EGW WritingsExodus 20
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2
Read Exodus 20 in the BibleExodus 20:5-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 15, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 15, 1895, par. 25
God will not hold him guiltless that does not set the Lord ever before him. He will walk contrary to those who walk contrary to Him. He will visit “the iniquities of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate him; and will show mercy unto thousands of them that love him and keep his commandments.” [Exodus 20:5, 6.] The heart’s inclinations are true when they remain under the restraint of the holy precepts of Jehovah. O, that men would fear and tremble before the Lord God of hosts. He has made sufficiently plain His claims upon the human agent.Exodus 20:6
Sons and Daughters of God
Mercy Shown to Thousands Who Love God’s Law, February 16
SD 53.1
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:6.Exodus 20:7
Sons and Daughters of God
We Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain, February 21
SD 58.1
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7.Exodus 20:8
Counsels for the Church
Remember the Sabbath Day
CCh 262.2
At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said: “Remember.” He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8.That I May Know Him
On the Preparation Day, May 21
TMK 147.1
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 29—The Sabbath
DA 283.3
No other institution which was committed to the Jews tended so fully to distinguish them from surrounding nations as did the Sabbath. God designed that its observance should designate them as His worshipers. It was to be a token of their separation from idolatry, and their connection with the true God. But in order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ. When the command was given to Israel, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” the Lord said also to them, “Ye shall be holy men unto Me.” Exodus 20:8; 22:31. Only thus could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers of God.The Faith I Live By
Preparing for the Holy Day, January 28
FLB 34.1
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8.The Sanctified Life
A Sabbathkeeper
SL 74.2
The Lord’s day mentioned by John was the Sabbath, the day on which Jehovah rested after the great work of creation, and which He blessed and sanctified because He had rested upon it. The Sabbath was as sacredly observed by John upon the Isle of Patmos as when he was among the people, preaching upon that day. By the barren rocks surrounding him, John was reminded of rocky Horeb, and how, when God spoke His law to the people there, He said, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Preparation for the Sabbath
3TT 20.2
At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said, “Remember.” He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8.From Heaven With Love
The Sign of True Conversion
HLv 186.3
But in order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ. When the command was given to Israel, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8), the Lord said also to them, “Ye shall be holy men unto Me.” Exodus 22:31.Homeward Bound
Sabbath Preparations, June 22
HB 195.1
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.—Exodus 20:8.HB 195.2
At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said: “Remember.” He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities we would be tempted to excuse ourselves from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 63, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 63, 1897, par. 11
Every man in God’s world is under the laws of God’s government. God has placed the Sabbath in the bosom of the Decalogue, and has made it the criterion of obedience. Through it we may learn of God’s power, as displayed in His works and in His Word. But today the world is following the example of those who lived before the flood. Now, as then, men choose to follow their own inventions, rather than to obey the commandments of God. The inhabitants of the antediluvian world glorified themselves instead of commemorating the glorious works of creation. They did not obey the law of God; they did not honor the Sabbath. Had they done this, they would have recognized their duty to their Creator. This was the original and supreme object of the command, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Exodus 20:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 65, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 65, 1897, par. 7
Those who do this make of none effect the commandments instituted in Eden, for here, when the foundation of the world was laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, the foundation for the Sabbath was set apart to be observed as sacred. The Lord blessed the seventh day as the day of His rest, and sanctified it, commanding man to “remember.” [Exodus 20:8.] Do not forget it; keep it holy.12LtMs, Ms 65, 1897, par. 12
The heavenly universe is amazed that in their credulity people transfer the benediction given to the seventh day to the first day of the week. The Sabbath is God’s memorial of creation and rest, and at the beginning of the Sabbath commandment, He gives the word of warning, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Exodus 20:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 175, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 175, 1897, par. 65
We feel very much the need of wisdom from the Lord. This is the holy Sabbath and our people who observe the Sabbath will be assembling together to worship God on the day specified in the fourth commandment of the decalogue. This is the day He has sanctified and blessed and He has told us, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” [Exodus 20:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 57, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 57, 1897, par. 10
It is a great work to educate, discipline, and train minds for the service of God here, and to dwell in the courts above forever. In the world to come your children will be just what you make them in this world. <Parents, you are forming characters for the world to come. Your children will take with them all the spiritual education you have given them in this world.> “Remember” is placed at the very first of the fourth commandment. [Exodus 20:8.] Parents, remember the Sabbath day yourselves to keep it holy. And if you do this, you are giving the proper instruction to your children. They will reverence God’s holy day.12LtMs, Ms 57, 1897, par. 19
In many families boots and shoes are blacked and brushed, and stitches are taken, all because these little odds and ends were not done on Friday. They did not “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Exodus 20:8.] It is dishonoring to God to make the Sabbath a feast day, a day of baking and boiling, of blacking boots and performing works that should be done on the six working days. Do not dishonor God by bringing down its sacredness to the level of common working days.12LtMs, Ms 57, 1897, par. 23
But if parents loiter in bed on the Sabbath and rise late, all is confusion and bustle to prepare for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurry and jostling, impatience and confusion. The day becomes a weariness; the Sabbath is desecrated. No holy feelings are inspired in the heart, or come into the home, and the Sabbath becomes a dread. I counsel you, my Sabbath-keeping brethren and sisters, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Verse 8.] You must change greatly. Many of your habits and practices on the Sabbath are displeasing to God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 90, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 10
God made the world in six days, and rested on the seventh day, sanctifying it as the day of His rest. He gave it to man as a memorial of His creation, saying, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Exodus 20:8.] But Adam’s sin is repeated. The Sabbath of the Lord is discarded and scorned, while a spurious sabbath, the child of the papacy, is accepted by the Protestant world, and is cherished and exalted as supreme. But it has not a vestige of sacredness, [any] more than has any common working day. “Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the Lord, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law. Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee. Israel hath cast off the thing that is good; the enemy shall pursue him. They have set up kings, but not by me; they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. ... I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.” [Hosea 8:1-4, 12.]My Life Today
Reverence for the Sabbath, October 10
ML 287.1
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Divine Legislator, July 13
JNN 207.2
The Lord’s day mentioned by John was the Sabbath, the day on which Jehovah rested after the great work of creation, and which He blessed and sanctified because He had rested upon it. The Sabbath was as sacredly observed by John upon the Isle of Patmos as when he was among the people, preaching upon that day. By the barren rocks surrounding him, John was reminded of rocky Horeb, and how, when God spoke His law to the people there, He said, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).Our Father Cares
Preparing for the Holy Day, March 2
OFC 73.1
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8.Our High Calling
God’s Special Sign, December 3
OHC 343.3
As the tree of knowledge was placed in the midst of the Garden of Eden, so the Sabbath command is placed in the midst of the Decalogue. In regard to the fruit of the tree of knowledge, the restriction was made, “Ye shall not eat of it, ... lest ye die.” Genesis 3:3. Of the Sabbath God said, Ye shall not defile it, but keep it holy. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8. As the tree of knowledge was the test of Adam’s obedience, so the fourth command is the test that God has given to prove the loyalty of all His people.3The Review and Herald, August 30, 1898.Reflecting Christ
Amazed at God’s Love, March 22
RC 95.2
The Lord’s day mentioned by John was the Sabbath, the day on which Jehovah rested after the great work of creation, and which He blessed and sanctified because He had rested upon it. The Sabbath was as sacredly observed by John upon the Isle of Patmos as when he was among the people, preaching upon that day. By the barren rocks surrounding him, John was reminded of rocky Horeb, and how, when God spoke His law to the people there, He said, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).Sons and Daughters of God
We Shall Keep the Sabbath Day Holy, February 22
SD 59.1
Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
The Sabbath
9T 212.1
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8. The Sabbath was instituted in Eden, after God had created the world. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Preparation for the Sabbath
6T 353.3
At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said: “Remember.” He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8.Exodus 20:8-10
Maranatha
Sanctification Is for Sabbathkeepers, August 18
Mar 238.1
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.... The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work. Exodus 20:8-10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 6, 1854
1LtMs, Ms 6, 1854, par. 8
I saw that every one that professes the truth, wherein they have manifested an overbearing spirit should take it away and leave the blood of his soul upon his own head. He may take advantage of the brethren’s confessions. If he does, he will have that sin to bear, and the brethren will be clear. I saw that Mr. Crandall was not right, and that he never has been fully in the angel’s message. He was living in open violation of the fourth commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day ... stranger that is within thy gates.” [Exodus 20:8-10.] I saw that God could not approbate him while transgressing this commandment. I also saw he not only transgressed it opening by suffering labor to be done by his son, his manservant and maid servant.Exodus 20:8-11
Christian Education
Chapter 24—The Literal Week
CE 190.2
In the law given from Sinai, God recognized the week, and the facts upon which it is based. After giving the command, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” and specifying what shall be done on the six days, and what shall not be done on the seventh, he states the reason for thus observing the week, by pointing back to his own example: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.] This reason appears beautiful and forcible when we understand the days of creation to be literal. The first six days of each week are given to man for labor, because God employed the same period of the first week in the work of creation. On the seventh day man is to refrain from labor, in commemoration of the Creator’s rest.The Story of Redemption
Chapter 54—The Third Angel’s Message
SR 379.3
They had by faith followed their High Priest from the holy to the most holy, and they saw Him pleading His blood before the ark of God. Within that sacred ark is the Father’s law, the same that was spoken by God Himself amid the thunders of Sinai, and written with His own finger on the tables of stone. Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle has been changed. While God gave to Moses a copy of His law, He preserved the great original in the sanctuary above. Tracing down its holy precepts, the seekers for truth found, in the very bosom of the Decalogue, the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11.To Be Like Jesus
Six Days for Us, Only One for God, May 4
BLJ 135.1
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.... Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11, NKJV.From Eternity Past
Chapter 9—The Beginning of the Literal Week
EP 65.1
Like the Sabbath, the week originated at creation, and it has been preserved through Bible history. God Himself measured off the first week. It consisted of seven literal days. Six days were employed in the work of creation. Upon the seventh God rested, then set it apart as a day of rest for man. “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11.Christ in His Sanctuary
The Sanctuary and the Sabbath
CIHS 165.2
In the very bosom of the Decalogue is the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Practical Application
1EGWLM 39.1
There is the danger, however, of deriving empty “principles” out of statements that already carry concrete principles previously defined within Scripture in an unchangeable form. For example, from the fourth commandment of the Decalogue (Ex. 20:8-11) one might be tempted to draw the principle that human beings should merely keep one day of the week, but the commandment itself specifies this day as the seventh day of week (verse 10). Therefore, it would not be appropriate to interpret the principle as being merely the choice of any day of the week as the Sabbath.Homeward Bound
The Creation Week, June 20
HB 193.3
In the law given from Sinai, God recognized the week, and the facts upon which it is based. After giving the command, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” and specifying what shall be done on the six days, and what shall not be done on the seventh, He states the reason for thus observing the week, by pointing back to His own example: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” (Exodus 20:8-11.) This reason appears beautiful and forcible when we understand the days of creation to be literal. The first six days of each week are given to us for labor, because God employed the same period of the first week in the work of creation. On the seventh day we are to refrain from labor, in commemoration of the Creator’s rest.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 6, 1878
3LtMs, Ms 6, 1878, par. 9
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 87, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 87, 1893, par. 32
The Lord made the heavens and the earth and rested on the Sabbath, and sanctified the day of His rest—which was the seventh day, not the first. Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 86, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 86, 1893, par. 34
We then made a call on a Sister Hensley, a widow woman whose appearance was that of a sincere Christian. She has seven children. Has been united with the Salvation Army, but since we have been holding meetings in Gisborne she has attended with a Sister Gray who has four children to support [and] who is also a widow. These women have brought their Bibles with them and mornings and evenings have listened to the discourses and have learned, they say, a great deal of the Bible and appreciate that which they have been privileged to hear. Both women are dependent upon their own labor to support their families. We have a great desire that they shall know all the truth and become loyal and true to the Lord God in keeping all His commandments. We tried to present the truth of the law of God just as given in His Word in (Exodus 20:8-11): “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”In Heavenly Places
“Remember the Sabbath Day,” May 24
HP 151.1
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 91, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 91, 1894, par. 1
The law of God is immutable in its character, for “it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than for one tittle of the law to fail.” [Luke 16:17.] The law of God is a revelation of the divine will, a transcript of the divine character, and must forever endure. Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or a tittle of the law has been changed. The Psalmist says, “Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” “All his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” [Psalm 119:89; 111:7, 8.] In the very bosom of the Decalogue is the fourth commandment, as it was proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 88, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 88, 1897, par. 21
He who made the world in six days, rested on the seventh, sanctifying and blessing that day. The Sabbath command designates God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. “Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work. ... For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 21, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 2
We refer our readers and all who read this article to the law of God, spoken in awful grandeur from Mt. Sinai. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.] This is the precept of Jehovah.12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 25
Let the mind be directed to the lessons of the book of nature, and to nature’s God, who made the world in six days, and rested on the seventh. “Wherefore he blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:11.] Make not light of the Sabbath requirement. And when it comes to eating on the Sabbath, those who would feed on Christ, who would have the rich blessing of Christ, will partake of a very simple diet on that day.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 34, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 34, 1897, par. 15
The Sabbath is God’s time. He sanctified and hallowed the seventh day. He set it apart for man to keep as a day of worship. But nothing that I can say will be stronger than the words of the command: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh-day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.] This is God’s day, and we show our allegiance to Him when we not only believe, but do His commandments. Those who rob God of His time will be called to account as surely as the throne of God exists.12LtMs, Ms 34, 1897, par. 32
The bread winner of the family may quote the words of Christ to serve his purpose, saying, It surely is a good work to earn means to supply the wants of my family. Therefore he feels it right to do work on the Sabbath day. He says, I acknowledge the claims of the Sabbath; but I must work. Of what effect to him is the Word of God: “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates”? [Exodus 20:9, 10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 78, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 78, 1897, par. 49
The Sabbath was given to the world as the memorial of creation. At the beginning of the Sabbath command are the words, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, not thy stranger that is within thy gates.” Then the reason is given. “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.] The explanation is full, so that none need be left in darkness unless they choose darkness rather than light. This the world is doing today, just as the Jews chose darkness in regard to the message Christ came to bring to the world. And the apostasy of the Jewish nation represents the apostasy that will be made by the world in the last day.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 7, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 7, 1900, par. 10
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.] “Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep,” God says, “for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 28, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 28, 1900, par. 22
He says to us, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 105, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 105, 1903, par. 8
The light given in the Word of God regarding the Sabbath is too plain to be misunderstood. God declares: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 162, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 162, 1905, par. 17
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 258, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 258, 1907, par. 22
Amid thunders and lightnings God spoke His law in the hearing of that vast multitude. God gave the occasion of the giving of the law one of awful grandeur. He desired that the people should understand the exalted character. The people must be taught that everything connected with His service must be regarded with the greatest reverence. The Sabbath command was not here given as something new, but as that which they had known in the past. “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy: six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work; thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 94, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 94, 1910, par. 8
The light given in the Word of God regarding the Sabbath is too plain to be misunderstood. God declares: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]The Three Angels’ Messages
Historical setting
3AM 77.1
In the very bosom of the Decalogue is the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1389—As It Was in the Days of Noah
19MR 183.3
He who made the world in six days, rested on the seventh, sanctifying and blessing that day. The Sabbath command designates God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. [Exodus 20:8-11; 31:16, 17, quoted.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1297—The Need to Review Sacred History; the Importance of the Sabbath; The Nearness of the End
17MR 346.1
The light given in the Word of God regarding the Sabbath is too plain to be misunderstood. God declares: [Exodus 20:8-11, quoted].Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 9—The Literal Week
PP 111.2
In the law given from Sinai, God recognized the week, and the facts upon which it is based. After giving the command, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” and specifying what shall be done on the six days, and what shall not be done on the seventh, He states the reason for thus observing the week, by pointing back to His own example: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11. This reason appears beautiful and forcible when we understand the days of creation to be literal. The first six days of each week are given to man for labor, because God employed the same period of the first week in the work of creation. On the seventh day man is to refrain from labor, in commemoration of the Creator’s rest.The Great Controversy
Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable
GC 434.2
In the very bosom of the Decalogue is the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11.GC 437.1
In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. And the reason given is: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:17.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable
GC88 434.2
In the very bosom of the decalogue is the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]GC88 437.1
In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator, and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.... For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:10, 11.] Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” [Ezekiel 20:20.] And the reason given is, “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:17.]The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 20—The Third Angel’s Message
4SP 273.3
They had by faith followed their High Priest from the holy to the most holy, and they saw him pleading his blood before the ark of God. Within that sacred ark is the Father’s law, the same that was spoken by God himself amid the thunders of Sinai, and written with his own finger on the tables of stone. Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle has been changed. While God gave to Moses a copy of his law, he preserved the great original in the sanctuary above. Tracing down its holy precepts, the seekers for truth found, in the very bosom of the decalogue, the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.]The Story of Jesus
Chapter 11—Sabbathkeeping
SJ 67.2
The Bible says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8, 10, 11; 31:16, 17. Christ had worked with His Father in creating the earth, and He had made the Sabbath. The Bible says that “all things were made by Him.” John 1:3.Lift Him Up
The Center of the Law, May 4
LHU 138.1
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8.LHU 138.2
In the very bosom of the Decalogue is the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11)....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 4a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 4a, 1898, par. 12
Error never becomes truth, though it may be hoary with age. God has spoken: “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:9-11.] This day is God’s great memorial, established to celebrate the work of creation. On this day God rested, sanctifying and blessing it as the day of His rest.13LtMs, Ms 4a, 1898, par. 13
The fourth command is the only command to which “Remember” is prefixed. God says, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Verse 8.] Do not forget it. “Ye shall do my judgments and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments; which if a man do he shall live in them: I am the Lord.” [Leviticus 18:4, 5.] The Lord presents Himself as the authority for His requirements. There is to be no departure from the Word of the Lord in order to exalt the word of man. God is authority, and what He says is to be done.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 31, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 31, 1898, par. 24
Human philosophy declares that an indefinite period of time was taken in the creation of the world. Does God state the matter thus? No; He says, “It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days (not six indefinite periods of time, for then there would be no possible way for man to observe the day specified in the fourth commandment) the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested and was refreshed.” [Verse 17.] Please read carefully the fifth chapter of Deuteronomy. God says again, “Remember (do not forget) the Sabbath day, to keep it holy ... For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and sanctified it.” [Exodus 20:8, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 51, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 51, 1901, par. 2
Christ was a Seventh-day Adventist, to all intents and purposes. It was He who called Moses into the mount and gave him instruction for His people. “The Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount; and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord, to gaze, and many of them perish. And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them.” [Exodus 19:20-22.] And in awful grandeur Christ made known the law of Jehovah, giving among other charges, this charge, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Exodus 20:8.] My brother, you have not placed upon the Sabbath the sanctity that is required by God. Irreverence has come in and an example has been set that the Lord does not approve. He is not honored and glorified.16LtMs, Lt 51, 1901, par. 3
There will always be duties which have to be performed on the Sabbath for the relief of suffering humanity. This is right and in accordance with the law of Him who says, “I will have mercy and not sacrifice.” [Matthew 9:13.] But there is danger of falling into carelessness on this point and of doing that which it is not positively essential to do on the Sabbath. Unnecessary travelling is done on the Sabbath, with many other things which might be left undone. “Take heed,” saith the Lord, “to all thy ways, lest I remove My Holy Spirit because of the lax regard given to My precepts.” “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” [Exodus 20:8.] Bear in mind the charge to remember. Do not carelessly forget. “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.” [Verse 9.] In this time all the duties necessary to prepare for the Sabbath are to be done. Shoes should be cleaned and all such work finished before the Sabbath comes. “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day, wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” [Verses 10, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 78, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 78, 1901, par. 12
After Satan’s expulsion from heaven, he came to this earth filled with the determination to establish a kingdom entirely independent of God. In the world which God had created he determined to show his power. His aim has ever been to lead men to forget God. He has worked against the fourth commandment, for this commandment plainly draws the attention to God. It says, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. ... For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8, 11.] The Sabbath is God’s memorial of creation. It points to Him as the Creator and Sovereign of the world. It is given to men and women to remind them of God.Exodus 20:8-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 23, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 13
The fourth commandment says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11.4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 15
The fifth commandment reads: “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12. Children have had this ofttimes repeated to them when they were headstrong, disobedient, unthankful, disrespectful, selfish; but what a relief it is to be told by one who claims to be sanctified, a teacher of Bible truth, that they need not keep the commandment any longer; for if they do keep it, it is an evidence that they have fallen from grace. This commandment is gone by the board with the other nine commandments. Now children are no longer under the law, but under grace. What freedom they feel, to know that this commandment will no longer be a yoke of bondage, binding them to rules in regard to the fulfilment of their duty towards their parents and that they may steal their property and leave them in need.4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 16
The sixth commandment reads, “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13. What a weight is lifted from the conscience of the murderer, that this commandment is to no longer be a restriction to him! He has long wished that no such commandment had been given, and now a teacher of Bible doctrine, who claims he has not committed a sin for years, has brought him his portion of meat in due season, for he has told him the law was abolished; now he can breathe more freely even if he has stained his hands in his neighbor’s blood. It is not so dreadful a matter to kill when he knows there is no command forbidding murder.4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 17
The seventh commandment reads, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14. The vile man, who would steal his neighbor’s wife, who has not the restraining influence upon his licentious passions, is much relieved when men who say they are holy ministers, who have been preaching for years, tell him this law has been abolished. That is such an agreeable doctrine to his carnal, polluted soul. He hails it with great joy and is happy. All the compunctions of conscience are gone; for when there is no law there is no transgression, and he pursues his course of uncleanness, although he may claim to be a minister of the gospel. He is “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4. These deny the Lord Jesus in life and in character. They are servants of sin while claiming to be teaching the Bible to the people.4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 19
The eighth commandment reads, “Thou shalt not steal.” Exodus 20:15. The thief has felt restricted by this commandment. It was a yoke of bondage to him. He wanted to appropriate his neighbor’s goods, and being bound about with the fetters of the eighth commandment was very grievous to him. But he has had a pleasant repast, meat in due season. The ministers, who understand the matter better than he does, tell him there is no commandment to this effect—it has not been binding for more than eighteen hundred years—so that all his scruples were unnecessary. He could now be free to steal without that hated eighth commandment condemning his course.4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 20
The ninth commandment reads, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” Exodus 20:16. This commandment is exceedingly offensive to the man who has educated and trained himself in this kind of work. He loves it, and it has become a part of his nature to seek spot and stain in his neighbor. He has become an expert in misrepresentations, in falsifying. He has learned his trade. He is an expert in this business, and when hearsay brings to his ears a bit of scandal it is as a sweet morsel. He will use it to hurt and injure his neighbor, and in this work he claims to be doing God service. He may even claim to be sanctified while doing this special work of Satan. Satan was an accuser of the brethren. He accused them before God day and night, and there are those who love this favorite business of their master and will do it zealously for him and exult in their adeptness at the work. Master and servant will unite, and the reward they will receive is in accordance with their deeds. Root and branch bear the same kind of fruit, and it is very convenient that the ninth commandment is no more in force, for it would hem him about with its restrictions. Now he can falsify and misrepresent and make good appear evil and evil good, and without fear of condemnation. How convenient to make a raid against the commandments of God, saint and sinners working in the same line!4LtMs, Ms 23, 1885, par. 21
The tenth commandment reads, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17. How inconvenient is such a principle! This commandment is a wonderful restriction of liberty. It is a terrible yoke of bondage, and the dishonest man, the covetous man could not follow out his inclination with any peace while this law was standing against him. It is such a relief to be free from this condemnation and rejoice in the liberty of the gospel, that men cannot be so terribly fettered. And now that the ministers declare this commandment null and void, they feel so great freedom in the gospel. All they have to do is to believe, believe! The keeping of the commandments is altogether unnecessary, and if they keep them they are under a yoke of bondage—they have fallen from grace.Exodus 20:9
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Partial Obedience Not Acceptable
1TT 496.1
At the very beginning of the fourth precept, God said, “Remember,” knowing that man, in the multitude of his cares and perplexities, would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirements of the law or, in the press of worldly business, would forget its sacred importance. “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work” (Exodus 20:9), the usual business of life, for worldly profit or pleasure. These words are very explicit; there can be no mistake.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 11, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 11, 1894, par. 28
The foundation of many generations is the seventh-day Sabbath of the Lord our God. “This is the sign,” He says in the 31st chapter of Exodus, “this is the sign between me and [you] throughout your generations forever.” [Verses 13, 17.] Well now, what is the matter? They have broken it down, and the world has taken the liberty to take a day that has no sacredness, no sanctity, and they all worship that as the Sabbath. It is a spurious sabbath. God does not accept it. And they worship God as though they had not departed from His ordinances, but they have. Shall we accept this child of Papacy? The Protestant world has taken it, the Protestant world has cradled it, the Protestant world has nourished it, but shall we take it as divine, when God says, “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work.” [Exodus 20:9.] What shall we do? Work at that broken down line of fence “Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations, and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” [Isaiah 58:12.]Exodus 20:9-10
Counsels for the Church
A Day of Rest From Worldly Pursuits
CCh 270.1
Circumstances will not justify anyone in working upon the Sabbath for the sake of worldly profit. If God excuses one man, He may excuse all. Why may not Brother L, who is a poor man, work upon the Sabbath to earn means for a livelihood when he might by so doing be better able to support his family? Why may not other brethren, or all of us, keep the Sabbath only when it is convenient to do so? The voice from Sinai makes answer: “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:9, 10.Selected Messages Book 2
Preparing for the Sunday-Law Crisis
2SM 359.3
The Sunday party is strengthening itself in its false claims, and this will mean oppression to those who determine to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We are to place ourselves where we can carry out the Sabbath commandment in its fullness. “Six days shalt thou labour,” the Lord declares, “and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work” (Exodus 20:9, 10). And we are to be careful not to place ourselves where it will be hard for ourselves and our children to keep the Sabbath.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Circumstances No Excuse
1TT 499.2
Circumstances will not justify anyone in working upon the Sabbath for the sake of worldly profit. If God excuses one man, He may excuse all. Why may not Brother L, who is a poor man, work upon the Sabbath to earn means for a livelihood when he might by so doing be better able to support his family? Why may not other brethren, or all of us, keep the Sabbath only when it is convenient to do so? The voice from Sinai makes answer: “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:9, 10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 67, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 67, 1893, par. 9
As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed. I stated we were Seventh-day Adventists. We kept the Sabbath because it was instituted in Eden when the foundations of the earth were laid. God had finished His work of creation. He rested on the seventh day and sanctified and blessed the day on which He had rested and set that day apart as a day of rest to be kept holy. “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work.” Exodus 20:9, 10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 11b, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 11b, 1894, par. 28
The world has taken the liberty of putting in the place of the seventh day Sabbath a day that God has not sanctified and blessed, and it worships God on that day as though it had not departed from His ordinances. The Protestant world has taken this delusion, cradled and nourished it. But God does not accept this spurious sabbath, and shall we accept it? “Six days shalt thou labor,” He says, “and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” [Exodus 20:9, 10.] Then let us work to repair the breach; let us raise up the foundation of many generations, that we may be called the repairers of the breach, the restorers of paths to dwell in.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 99, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 99, 1908, par. 9
A crisis is soon to come in regard to the observance of Sunday, and we are to understand that no authority has been given to any man for the observance of the first day of the week. Yet the Sunday party is strengthening itself in its false claims, and this will mean oppression to those who determine to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We are to place ourselves where we can carry out the sabbath commandment in its fulness. “Six days shalt thou labor,” the Lord declares, “and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt not do any work.” [Exodus 20:9, 10.] And we are to be careful not to place ourselves where it will be hard for ourselves and our children to keep the Sabbath.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 131, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 131, 1909, par. 24
Chapter 55:13; 56:1, 2. You are to remember that God spoke about what day you were to keep. You need not be at all at any loss as to what day it is. “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” and there He has given you His holiness that He has put upon that Sabbath if you would observe it. [Exodus 20:9, 10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 17, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 17, 1911, par. 14
We need to educate our children to keep the commandments of God. Especially should we impress upon them the sacredness of the seventh-day Sabbath. “Six days shalt thou labor,” the Lord declares, “and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” [Exodus 20:9, 10.]Exodus 20:9-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 37, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 37, 1894, par. 19
We are glad that we have been able to unite our mites together and to erect a house in which to worship God. Let us praise Him with heart and soul and voice. You have taken hold of the truth for the truth’s sake, and have decided to obey the Word of God. You have embraced the seventh-day Sabbath according to the commandment of God. The commandment says, “Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:9-11.]Exodus 20:10
Medical Ministry
The Physician Not Exempt
MM 215.2
Let there be no robbery of God in tithes and offerings, no desecration of His holy time. Man is not to do his own pleasure on God’s holy day. He has six days in which to work at secular business, but God claims the seventh as His own. “In it,” He says, “thou shalt not do any work.” Exodus 20:10. The servant of God will call sacred that which the Lord calls sacred. Thus he will show that he has chosen the Lord as his leader. The Sabbath was made in Eden, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. God has placed it in our charge. Let us keep it pure and holy.—Manuscript 162, 1897.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 159, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 159, 1899, par. 18
There is to be no robbery of God in tithes and offerings, no desecration of God’s holy time. Man is not to do his own pleasure on God’s day. He has six days in which he may work at his secular business, and God claims the seventh as His own. “In it,” He says, “thou shalt not do any work.” [Exodus 20:10.] The servant of God will call sacred that which the Lord calls sacred. Thus he will show that he has chosen the Lord as his leader. The Sabbath was made in Eden, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. God has placed it in our charge. Let us keep it pure and holy.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 169, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 169, 1899, par. 50
Let there be no robbery of God in tithes and offerings, no desecration of God’s holy time. Man is not to do his own pleasure on God’s day. He has six days in which to work at secular business, and God claims the seventh as His own. “In it,” He says, “thou shalt not do any work.” Exodus 20:10. The servant of God will call sacred that which the Lord calls sacred. Thus he will show that he has chosen the Lord as his Leader. The Sabbath was made in Eden, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. God has placed it in our charge. Let us keep it pure and holy.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 80, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 80, 1900, par. 10
My brother, no longer refuse to wear the sign of God by continuing your usual work on the Sabbath. The Lord has said, “Thou shalt not do any work therein.” [Exodus 20:10.] It is for your present and eternal good to obey God. Do not please satanic agencies by refusing the sign which shows that you are a loyal son of Jehovah. Keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, as you have been given commandment.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 243a, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 243a, 1905, par. 7
When men repent and become converted, they understand the claims of the law of God spoken from Sinai’s mount. They see the difference between the observance of God’s Sabbath and that of a human institution that God has never sanctified. They know that “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” [Exodus 20:10.] One seventh of their time they recognize as God’s, and one tenth of their income they render back to Him to help in carrying forward His work in the earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 90, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 90, 1908, par. 18
The Lord will judge according to their works those who are seeking to establish a law of the nations that will cause men to violate the law of God. In proportion to their guilt will be their punishment. The Lord would have us lift up the Sabbath of the Lord our God. We have a sacred work to do in opening blind eyes in regard to the day that the Lord has set apart and sanctified as the rest day of mankind. He declares, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” [Exodus 20:10.] He has placed His own signature upon that day that He has set apart to be observed as long as time shall last. We should have much to say upon this subject just now.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 133, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 133, 1908, par. 1
“The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” [Exodus 20:10.]Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 50—Tithes and Offerings
PP 525.5
“The tithe ... is the Lord’s.” Here the same form of expression is employed as in the law of the Sabbath. “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:10. God reserved to Himself a specified portion of man’s time and of his means, and no man could, without guilt, appropriate either for his own interests.The Kress Collection
Observance of the Sabbath
KC 61.1
Let there be no robber of God in tithes and offerings, no desecration of God’s holy time. Man is not to do his own pleasure on God’s day. He has six days in which to work at secular business, and God claims the seventh as His own. “In it,” He says, “thou shalt not do any work.” Exodus 20:10. The servant of God will call sacred that which the Lord calls sacred. Thus he will show that he has chosen the Lord as his leader. The Sabbath was made for man in Eden when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. God has placed it in our charge. Let us keep it pure and holy.A Word to the Little Flock
Dear Brother Bates
WLF 18.4
And I saw that if God had changed the Sabbath, from the seventh to the first day, He would have changed the writing of the Sabbath commandment, written on the tables of stone, which are now in the ark, in the Most Holy Place of the Temple in heaven; [Revelation 11:19.] and it would read thus: the first day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. But I saw that it read the same as when written on the tables of stone by the finger of God, and delivered to Moses in Sinai, “But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” [Exodus 20:10.] I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question, to unite the hearts of God’s dear waiting saints. And if one believed, and kept the Sabbath, and received the blessing attending it, and then gave it up, and broke the holy commandment, they would shut the gates of the Holy City against themselves, as sure as there was a God that rules in heaven above. I saw that God had children, who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They had not rejected the light on it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth [Hosea 6:2, 3.] and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully. This enraged the church, and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the Sabbath truth. And at this time, God’s chosen, all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us. And I saw the sword, famine, pestilence, and great confusion in the land. [Ezekiel 7:10-19. 2 Esdras 15:5-27] The wicked thought that we had brought the judgments down on them. They rose up and took counsel to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed. [2 Esdras 16:68-74.]From Eternity Past
Chapter 50—The Blessing of Tithes and Offerings
EP 377.4
“The tithe ... is the Lord’s.” “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:10. God reserved a specified portion of man’s time and of his means, and no man could, without guilt, appropriate either for his own interests.From the Heart
God’s Sabbath, December 9
FH 355.1
The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. Exodus 20:10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 6, 1877
3LtMs, Lt 6, 1877, par. 2
You told me in Battle Creek you had felt conscientious in regard to the observance of the Sabbath on our account; you had not worked upon that day, for the fourth commandment read, “thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.” [Exodus 20:10.] The commandment is very specific, I know, and I felt glad that you understood its bearings. I have been intensely anxious that you should not only see the light of truth, but obey it, in keeping the commandments of God. If you have evidence and reject it, darkness and blindness of mind will be the natural consequence. I had hoped that connection with us and our work would lead you to see the importance of receiving and obeying the truth. God has claims upon you. Your talents, all that you have, belong to God. If these were sanctified to His service, you would be a co-worker with Christ. You could be eminently useful in leading others to the truth. I saw years ago that God in His providence would connect you with His work, that you might have evidences of the truth yourself and receive it if you would. If you would accept the truth, God would make you a channel of light; but at the same time I was shown that your natural feelings would arise to repel the truth, your pride of heart would be an obstacle that would be difficult for you to overcome. Your mind has been affected considerably with skepticism, and this would be a great barrier to your accepting the clearest evidence in favor of our unpopular truth. But I was shown that you might accept the truth and be sanctified through the belief of the truth and fitted for the kingdom of God and a life which runs parallel with the life of Jehovah. God will accept your efforts, He will be honored through your labors if you connect with heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 20, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 38
Can you tell me why, with the Holy Word of God before you, they observe the first day of the week as their holy day when God said, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God”? [Exodus 20:10.] He placed His sanctity upon this day and blessed it and hallowed it as a day of rest. What is the matter with the fourth commandment? It is the only commandment in the whole Decalogue that tells who God is. It places God in distinction with every other god. It says the God that made the heaven and the earth, the God that made the trees and the flowers and that created man, this is the God that you are to keep before your children, and you have only to point to the flowers and tell them that He made these and that He rested on the seventh day from all His labors. Tell them that the seventh day is a God-given memorial. God has given us the seventh day. But what is the matter with man? He is doing just what God told him not to do. God told him not to let his eye be evil, because then his body would get the victory over the nobler and higher powers of the mind. He told them that if their eye was single their whole body would be full of light. He would have us have a clear perception of the Word of God. He would have us believe that God’s Word is above the word of any ruler or king upon the face of the whole earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 162, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 162, 1897, par. 27
Let there be no robbery of God in tithes and offerings, no desecration of His holy time. Man is not to do his own pleasure on God’s holy day. He has six days in which to work at secular business, but God claims the seventh as His own. “In it,” He says, “Thou shalt not do any work.” Exodus 20:10. The servant of God will call sacred that which the Lord calls sacred. Thus he will show that he has chosen the Lord as his leader. The Sabbath was made in Eden, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. God has placed it in our charge. Let us keep it pure and holy.Exodus 20:10-11
Lift Him Up
Worship the Creator, February 6
LHU 51.4
In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:10, 11). Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God” (Ezekiel 20:20). And the reason given is: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:17)....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 77, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 77, 1900, par. 4
During their bondage in Egypt, the children of Israel lost their knowledge of the true Sabbath and with it their knowledge of the Creator. God called His people out of Egypt, and in the wilderness gave them His law, the expression of His character and authority. From Mount Sinai He spoke the commandments in an audible voice, and then wrote them with His own finger on tables of stone, thus denoting their enduring character. In the law God declared, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work; ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:10, 11.]To Be Like Jesus
Why Worship Is Due God, May 29
BLJ 160.2
In Revelation 14, human beings are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:10, 11)....From Here to Forever
A Call to Worship the Creator
HF 270.5
In Revelation 14, men are called to worship the Creator and keep the commandments of God. One of these commandments points to God as the Creator: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. The Sabbath, the Lord says, is a “sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man would have been led to the Creator as the object of worship. There would never have been an idolater, atheist, or infidel. Keeping the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to “him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The message which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments will especially call them to keep the fourth commandment.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Chapter 8—In Defense of the Truth
GrH_c 34.2
In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator and keep the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God:... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign,... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man’s thoughts and affections would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, “Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” It follows that the message which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments will especially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment.Homeward Bound
Worship the Creator, June 16
HB 189.3
In Revelation 14, we are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: . . . for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” (Exodus 20:10, 11.) Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, . . . that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” (Ezekiel 20:20.) . . .Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 35a, 1877
3LtMs, Lt 35a, 1877, par. 1
[First six pages missing.] ... [Does the commandment read: “The seventh day is] the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it you may or may not work just as it suits your convenience”? No, “in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:10, 11.]Exodus 20:11
Education
Chapter 29—The Sabbath
Ed 250.1
The value of the Sabbath as a means of education is beyond estimate. Whatever of ours God claims from us, He returns again, enriched, transfigured, with His own glory. The tithe that He claimed from Israel was devoted to preserving among men, in its glorious beauty, the pattern of His temple in the heavens, the token of His presence on the earth. So the portion of our time which He claims is given again to us, bearing His name and seal. “It is a sign,” He says, “between Me and you; ... that ye may know that I am the Lord;” because “in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 31:13; 20:11. The Sabbath is a sign of creative and redeeming power; it points to God as the source of life and knowledge; it recalls man’s primeval glory, and thus witnesses to God’s purpose to re-create us in His own image.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 189, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 189, 1903, par. 18
How important that fathers and mothers should give their children, from their very babyhood, the right instruction! They are to teach them to obey the command, “Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:11.] And the children, as they grow in years, are to appreciate the care that their parents have given them and should find their greatest pleasure in helping father and mother.The Three Angels’ Messages
Historical and Theological Introduction
3AM 15.1
More recently, Adventist authors and preachers have placed a renewed focus on the Creation emphasis of the first angel’s message (Revelation 14:7). Biblical scholars have recognized that the expression “and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of waters” (verse 7, NKJV) derives not from the Genesis Creation account but rather from the fourth commandment of the Decalogue, which reads, “The LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Exodus 20:11, NKJV). Special attention is also given to the theme of worship, as evident in the contrast between those who worship God and keep His commandments (Revelation 14:7, 12) and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark (verses 9, 11).Lift Him Up
Earth’s First Week, February 7
LHU 52.1
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 104, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 104, 1893, par. 13
“And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... Six days may work be done; but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant.” And now the reason is given. “It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:12-13, 15-17.] The Sabbath is then a sign between God and his children, and is to be a perpetual memorial of his creative power in making the world, in creating man in six days. “For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 10, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 17
Did Christ die to let loose the whole of humanity to worship idols instead of God, when the commandment said, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve”? [Matthew 4:10.] “And the Lord made the heaven and the earth,” and what then? “And rested the seventh day and sanctified it,” and gave it to you to observe as God’s memorial—a memorial that He is the living God that created the heavens overhead and the earth upon which we stand. [Exodus 20:11.] He made the lofty trees and put the covering upon every flower. He gave to each one its tints, and the Lord of heaven made man and gave him the Sabbath. What for? For all the posterity of Adam. It was a gift to all his posterity.9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 18
If man had always obeyed the fourth commandment there never would have been an infidel in the world, because it testified that “the Lord made the heaven and the earth, the sea and all that in them is; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Verse 11.]Exodus 20:12
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts
10MR 257.4
How important that fathers and mothers should give their children, from their very babyhood, the right instruction. They are to teach them to obey the command, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12). And the children, as they grow in years, are to appreciate the care that their parents have given them. They are to find their greatest pleasure in helping father and mother.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 2, 1871
2LtMs, Ms 2, 1871, par. 14
I saw that coldness, indifference, and carelessness will prove the ruin of these dear boys. If they do not see the importance of firmly adopting and rigidly practicing right principles at home they will surely not do this at school. They need to bear responsibilities and home burdens. They need carefully to shun selfishness and the desire to follow inclination rather than duty. You, my dear young friends, should seek the Lord and should begin to be faithful and to show faithfulness and unselfish interest at home. “Honor thy father and thy mother” is the first commandment with promise. [Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2.] The careless, reckless inattention of children in the performance of their duties at home is an abomination in the sight of the Lord. Education gained at the expense of filial duties, to the neglect of the soul’s interest, is at infinite loss. You cannot afford, young men, to barter away heaven so cheaply. It would be imitating Esau, who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 17, 1883
4LtMs, Lt 17, 1883, par. 1
“Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] Here is a command to which is annexed a promise. Children, are you obeying this injunction?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 23, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 23, 1886, par. 15
Especially in your marriage relations, be careful to get one who will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in spiritual growth. Your parents must be taken into consideration. The cares of life bow the form, and parents must lean on their children much earlier than is imagined. As years pass, the children gain experience and strength; but with parents, cares tell upon them. The once strong grow weak, and then it is the duty of the children to show their nobleness of character, not merely to make a home for them, but to make them comfortable, to give them expressions of love that are due them. Many parents hunger for love; their hearts are constantly yearning for love. Express your love for them, be not ashamed to love your parents. Parents never outgrow their desires for affection and love from their children. Every little thoughtful affection you can show your mother brings a throb of joy to her heart. The father needs these tokens of respect also and will appreciate them. All these acts are observed by the angels in heaven and are written in the books there. For them is a promise annexed to the fifth commandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] Yes, every act of fidelity to parents is registered in the books of heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 18, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 18, 1891, par. 1
The condition of children who do not respect the counsel of their parents is one that fills me with fear and distress; for God requires that respect and even honor should be given by children to their parents. The fulfilment of every precept of the law will be followed by the promised blessing; but with every transgression will come the threatened retribution upon the transgressor. The fifth commandment, if kept by children, will bring a blessing upon them; if disobeyed, will bring a curse. God has commanded, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” [Exodus 20:12.]7LtMs, Ms 18, 1891, par. 2
Is it a commandment keeper, a Christian daughter, who will say, “I hate my father or my mother?” Christ has said, “He that hateth his brother is a murderer” [1 John 3:15], and what can be said of a child who hates the mother who gave him or her birth? The character of this evil has been presented before me in such a light that human words seem weak to express its hateful character. How especially dreadful is the thought of a child turning in hatred upon a mother who has become old and feeble, upon whom has come those infirmities of disposition attendant upon second childhood. How patiently, how tenderly, should children bear with such a mother! Tender words which will not irritate the spirit should be spoken. A true Christian will never be unkind, never under any circumstances be neglectful of his father or mother, but will heed the command, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” [Exodus 20:12.] God has said, “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man.” [Leviticus 19:32.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 9, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 9, 1896, par. 18
By offering Himself to make intercession for the transgression of the human race, Christ executed the office of priest. As a reward, He was to see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied. His seed should prolong their days on the earth for ever. “Honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] By His obedience to His father and mother, Christ was an example to all children and youth, but today children are not following the example He has given, and the sure result will be a shortening of their days.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 125, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 125, 1898, par. 9
Submission and surrender to Christ are the most effectual lessons children and youth can learn. They are to train for this under the banner of Prince Emmanuel. This training is to commence in the sanctuary of the home. The apostle says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth.” [Ephesians 6:1-3.] “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] This is the counsel of God. Will the children heed this instruction? Will they be wise unto salvation?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 75, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 75, 1901, par. 2
Children should be taught to obey the command, “Honor thy father and mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] Children are to become acquainted with their parents and in turn parents are to become acquainted with their children. Both parents and children are to learn to fulfil their duty to God and to one another.My Life Today
Respect for Parents, October 1
ML 278.1
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 82a, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 82a, 1901, par. 15
Sister White: I am speaking of education along medical missionary lines of work, as well as in our schools; but the principle is the same. Even in the family there must discipline. I took up this question during our recent camp meeting at Los Angeles. Discipline begins with the educator; for he or she should be properly trained. Then, as teachers in their own family, they are to see that the rules are not disobeyed, because if disobedience be allowed, disobedience to God would be encouraged. The father and mother, as teachers in the home, should teach their children to obey the commandment of God, “Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] By allowing their children to go on in disobedience, they fail to exercise proper discipline. Children must be brought to the point of obedience. Disobedience must not be allowed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 128, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 54
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] Christ said, “For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.” [Matthew 15:4.] He repeated the injunction that is thus given in the Old Testament Scriptures: “And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.” [Exodus 21:17.] Solomon said, “Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” [Proverbs 20:20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 82, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 82, 1901, par. 15
Sister White: I am speaking of education along medical missionary lines of work, in our sanitariums as well as in our schools; the principle is the same, and it is the practical carrying out of the principle that gives the people confidence in the work. In the family there must be correct education and discipline. I took up this question during our recent camp-meeting at Los Angeles. Discipline begins with the educator; the teacher should always be properly trained. As teachers in their own family, parents are to see that the rules are not disobeyed, because if disobedience to parents is allowed, disobedience to God would be encouraged. The father and mother, as teachers in the home, should teach their children to obey the commandment of God, “Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] A heavy responsibility rests upon parents. They are to teach their children to obey this command. By allowing their children to go on in disobedience, they fail to exercise proper discipline. Children must be brought to the point of submission and obedience. Disobedience must not be allowed. Sin lies at the door of the parents who allow their children to disobey.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 117, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 117, 1902, par. 10
The Lord has been your Helper. He will be your Helper still. But you must remember the longing desire of your father. Remember the command that God has placed in the Decalogue: “Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] This is God’s charge to you. Upon every child rests the responsibility of doing all in his power to minister to the happiness of his parents. Whoever seeks to lead you to disregard your father’s wishes might better repent before God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 161, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 161, 1902, par. 8
Teach your children to repeat the commandment, “Honor thy father and mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] Tell them that to honor their parents means to love them, to listen to their teachings, and obey their requirements. Be sure that what you ask of your children is in accordance with God’s will. The Lord’s command to children to obey their parents holds its force until the parents require of the children something that is not in harmony with His commands. The children are then to obey God rather than their parents. The Lord does not ask children to obey their parents when obedience to them would mean disobedience to Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 157, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 157, 1903, par. 2
And while the marriage vow is to be sacredly fulfilled, there is to be no transgression of the fifth commandment. God says to children, “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee;” and He has set no time when this obligation ceases to be binding. [Exodus 20:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 129, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 129, 1903, par. 21
How important that fathers and mothers should give their children, from their very babyhood, the right instruction. They are to teach them to obey the command, “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] And the children, as they grow in years, are to appreciate the care that their parents have given them. They are to find their greatest pleasure in helping father and mother.Sons and Daughters of God
Long Life Promised for Honoring Parents, February 23
SD 60.1
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 15—At the Marriage Feast
DA 146.1
This answer, abrupt as it seems to us, expressed no coldness or discourtesy. The Saviour’s form of address to His mother was in accordance with Oriental custom. It was used toward persons to whom it was desired to show respect. Every act of Christ’s earthly life was in harmony with the precept He Himself had given, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” Exodus 20:12. On the cross, in His last act of tenderness toward His mother, Jesus again addressed her in the same way, as He committed her to the care of His best-loved disciple. Both at the marriage feast and upon the cross, the love expressed in tone and look and manner interpreted His words.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 15—Jesus Attends a Wedding
HLv 91.3
This form of address expressed no coldness or discourtesy. In accordance with Oriental custom, it was used toward persons to whom it was desired to show respect. Christ Himself had given the precept, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” Exodus 20:12. Both at the marriage feast and on the cross in His last act of tenderness toward His mother, the love expressed in tone, look, and manner interpreted His words.Homeward Bound
The Honor Due Parents, September 21
HB 290.1
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you.—Exodus 20:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 27, 1868
1LtMs, Lt 27, 1868, par. 6
Again this Scripture was presented: “Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] I saw that you had transgressed this commandment; you had duties devolving upon you at home which you should have been performing: lightening the cares of your father and mother, taking the labor upon yourselves which fell upon them, because you would not bear the burdens Heaven designed you should.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 29, 1872
2LtMs, Lt 29, 1872, par. 16
Your wife transgressed the fifth precept of the decalogue in neglecting her parents. “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] This is the first commandment with promise. Those who dishonor or disrespect their parents need not expect that the blessing of God will attend them. Our parents have claims upon us that we cannot throw off or lightly regard. But children who have not been trained and controlled in childhood and have made themselves the objects of their care, who have selfishly sought their ease and avoided burdens, become heartless and disrespect the claims of their parents who watched over their earliest infancy.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 29a, 1872
2LtMs, Lt 29a, 1872, par. 18
Your wife transgressed the fifth precept of the decalogue in neglecting her parents. “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] This is the first commandment with promise. Those who dishonor or disrespect their parents need not expect that the blessing of God will attend them. Our parents have claims upon us that we cannot throw off or lightly regard. But children who have not been trained and controlled in childhood, and have been permitted to make themselves the objects of their care, who have selfishly sought their ease and avoided burdens, become heartless and disrespect the claims of their parents who watched over their earliest infancy.Exodus 20:12-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 3, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 3, 1886, par. 7
You need to study more closely the teachings of the Bible. You will find revealed in its pages your duty to your kindred and to your brethren in the faith. The fifth commandment reads, “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] Again we read, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.” [Ephesians 6:1.]4LtMs, Lt 3, 1886, par. 11
The young man who makes the Bible his guide need not mistake the path of duty and safety. That blessed book will teach him to preserve his integrity of character, to be truthful, and to practice no deception. “Thou shalt not steal” [Exodus 20:15], was written by the finger of God upon the tables of stone, yet how much underhanded stealing of affections is done and excused by finite beings. A deceptive courtship is maintained, private communications are kept up, until the affections of the daughter, who is inexperienced and knows not whereunto these things may grow, are fastened upon the one who shows by the very course he pursues that he is unworthy of her love.Exodus 20:13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 70, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 19
When Christ came to this world He found the Jewish people burdened with a heavy weight of traditions and ceremonies, which the religious teachers had handed down from generation to generation. So great was the mass of tradition brought in that the commandments of God were made of none effect. Today there are those who are doing a work similar to that done by the Jewish teachers. They are dishonoring the Law of God by their extreme teaching. There are those who say that nothing, not even insects, should be killed. God has not entrusted any such message to His people. It is possible to stretch the command, “Thou shalt not kill” [Exodus 20:13], to any limit; but it is not according to sound reasoning to do this. Those who do it have not learned in the school of Christ.Exodus 20:14
Counsels on Health
Beware of Moral Corruption
CH 611.1
If the sisters were elevated and possessed purity of heart, any corrupt advances, even from their minister, would be repulsed with such positiveness as would never need a repetition. Minds must be terribly befogged by Satan, when they can listen to the voice of the seducer because he is a minister, and therefore break God’s plain and positive commands and flatter themselves that they commit no sin. Have we not the words of John, “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him”? 1 John 2:4. What saith the law? “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14. When a man professing to keep God’s holy law, and ministering in sacred things, takes advantage of the confidence his position gives him and seeks to indulge his base passions, this fact should of itself be sufficient to enable a woman professing godliness to see that, although his profession was as exalted as the heavens, an impure proposal coming from him was from Satan disguised as an angel of light. I cannot believe that the word of God is abiding in the hearts of those who so readily yield up their innocency and virtue upon the altar of lustful passions.Sons and Daughters of God
We Shall Be Pure, February 25
SD 62.1
Thou shalt not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 95, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 95, 1893, par. 2
The law of God proclaimed upon Mount Sinai, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” [Exodus 20:14], and yet you who transgressed that law in so marked a manner were teaching others the Bible. God did not accept your labors. You ask if the Lord gave me that letter to give to you. I say He did. The Holy God of Israel will not serve with your sins. That message was given of God. If you have had, since that message was given, a new sense of what constitutes sin, if you have become truly converted, a child of God in place of being a transgressor of His law, then there is no one who will be more pleased than myself.Exodus 20:15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 7, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 7, 1902, par. 22
How much loyalty to the commandments of God can be expected of those who do these things? The Lord desires men to discern between the evil and the good. He calls upon every man to stand in his lot and place and to obey the commandment “Thou shalt not steal.” [Exodus 20:15.] God calls for a reformation. He desires men and women to be ennobled, purified, sanctified. He desires all to be so cleansed in thought, in spirit, in attributes, that they will reveal to others that they have been molded by the Holy Spirit.Exodus 20:15-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 14, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 14, 1888, par. 21
Now we wish all to look at this matter from a Christian standpoint. These tests reveal the true material that makes up character. There is in the Decalogue a commandment that says, “Thou shalt not steal.” [Exodus 20:15.] This commandment covers just such acts as these. They simply steal the help that others have had the burden of bringing up and training for their respective work. This scheme of in any secret way, or by bringing our influence to bear upon them to try to secure help that others have engaged and trained, is nothing less than downright stealing.5LtMs, Ms 14, 1888, par. 22
There is another commandment that says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” [Verse 16.] In this kind of business, [in] tampering with the help that has been secured and depended upon to do a certain kind of labor, efforts are made to demerit the plans and find fault with the management of those who are conducting the institution. They question the course that has been pursued against those that they want to secure for themselves. They flatter their vanity. They tell them they are not advanced as rapidly as they should be; they ought to be in more responsible positions.Exodus 20:15-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 12a, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 12a, 1893, par. 3
Louie Christie, your character must be entirely transformed. You deceive those who are not acquainted with your course of action. You are not keeping the commandments of the Lord. Take them one by one, and read them. “Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not covet. Thou shalt not bear false witness.” [Exodus 20:15-17.] The law of God is the great standard of character by which we must be judged in the last day. You say things that are not true. You mislead and deceive others concerning yourself, and you make all manner of excuses to excuse your wrongs, but will these excuses stand? Oh, dear youth, do you not know that all the refuge of lies is to be swept away in a short time? Will you be swept away with your refuge? I speak plainly when I am compelled to speak at all, and now I feel constrained to speak.Exodus 20:16
Sons and Daughters of God
We Shall Not Lie, or Bear False Witness, February 27
SD 64.1
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exodus 20:16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 19c, 1874
2LtMs, Lt 19c, 1874, par. 3
Some were liable to be deceived with these self-righteous pretensions, but the evasion of truth and the false statements in regard to Mrs. White was so against facts that the eyes of many were opened. They could not reconcile the claims to holiness with the law of God which says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” [Exodus 20:16.] While some were being deceived with the claim to sanctification, we felt that we could do them no special good. But now they were seeing things more nearly in the true light, and we could help them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 15, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 15, 1888, par. 48
God’s law reads, “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” [Exodus 20:16.] I hope none will go from this meeting repeating the false statements that have been circulated here, or carrying with them the spirit which has been here manifested. It has not been of Christ; it has come from another source. All who have the truth can afford to be fair. See to it, my brethren, that words coming from finite man are not received as the voice of God. We want to be Christians. We should pray and study our Bibles more. Nothing is safe that does not bear the credentials of heaven. Let God be true, and every man a liar. His Word is infinite, and every man will find that it is sure and steadfast forever.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 9, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 54
Slander covers more ground than we suppose. The command, “Thou shalt not bear false witness” [Exodus 20:16], means very much more than we realize. False witness is borne again and again in flippant speech concerning even the workers whom God has sent. The seeds of envy, of evil thinking and evil speaking, germinate and produce a harvest of their kind, to be garnered by the one who planted the seed. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7.]Exodus 20:17
Sons and Daughters of God
We Shall Not Be Covetous, February 28
SD 65.1
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. Exodus 20:17.Exodus 20:18-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 107, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 7
God requires of us perfect obedience. We are to purify ourselves, even as He is pure. We are to reveal our love for the Supreme Ruler of the universe, by keeping His commandments. And the Lord has not left us in ignorance regarding His law. While enshrouded in a thick cloud resting upon Mount Sinai, He repeated the holy precepts of the decalogue distinctly and with solemn impressiveness. So deeply were the people impressed when they “saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking,” that “they removed, and stood afar off.” [Exodus 20:18.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 8
“Speak thou with us,” they pleaded with Moses, “and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Verse 19.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 9
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” [Verse 20.] Every provision against sin has been made in our behalf.Exodus 20:18-21
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 833—Ellen White’s Theology of Redemption
10MR 330.2
The proclamation of the law upon Mount Sinai was a wonderful exhibition of the glory and majesty of God. How did this awful exhibition of God’s power affect the people? They were afraid. “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die” (Exodus 20:18, 19). They wanted Moses to be their mediator. They did not understand that Christ was their appointed Mediator, else they would certainly be consumed.10MR 331.1
“Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was” (verses 20, 21).Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 32—The Righteousness of Christ in the Law
1SM 238.2
The proclamation of the law of ten commandments was a wonderful exhibition of the glory and majesty of God. How did this manifestation of power affect the people?—They were afraid. As they saw “the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking,” they “removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die” (Exodus 20:18, 19). They desired Moses to be their mediator. They did not understand that Christ was their appointed mediator, and that, deprived of His mediation, they would certainly have been consumed.1SM 238.3
“Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:20, 21).Exodus 20:18-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 58, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 18
The proclamation of the law upon Mount Sinai was a wonderful exhibition of the glory and majesty of God. How did this awful exhibition of God’s power affect the people? They were afraid. “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Exodus 20:18, 19.] They wanted Moses to be their mediator. They did not understand that Christ was their appointed mediator, else they would certainly be consumed.15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 19
“Moses said unto the people, Fear not; for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” [Verses 20, 21.]15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 22
Especially were the Israelites plainly shown the sin of idolatry. The Lord commanded them, “Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.” [Verse 23.] “And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of the other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” [Exodus 23:13.] “Behold, I sent an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions; for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off.” Exodus 23:20-23. (Read the following verses to the close of the chapter.)Exodus 20:19
Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Faithfulness in Reproving Sin
GW92 81.3
As the people stood before Mount Sinai, listening to the voice of God, they were so forcibly impressed with his sacred presence that they retreated in terror, and cried out to Moses, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Exodus 20:19.] There before the mount they made solemn vows of allegiance to God; but scarcely had the thunders, and the trumpet, and the voice of the Lord ceased, when they were bowed upon their knees before an idol. Their leader had been called away from their sight, and was enveloped in a thick cloud, in converse with God.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1375—Experience of Golden Calf an Example for God’s People Today; Danger in Pleasure Seeking, Especially Among Youth; Development of a Christian Character
19MR 108.3
In the hearing of all Israel God had spoken in awful majesty upon Mount Sinai, declaring the precepts of His law. The people, overwhelmed with the sense of guilt, and fearing to be consumed by the glory of the presence of the Lord, had entreated Moses, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die” [Exodus 20:19].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 16, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 16, 1896, par. 3
In the hearing of all Israel, God had spoken in awful majesty upon Mount Sinai, declaring the precepts of His law. The people, overwhelmed with the sense of guilt, and fearing to be consumed by the glory of the presence of the Lord, had entreated Moses, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Exodus 20:19.] God called Moses up into the mount that He might communicate to him the laws for Israel, but how quickly the solemn impression made upon that people by the manifestation of God’s presence passed away! Even the leaders of the host seemed to have lost their reason. The memory of their covenant with God, their terror when, falling upon their faces, they had exceedingly feared and quaked, all had vanished like smoke. Although the glory of God was still like devouring fire upon the top of the mount, yet when the presence of Moses was withdrawn, the old habits of thought and feeling began to assert their power. The people wearied of waiting for the return of Moses, and began to clamor for some visible representation of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 67, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 67, 1898, par. 7
If our judge should pass sentence according to the sight of the eyes or the hearing of the ears, he would commit errors in his decisions. If it were God who is to judge us we might feel as did the Israelites at Sinai that His holiness and greatness separated us from Him. We might fear that He would not take into account the feebleness and infirmity of humanity, and we would voice the words of the trembling multitude, “Let Moses speak there with us, but let not God speak to us lest we die.” [Exodus 20:19.] But our Redeemer and Judge meet in the same person; He is our Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 188, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 188, 1903, par. 23
The people of Israel were overwhelmed with terror. They shrank away from the mountain in fear and awe. The multitude cried out to Moses, “Speak thou with us, ... but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Exodus 20:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 119, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 119, 1903, par. 9
The people of Israel were overwhelmed with terror. They shrank away from the mountain in fear and awe. The multitude cried out to Moses, “Speak thou with us, ... but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Exodus 20:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 187, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 187, 1903, par. 20
Some may turn away, saying, “I am exceedingly afraid. Let not God speak to me any more.” [See Exodus 20:19.] And when they are removed from the immediate glory of the mountain, they will begin to criticize the sternness of the requirements of the law. They will say, “Prophesy unto us smooth things. It fills us with terror to look at our lives in the light of that law.” [See Isaiah 30:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 65, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 65, 1906, par. 15
The people of Israel were overwhelmed with terror. They shrank away from the mountain in fear and awe. The multitude cried out to Moses, “Speak thou with us, ... but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” [Exodus 20:19.]Exodus 20:20
Sons and Daughters of God
To Keep the Sabbath, July 7
SD 195.1
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Exodus 20:20.Exodus 20:20-21
Lift Him Up
The Law and Gospel in Harmony, May 13
LHU 147.4
“Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:20, 21).Exodus 20:24
Lift Him Up
A Perfect Sacrifice, January 11
LHU 25.1
An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. Exodus 20:24, RSV.Exodus 20:25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 137, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 137, 1899, par. 3
To the ancient Israelites God said, “If thou make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not make it of hewn stones; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.” [Exodus 20:25.] We are not to make things to represent heavenly things, for by so doing we mingle the sacred with the common. The Lord is not pleased with these things. An extravagant outlay of means has been made for illustrations. Thousands of dollars have been expended which has not tended to glorify God. A large number of illustrations in a book will cause some persons to purchase it who would otherwise not take it; but the benefit derived is not equal to the disadvantages. God can make pictures upon the mind’s eye more beautiful and correct than can be made by the greatest artist who has ever presented to the world a representation of heavenly things.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Exodus 20:4-5
From Splendor to Shadow
Chapter 7—Jeroboam Leads Israel Back to Idol Worship
SS 52.3
In arranging this transfer, Jeroboam thought to appeal to the imagination of the Israelites by some visible representation to symbolize the presence of the invisible God. Accordingly he placed two calves of gold within shrines at the centers of worship. In this, he violated the plain command: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image ... . Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.” Exodus 20:4, 5. He failed to consider the great peril to which he was exposing the Israelites by setting before them the symbol with which their ancestors had been familiar during centuries of Egyptian bondage. His purpose of inducing the northern tribes to discontinue annual visits to the Holy City led him to adopt the most imprudent of measures. “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem,” he urged; “behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” 1 Kings 12:28.