EGW passage describes the Israelites trusting in their own strength after a victory, rather than relying on God. This parallels the sentiment in Psalm 20:7, which contrasts trusting in earthly power with remembering the Lord our God.
The Israelites had begun to exalt their own strength and to look with contempt upon their foes. An easy victory was expected, and three thousand men were thought sufficient to take the place. These rushed to the attack without the assurance that God would be with them. They advanced nearly to the gate of the city, only to encounter the most determined resistance. Panic-stricken at the numbers and thorough preparation of their enemies, they fled in confusion down the steep descent. The Canaanites were in hot pursuit; “they chased them from before the gate, ... and smote them in the going down.” Though the loss was small as to numbers—but thirty-six men being slain—the defeat was disheartening to the whole congregation. “The hearts of the people melted, and became as water.” This was the first time they had met the Canaanites in actual battle, and if put to flight before the defenders of this little town, what would be the result in the greater conflicts before them? Joshua looked upon t…
"So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai."
Both passages describe the defeat of the Israelites at Ai, specifically mentioning the flight before the men of Ai. The EGW passage elaborates on the circumstances and consequences of the defeat, drawing directly from the biblical narrative.
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
The EGW passage describes the Israelites' pride and overconfidence leading to their defeat. This aligns with the principle in Proverbs 16:18, which warns against pride leading to destruction. The EGW passage illustrates this principle in a specific historical context.