EGW WritingsIsaiah 28

Ellen G. White

Isaiah 28:1-22

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 268, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 268, 1906, par. 11

“Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: and the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; that when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.” [Isaiah 28:1-4.]

21LtMs, Lt 268, 1906, par. 13

“But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.” [Verses 7, 8.]

21LtMs, Lt 268, 1906, par. 18

“And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the over-flowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself upon it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it. For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act. Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.” [Verses 9-22.]

Isaiah 28:1-29

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 164, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, par. 7

The chapters we were reading in course were in Isaiah. He read with us, and the very portions of Scripture which specified his sin was read by himself. We thought we would give him every chance to make the application to his own case and this might awaken in him a remorse, but it did not seem to have the least influence. He did that night—after we labored with him a long while and then left him with Brother Rousseau and Brother Prescott—confess his sins of vileness, and the conditions were plainly stated, if he would break away at once, and return to New Zealand, we would furnish him money. But he said positively he would not go to New Zealand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

Isaiah 28:5

Heaven

Chapter 20—A Call for Us to Be There

Hvn 188.2

“The Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord.” “The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.” “Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called My Delight, and thy land Beulah.... As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isaiah 66:23; 40:5; Isaiah 61:11; 28:5; Isaiah 51:3; 35:2; Isaiah 62:4, 5, margin.—Prophets and Kings, 730-733.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 60—Visions of Future Glory

PK 733.2

That I May Know Him

The Loveliness of Christian Character, April 23

TMK 119.1

In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people. Isaiah 28:5.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning

GC 301.3

About His coming cluster the glories of that “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:21. Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken; “the kingdoms of this world” will become “the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15. “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” He shall be “for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of His people.” Isaiah 40:5; 61:11; 28:5.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning

GC88 301.3

About his coming cluster the glories of that “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” [Acts 3:21.] Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken; “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” [Revelation 11:15.] “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” He shall be “for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people.” [Isaiah 40:5; 61:11; 28:5.]

The Review and Herald

July 1, 1915

RH July 1, 1915, Art. A, par. 33

“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 66:23. “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” Isaiah 40:5. “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11. “In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people.” Isaiah 28:5.

Isaiah 28:9-10

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 71, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 71, 1903, par. 12

“The spiritual growth of many has been dwarfed. They have not brought forth in their lives the fruits of righteousness and peace and joy, but have been as the fruitless fig tree. If those who have received the light will appreciate and respect the testimonies of the Lord, they will see the religious life in a new light. They will be convicted. They will see the key that unlocks the mysteries that they have never understood. They will lay hold of the precious things that God has given them to profit withal and will be translated from the kingdom of darkness into God’s marvellous light. The messages that have come to them will be to them as a voice speaking from heaven. The light will shine forth line upon line, precept upon precept, as represented by Isaiah in the words, ‘Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, here a little, and there a little.’” [Isaiah 28:9, 10.]

Isaiah 28:9-13

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1446—Seek God’s Will; Distrust Self; Adopt Health Principles; Follow Christ in Self-denial and Sacrifice

20MR 110.4

Manifold teaching needs to be given. “Whom shall He teach knowledge, and whom shall He make to understand doctrine?” The first work specified begins with the child in its mother’s arms, and continues through babyhood, childhood, youth, and manhood. “Whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” [Isaiah 28:9, 10].

20MR 110.5

Thus the word of the Lord is patiently to be brought before the children, and kept before them by parents who believe the word of God. “For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken” [Verses 11-13]. Why? Because they did not heed the word of the Lord that came unto them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 141, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 141, 1897, par. 4

“The word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.” [Isaiah 28:13.] When should education commence? “Whom shall he teach knowledge, and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.” [Verse 9.] It is then that the education of children in Bible principles should commence. There is a work to be done for the children. “Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” [Verse 10.]

Isaiah 28:9-17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 9, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 9, 1908, par. 2

The Lord has instructed me to say to our churches: There is no safety in placing confidence in human wisdom or strength. “Whom shall He teach knowledge?” the prophet Isaiah asks; “and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little; for with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to the people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest: and this is the refreshing; yet ye would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.” [Isaiah 28:9-13.]

23LtMs, Ms 9, 1908, par. 3

“Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people that is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us. For we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves; Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” [Verses 14-17.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1264—A Message to the Churches

17MR 162.2

The Lord has instructed me to say to our churches: There is no safety in placing confidence in human wisdom or strength. [Isaiah 28:9-17, quoted.]

Isaiah 28:9-22

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 77, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, par. 31

“Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” [Isaiah 28:9-17.]

11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, par. 34

No counsel of men can with safety remove God’s principles and set up their own, for the word of God declares, “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet, and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” “For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim; he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon that he may do his work, his strange work, and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Now therefore, be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.” [Isaiah 28:17, 21, 22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 73, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, par. 27

A health institution is not established to conform to the selfish, intemperate customs of the world in eating or dressing, furnishing tables or rooms in an expensive style. It is to educate after the manner of Christ; so far as possible, it is to convert to correct principles all who shall patronize it. Those who are in responsible positions are not be become converted to the self-indulgent, extravagant principles of the world, for they cannot afford it; and if they could, Christlike principles would not allow it. Manifold teaching needs to be given. “Whom shall he teach knowledge, and whom shall he make to understand the doctrine?” [Isaiah 28:9.]

11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, par. 28

The first work specified begins with the child in its mother’s arms, and continues through babyhood, childhood, youth, and manhood. “Whom shall he make to understand doctrine, them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little.” [Verses 9, 10.] Thus the word of the Lord is patiently to be brought before the children, and kept before them by parents who believe the Word of God. “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little; that they might go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.” [Verses 11-13.] Why? Because they did not heed the Word of the Lord that came unto them.

11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, par. 31

“For the Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim; he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work: and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Now, therefore, be ye not workers, lest your bands be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption even determined upon the whole earth.” [Isaiah 28:21, 22.] Read Deuteronomy 7:6. Read the whole chapter, also chapters 1 and 8. These were presented to me as the words of the Lord. These things are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Isaiah 28:10

Education

Chapter 13—Mental and Spiritual Culture

Ed 123.2

The Bible contains all the principles that men need to understand in order to be fitted either for this life or for the life to come. And these principles may be understood by all. No one with a spirit to appreciate its teaching can read a single passage from the Bible without gaining from it some helpful thought. But the most valuable teaching of the Bible is not to be gained by occasional or disconnected study. Its great system of truth is not so presented as to be discerned by the hasty or careless reader. Many of its treasures lie far beneath the surface, and can be obtained only by diligent research and continuous effort. The truths that go to make up the great whole must be searched out and gathered up, “here a little, and there a little.” Isaiah 28:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 17a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 17a, 1893, par. 5

As the matter was laid open before me, and the sad burden of the result of drug medication, the light was given me that Seventh-day Adventists should establish health institutions, discarding all these health-destroying inventions, and physicians should treat the sick upon hygienic principles. The great burden should be to have well-trained nurses, and well-trained medical practitioners to educate “precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” [Isaiah 28:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 163, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 163, 1895, par. 4

If we are united in interest with Christ, we shall see and we shall know our work; it is to do everything in our power to restore the moral image of God in man. These souls are candidates for heaven or perdition. They are not to be neglected, not to be looked upon indifferently, for they have entered into the designs of divine mercy. They must be instructed “line upon line, precept upon precept.” [Isaiah 28:10.] Fellowman must reclaim [his] brother from vice and present in the greatest simplicity an uplifted Saviour, and bid every soul “look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 32, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 32, 1899, par. 10

God designs that the families on earth shall be samples of the family in heaven, that every member shall be marked with the stamp of heaven. Children should be clad in plain garments, without ruffles or ornament. The time spent in needless sewing God would have spent in educating them or in devotional exercises. That garment you are sewing on, that extra dish you think you will prepare, let it be neglected rather than the education of your children. The labor due to your child during the first years of its life will admit of no neglect. There is no time in its life when the rule should be forgotten, “Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little.” [Isaiah 28:10.] Parents, the Lord knows what kind of work you are doing in the formation of the characters of your children. Will you consider the responsibilities resting upon you as their natural guardians?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 261, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 261, 1899, par. 5

I want much that you should sink the shaft deep in the mines of truth and possess yourself of the heavenly treasure. Make every point simple [in order] to be comprehended by the souls that do not take in the truth because it is new and strange to them. There must be “line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.” [Isaiah 28:10.] Cut away everything that will interpose your prayers. Come in meekness as a learner, and ask counsel and advice of Brother Colcord and your brethren, because you do not always move with the best judgment and have laid too large confidence in your own plans. Now, the Lord would have every one of the workers in His service bind heart to heart [and] be united. The more humbly you walk before God, the greater will be your power with the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 67, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 67, 1901, par. 5

“Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” [Isaiah 28:10.] Thus the children attending a church school are to be educated. Let teachers show sympathy and tenderness in dealing with human minds. Let them reveal the love of God. Let the words they speak be kindly and encouraging. Then as they work for their students, what a transformation will be wrought in the rough characters of those who have not been properly educated in the home. The grace of God, revealed in words and works, will touch hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 229, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 54

Do you care to have your children attain it? Teach it to them “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” [Isaiah 28:10], and you can have a whole household rejoicing together in the peace of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 96, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 96, 1902, par. 19

Remember that in preparing yourselves for the heavenly kingdom, you are preparing others. The Scriptures say, “Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.” [Hebrews 12:13.] Many are weak in moral power; many have not had the privileges and the training that we have had; many have never had opportunity to receive instruction, “precept upon precept; line upon line; ... here a little, and there a little.” [Isaiah 28:10.] God lays heavy responsibilities upon those who have had such instruction. They ought to spend much time in prayer. In the place of feeling that their judgment is supreme, they ought to feel terribly afraid. Instead of gathering to themselves all the burdens that they can possibly grasp, which give them no time to pray, no time to meditate on their spiritual condition, they should spend much time in communion with their Maker.

Lift Him Up

Compare Scripture With Scripture, April 10

LHU 114.1

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. Isaiah 28:10.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 27—Ahaz

PK 324.3

In every age, for the sake of those who have remained true, as well as because of His infinite love for the erring, God has borne long with the rebellious, and has urged them to forsake their course of evil and return to Him. “Precept upon precept; line upon line, ... here a little, and there a little,” through men of His appointment, He has taught transgressors the way of righteousness. Isaiah 28:10.

Reflecting Christ

Mental Culture Gained by Bible Study, May 28

RC 162.3

The Bible contains all the principles that men need to understand in order to be fitted either for this life or the life to come. And these principles may be understood by all. No one with a spirit to appreciate its teaching can read a single passage from the Bible without gaining from it some helpful thought. But the most valuable teaching of the Bible is not to be gained by occasional or disconnected study. Its great system of truth is not so presented as to be discerned by the hasty or careless reader.... The truths that go to make up the great whole must be searched out and gathered up, “here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10).

Selected Messages Book 2

A Statement in Answer to Questions on Drugs

2SM 280.1

As the matter was laid open before me, and the sad burden of the result of drug medication, the light was given me that Seventh-day Adventists should establish health institutions discarding all these health-destroying inventions, and physicians should treat the sick upon hygienic principles. The great burden should be to have well-trained nurses, and well-trained medical practitioners to educate “precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10).

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Camp Meeting Message on True Education

1SAT 288.2

Our time is precious. We have but few, very few, days of probation left us in which to qualify ourselves for the future eternal life. We are not to devote these precious moments to forms and ceremonies, or cheap, superficial education. Think deeply before you speak. God designs that we shall keep the mind in pursuit of something tangible, something that we will not leave behind in this world, but that we can take with us into the higher school. The minds of the youth need the Word of God for instruction, that they may be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” [2 Timothy 3:16, 17]. The teachers will need to be very simple when teaching from the Scriptures. The students must be given “precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” [Isaiah 28:10]. Do not leave the slightest impression on the minds of your students that they are restricted and forced to wear a yoke of restraint that is unnecessary.

The Review and Herald

April 1, 1915

RH April 1, 1915, par. 8

In every age, for the sake of those who have remained true, as well as because of his infinite love for the erring, God has borne long with the rebellious, and has urged them to forsake their course of evil, and return to him. “Precept upon precept; line upon line; ... here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10), through men of his appointment, he has taught transgressors the way of righteousness.

Homeward Bound

Dig Deep, January 14

HB 29.3

The Bible contains all the principles that we need to understand in order to be fitted either for this life or for the life to come. And these principles may be understood by all. No one with a spirit to appreciate its teaching can read a single passage from the Bible without gaining from it some helpful thought. But the most valuable teaching of the Bible is not to be gained by occasional or disconnected study. Its great system of truth is not so presented as to be discerned by the hasty or careless reader. Many of its treasures lie far beneath the surface, and can be obtained only by diligent research and continuous effort. The truths that go to make up the great whole must be searched out and gathered up, “here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:10.)

Isaiah 28:10-13

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Beware—Lest We Lose Our Bearings

1MR 245.4

Remember that in preparing yourselves for the heavenly kingdom, you are preparing others. The Scriptures say, “Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way” (Hebrews 12:13). Many are weak in moral power; many have not had the privileges and the training that we have had; many have never had opportunity to receive instruction, “precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10, 13). God lays heavy responsibilities upon those who have had such instruction. They ought to spend much time in prayer. In the place of feeling that their judgment is supreme, they ought to feel terribly afraid. Instead of gathering to themselves all the burdens that they can possibly grasp, which give them no time to pray, no time to meditate on their own spiritual condition, they should spend much time in communion with their Maker.

Isaiah 28:13

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers

Chapter 60—“Give Me Thine Heart”

TM 419.2

God requires certain things of His people; if they say, I will not give up my heart to do this thing, the Lord lets them go on in their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom, until this scripture [Isaiah 28:13] is fulfilled. You are not to say, I will follow the Lord’s guidance up to a certain point that is in harmony with my judgment, and then hold fast to your own ideas, refusing to be molded after the Lord’s similitude. Let the question be asked, Is this the will of the Lord? not, Is this the opinion or judgment of -----?

Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers—No. 9

Chapter 5—Give Me Thine Heart

SpTA09 52.1

God requires certain things of his people; if they say, I will not give up my heart to do this thing, the Lord lets them go on in their supposed wise judgment without heavenly wisdom, until this scripture [Isaiah 28:13] is fulfilled. You are not to say, I will follow the Lord’s guidance up to a certain point that is in harmony with my judgment, and then hold fast to your own ideas, refusing to be molded after the Lord’s similitude. Let the question be asked, Is this the will of the Lord? not, Is this the opinion or judgment of -----?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 1, 1874

2LtMs, Ms 1, 1874, par. 9

Present the truth to the people in its true importance and sacredness, and be careful not to give them too large a portion in one discourse. It will be lost upon them if you do. Lengthy speeches detract from the efficiency of your labors. To those who are ignorant of the truth, your teaching is new and strange, and they do not readily apprehend it. There is danger of pouring into their minds a mass of matter which they cannot possibly digest. “But the Word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” [Isaiah 28:13.] We need to study His method of teaching. We have the most important and decided testimony for the world, and we must give the people short discourses, in plain and simple language. Do not think, because you have gone over a subject once, that you can pass right on to other points and the hearers retain all that has been presented. There is danger of passing too rapidly from point to point. Give short lessons, and often.

Isaiah 28:13-17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 102, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 102, 1898, par. 13

The name Peter means a rock, but Christ did not refer to Peter as the rock. He spoke of a Rock altogether stable and immovable. Isaiah in plain language defines who is the stone upon which the church shall be built: “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” “The word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” [Isaiah 28:16, 17, 13.]

Isaiah 28:15-18

The Great Controversy

Chapter 34—Can Our Dead Speak to Us?

GC 560.3

The prophet Isaiah brings to view the fearful deception which will come upon the wicked, causing them to count themselves secure from the judgments of God: “We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.” Isaiah 28:15. In the class here described are included those who in their stubborn impenitence comfort themselves with the assurance that there is to be no punishment for the sinner; that all mankind, it matters not how corrupt, are to be exalted to heaven, to become as the angels of God. But still more emphatically are those making a covenant with death and an agreement with hell, who renounce the truths which Heaven has provided as a defense for the righteous in the day of trouble, and accept the refuge of lies offered by Satan in its stead—the delusive pretensions of spiritualism.

GC 562.1

Saith the Lord God: “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.” Isaiah 28:17, 18.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 34—Spiritualism

GC88 560.3

The prophet Isaiah brings to view the fearful deception which will come upon the wicked, causing them to count themselves secure from the judgments of God: “We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under the falsehood have we hid ourselves.” [Isaiah 28:15.] In the class here described are included those who in their stubborn impenitence comfort themselves with the assurance that there is to be no punishment for the sinner; that all mankind, it matters not how corrupt, are to be exalted to Heaven, to become as the angels of God. But still more emphatically are those making a covenant with death and an agreement with hell, who renounce the truths which Heaven has provided as a defense for the righteous in the day of trouble, and accept the refuge of lies offered by Satan in its stead,—the delusive pretensions of Spiritualism.

GC88 562.1

Saith the Lord God: “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.” [Isaiah 28:17, 18.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 29—Spiritualism

4SP 377.3

The prophet Isaiah brings to view the fearful deception which will come upon the wicked, causing them to count themselves secure from the judgments of God: “We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement. When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.” [Isaiah 28:15.] In the class here described are included those who in their stubborn impenitence comfort themselves with the assurance that there is to be no punishment for the sinner; that all mankind, it matters not how corrupt, are to be exalted to Heaven to become as the angels of God. But still more emphatically are those making a covenant with death and an agreement with hell, who renounce the truths which Heaven has provided as a defense for the righteous in the day of trouble, and accept the refuge of lies offered by Satan in its stead,—the delusive pretensions of Spiritualism.

4SP 379.2

Saith the Lord God: “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.” [Isaiah 28:17, 18.]

Isaiah 28:16

God’s Amazing Grace

Makes Our Foundation Sure, April 25

AG 123.1

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Isaiah 28:16.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 45—The Foreshadowing of the Cross

HLv 278.4

Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel’s salvation. See Deuteronomy 32:4. The psalmist had sung of “the rock of my strength.” Psalm 62:7. Isaiah had written, “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, ... a sure foundation.” Isaiah 28:16. Peter himself applies this prophecy to Jesus: “For you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Come to Him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house.” 1 Peter 2:3-5, RSV. “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11. “Upon this rock,” said Jesus, “I will build My church.” Christ founded His church on the living Rock—Himself, His own body, for us broken and bruised. Against the church built on this foundation, the gates of hell shall not prevail.

From Heaven With Love

The Strange Stone That Prefigured Christ

HLv 399.3

“He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel... . And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” Christ was to bear trials and tests of which the chief cornerstone in the temple of Solomon was symbolic. “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 8:14, 15; 28:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 15, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 15, 1892, par. 15

Our Redeemer is a “Tried Stone.” [Isaiah 28:16.] The experiment has been made, the great test applied, and with perfect success; in Him is fulfilled all the purpose of God, in the saving of a lost world. Never was a foundation subjected to as severe trial and test as this. The Lord Jehovah knew what this Foundation Stone could sustain. The sins of the whole world could beat against it and be piled upon it. The Lord’s chosen were to be redeemed, heaven’s gate to be thrown open to all who would believe; its untold glories were to be given to the overcomer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 41, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 43

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” [Isaiah 28:16.] “Hath a nation changed their gods? For my people have changed their [glory] for that which doth not profit.” “Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field, or shall the cold, flowing waters that cometh from another place be forsaken?” [Jeremiah 2:11; 18:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 142, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 142, 1899, par. 8

“Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.” [Isaiah 28:16.] On this stone, laid by the Lord, there would have arisen no building had not the work of redemption been carried on after the Lord’s prescribed plan. And although the plan of salvation was carried forward according to the plan ordained from the foundation of the earth, yet men and women will not be saved unless they themselves exercise faith and build on the true foundation, unless they allow God to re-create them by His Holy Spirit. God works in and through the human agent who co-operates with Him by choosing to help to compose the Lord’s building.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 43, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 43, 1902, par. 8

The King’s business requires haste, but there are times when “he that believeth shall not make haste.” [Isaiah 28:16.] There is a time to pray, as well as a time to act. “Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. ... And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you; for the Lord is a God of judgment; blessed are all they that wait for him. ... And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying unto thee, This is the way; walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” [Isaiah 30:15, 18, 21.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Tried Stone, January 4

JNN 11.1

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.”—Isaiah 28:16

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Rock of Israel’s Salvation, November 2

JNN 323.3

Centuries before the Saviour’s advent Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel’s salvation. The psalmist had sung of “the Rock of my strength.” Isaiah had written, “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation” (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 62:7; Isaiah 28:16). Peter himself, writing by inspiration, applies this prophecy to Jesus. He says, “If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:3-5, R. V.).

In Heavenly Places

Building on Christ, May 3

HP 130.1

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Isaiah 28:16.

Our High Calling

Our Redeemer a Tried Stone, February 17

OHC 54.1

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Isaiah 28:16.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 45—The Foreshadowing of the Cross

DA 413.1

Centuries before the Saviour’s advent Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel’s salvation. The psalmist had sung of “the Rock of my strength.” Isaiah had written, “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 62:7; Isaiah 28:16. Peter himself, writing by inspiration, applies this prophecy to Jesus. He says, “If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.” 1 Peter 2:3-5, R. V.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again

DA 598.1

“Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” Carried down in prophetic vision to the first advent, the prophet is shown that Christ is to bear trials and tests of which the treatment of the chief cornerstone in the temple of Solomon was symbolic. “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 8:13-15; 28:16.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2

Chapter 21—Walking on the Water

2SP 272.3

Jesus continued: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The word Peter signifies rolling stone. Christ did not refer to Peter as being the rock upon which he would found his church. His expression, “this rock,” applied to himself as the foundation of the Christian church. In Isaiah 28:16, the same reference is made: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.” It is the same stone to which reference is made in Luke 20:17, 18: “And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Also in Mark 12:10, 11: “And have ye not read this scripture, The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?”

Redemption: Or the Miracles of Christ, the Mighty One

Walking on the Water

3Red 65.3

The Signs of the Times

October 28, 1913

ST October 28, 1913, par. 5

Jesus continued: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The word “Peter” signifies a loose stone. Christ did not refer to Peter as being the rock upon which He would found His church. His expression “this rock,” applied to Himself as the foundation of the Christian church. In Isaiah 28:16 the same reference is made: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation.” It is the same stone to which reference is made in Luke 20:17, 18: “And He beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Also in Mark 12:10, 11: “And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?”

Isaiah 28:16-17

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“It fell not; for it was founded upon the rock.”—Matthew 7:25, R. V.

MB 151.1

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, ... Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” Isaiah 28:16, 17.

MB 152.1

You who are resting your hope on self are building on the sand. But it is not yet too late to escape the impending ruin. Before the tempest breaks, flee to the sure foundation. “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” “Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.” Isaiah 28:16, R.V.; 45:22; 41:10; 45:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 1, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 1, 1895, par. 40

The Lord says, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet, and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” [Isaiah 28:16, 17.] “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” “Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from a rock of the field? Or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Because my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up.” [Jeremiah 2:11-13; 18:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 130, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 130, 1899, par. 29

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” [1 Corinthians 3:11.] Isaiah declares, “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet. And the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” [Isaiah 28:16, 17.] Christ has been crucified for us. He is the propitiation for our sins. He is the atoning sacrifice, the true, immovable foundation. He has gathered the believers in church capacity, that they may labor unitedly, strengthening and building up one another in the faith.

Isaiah 28:17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 75, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 75, 1895, par. 4

The day is near when every hidden thing will be revealed. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.” [Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.] “Judgment will I also lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” [Isaiah 28:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 140, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 140, 1901, par. 66

Isaiah 28:17-18

Darkness Before Dawn

The Blindness of the Age

DD 23.4

Isaiah 28:21

Darkness Before Dawn

The Comforter of His People

DD 43.4

God’s judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long delayed. “The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.” Isaiah 28:21. To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet He will “by no means clear the guilty.” “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. By terrible things in righteousness He will vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord’s reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which He bears long, and which He will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God’s account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy....

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 61—Saul Rejected

PP 628.1

The forbearance that God has exercised toward the wicked, emboldens men in transgression; but their punishment will be none the less certain and terrible for being long delayed. “The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.” Isaiah 28:21. To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet He will “by no means clear the guilty.” Exodus 34:6, 7. While He does not delight in vengeance, He will execute judgment upon the transgressors of His law. He is forced to do this, to preserve the inhabitants of the earth from utter depravity and ruin. In order to save some He must cut off those who have become hardened in sin. “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” Nahum 1:3. By terrible things in righteousness He will vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. And the very fact of His reluctance to execute justice testifies to the enormity of the sins that call forth His judgments and to the severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 64—A Doomed People

DA 582.3

God “delighteth in mercy.” “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Micah 7:18; Ezekiel 33:11. To Him the work of destruction and the denunciation of judgment is a “strange work.” Isaiah 28:21. But it is in mercy and love that He lifts the veil from the future, and reveals to men the results of a course of sin.

The Faith I Live By

The Strange Act of God, November 28

FLB 338.1

For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Isaiah 28:21.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble

GC 627.2

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 39—“The Time of Trouble”

GC88 627.1

God’s judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy his people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is none the less certain and terrible because it is long delayed. “The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.” [Isaiah 28:21.] To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked,” [Ezekiel 33:11.] The Lord is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet he will “by no means clear the guilty.” “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” [Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3.] By terrible things in righteousness he will vindicate the authority of his downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord’s reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which he bears long, and which he will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God’s account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 64—A Doomed People

HLv 388.4

“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Ezekiel 33:11. To Him the work of destruction and the denunciation of judgment is a “strange work.” Isaiah 28:21. But in mercy and love He lifts the veil from the future and reveals the results of a course of sin.

From Here to Forever

God’s People Not Misled

HF 380.3

God’s judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to destroy His people. To God, punishment is a “strange act.” Isaiah 28:21; see also Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord is “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet He will “by no means clear the guilty.” Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. The nation with which He bears long, and which has filled up the measure of its iniquity, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy.

The Three Angels’ Messages

“The wine of the wrath of God”

3AM 96.3

Judgment delayed but certain—God’s judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long delayed. “The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.” Isaiah 28:21. To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet He will “by no means clear the guilty.” “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. By terrible things in righteousness He will vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord’s reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which He bears long, and which He will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God’s account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy.—The Great Controversy, 627 (1888, 1911)

Isaiah 28:23-29

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Common Arts

CT 314.2

“For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cumin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cumin with a rod. Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” Isaiah 28:23-29.

Ye Shall Receive Power

God Can Use Common Skills, July 18

YRP 208.3

“When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cumin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him. For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cumin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cumin with a rod. Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working” (Isaiah 28:23-29).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 60, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 60, 1907, par. 8

“For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod. Bread corn is bruised, because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.” [Isaiah 28:23-29.]

Isaiah 28:26

Education

Chapter 24—Manual Training

Ed 219.1

As a relaxation from study, occupations pursued in the open air, and affording exercise for the whole body, are the most beneficial. No line of manual training is of more value than agriculture. A greater effort should be made to create and to encourage an interest in agricultural pursuits. Let the teacher call attention to what the Bible says about agriculture: that it was God’s plan for man to till the earth; that the first man, the ruler of the whole world, was given a garden to cultivate; and that many of the world’s greatest men, its real nobility, have been tillers of the soil. Show the opportunities in such a life. The wise man says, “The king himself is served by the field.” Ecclesiastes 5:9. Of him who cultivates the soil the Bible declares, “His God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” Isaiah 28:26. And again, “Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 27:18. He who earns his livelihood by agriculture escapes many temptations and enjoys unnumbered privileges and blessings denied to those whose work lies in the great cities. And in these days of mammoth trusts and business competition, there are few who enjoy so real an independence and so great certainty of fair return for their labor as does the tiller of the soil.

Isaiah 28:26-29

The Ministry of Healing

Life’s Best Things

MH 199.5

How can wisdom be obtained by him who holds the plow and drives the oxen? By seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hid treasure. “For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” Isaiah 28:26. “This also cometh forth from Jehovah of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom.” Verse 29, A.R.V.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 8b, 1894 [Copy 2]

9LtMs, Ms 8b, 1894, par. 44

Farmers need far more intelligence in their work. In most cases it is their own fault if they do not see the land yielding its harvest. They should be constantly learning how to secure a variety of treasures from the earth. The people should learn as far as possible to depend upon the products that they can obtain from the soil. In every phase of this kind of labor they can be educating the mind to work for the saving of souls for whom Christ has died. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let the teachers in our schools take their students with them into the gardens and fields, and teach them how to work the soil in the very best manner. It would be well if ministers who labor in word and doctrine could enter the fields and spend some portion of the day in physical exercise with the students. They could do as Christ did in giving lessons from nature to illustrate Bible truth. Both teachers and students would have much more healthful experience in spiritual things, and much stronger minds and purer hearts to interpret eternal mysteries, than they can have while studying books so constantly, and working the brain without taxing the muscles. God has given men and women reasoning powers, and He would have them employ their reason in regard to the use of their physical machinery. The question may be asked, How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plow, and driveth oxen? By seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hid treasures. “For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” “This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” [Isaiah 28:26, 29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 8a, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 8a, 1894, par. 28

God has given men and women reasoning powers, and they should use these reasoning powers studying what will be the best way in which to preserve physical health. The question may be asked, “How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough and driveth oxen?” And the answer may be given, “By seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hid treasure. For God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him. For this also cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, which is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.” [See Isaiah 28:26, 29.]

Isaiah 28:29

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 160, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 160, 1898, par. 1

The ways of man are before the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings. The eyes of the Lord are in every place; He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven. The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. He knoweth the things that come into our mind, every one of them. There is not a creature that is not manifest in His sight; “but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” [Hebrews 4:13.] He hath established the world by His wisdom, and stretched out the heavens by His discretion. He is “wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.” [Isaiah 28:29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 160a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 160a, 1898, par. 1

“The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.” [Proverbs 5:21.] The eyes of the Lord are in every place; He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven. The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. He knows the things that come into our minds, every one of them. There is not a creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. “He hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.” [Jeremiah 10:12.] He is “wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.” [Isaiah 28:29.]