"Herodias knew that by direct measures she could never win Herod's consent to the death of John, and she resolved to accomplish her purpose by stratagem. On the king's birthday an entertainment was to be given to the officers of state and the nobles of the court. There would be feasting and drunkenness. Herod would thus be thrown off his guard, and might then be influenced according to her will. DA 221.1"
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
The proverb warns against the dangers of strong drink, and the EGW passage illustrates this danger by showing how Herod's inebriation led to a rash and deadly promise. The connection is valid and meaningful.
"When the great day arrived, and the king with his lords was feasting and drinking, Herodias sent her daughter into the banqueting hall to dance for the entertainment of the guests. Salome was in the first flush of womanhood, and her voluptuous beauty captivated the senses of the lordly revelers. It was not customary for the ladies of the court to appear at these festivities, and a flattering compliment was paid to Herod when this daughter of Israel's priests and princes danced for the amusement of his guests. DA 221.2"
"And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee."
The EGW passage directly recounts the events described in Mark 6:22, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"The king was dazed with wine. Passion held sway, and reason was dethroned. He saw only the hall of pleasure, with its reveling guests, the banquet table, the sparkling wine and the flashing lights, and the young girl dancing before him. In the recklessness of the moment, he desired to make some display that would exalt him before the great men of his realm. With an oath he promised to give the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask, even to the half of his kingdom. DA 221.3"
"Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart."
The Hosea verse links whoredom and wine to the loss of reason, which is mirrored in the EGW passage where Herod's intoxication leads to irrational behavior and a terrible promise. The connection is valid.
"Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom."
Both passages involve a king offering up to half his kingdom. While the context and motivations differ, the parallel is strong enough to warrant confirmation.
"Salome hastened to her mother, to know what she should ask. The answer was ready,—the head of John the Baptist. Salome knew not of the thirst for revenge in her mother's heart, and she shrank from presenting the request; but the determination of Herodias prevailed. The girl returned with the terrible petition, “I will that thou forthwith give me in a charger the head of John the Baptist.” Mark 6:25 , R. V. DA 221.4"
"And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist."
Ellen White directly references Mark 6:25 in this passage.
"And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger."
The EGW passage directly references the request for John the Baptist's head on a charger, which is a key element of the story found in Matthew 14:8. This is a clear and explicit allusion.
Herod was astonished and confounded. The riotous mirth ceased, and an ominous silence settled down upon the scene of revelry. The king was horror-stricken at the thought of taking the life of John. Yet his word was pledged, and he was unwilling to appear fickle or rash. The oath had been made in honor of his guests, and if one of them had offered a word against the fulfillment of his promise, he would gladly have spared the prophet. He gave them opportunity to speak in the prisoner's behalf. They had traveled long distances in order to hear the preaching of John, and they knew him to be a man without crime, and a servant of God. But though shocked at the girl's demand, they were too besotted to interpose a remonstrance. No voice was raised to save the life of Heaven's messenger. These men occupied high positions of trust in the nation, and upon them rested grave responsibilities; yet they had given themselves up to feasting and drunkenness until the senses were benumbed. Their heads we…
"And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her."
The EGW passage expands on the details of Herod's situation as described in Matthew, including his reluctance and the presence of his guests. It amplifies the verse by providing context and insight into Herod's motivations and the atmosphere of the event.