"were not to serve their own desires, or to imitate the idolatrous nations around them, but to remain a distinct, separate people, that all who looked upon them might say: These are they whom God brought out of the land of Egypt, who keep the law of Ten Commandments. An Israelite was known to be such as soon as seen, for God through simple means distinguished him as His. 1T 524.1"
"And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine."
Both passages highlight the separation of Israel from other nations and their belonging to God. The phrase 'severed you from other people, that ye should be mine' in Leviticus directly supports EGW's point about remaining a 'distinct, separate people'.
"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."
Both passages emphasize the special relationship between God and Israel, contingent on obedience. The concept of being a 'peculiar treasure' and a 'holy nation' aligns with EGW's idea of a 'distinct, separate people'.
"For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth."
Both passages emphasize the distinctiveness and special status of Israel as God's chosen people. EGW's statement that they should be a 'distinct, separate people' echoes the idea of being a 'holy people' chosen above others.