"Chapter 6—“We Have Seen His Star” This chapter is based on Matthew 2 . “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him.” DA 59"
"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
The EGW passage explicitly states it is based on Matthew 2, and quotes Matthew 2:2.
"The wise men from the East were philosophers. They belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation. Among these were many who imposed on the credulity of the people. Others were upright men who studied the indications of Providence in nature, and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. Of this character were the wise men who came to Jesus. DA 59.2"
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,"
The EGW passage elaborates on the nature and character of the wise men mentioned in Matthew 2:1, providing additional context and interpretation. It expands on the biblical account without contradicting it.
"The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. Balaam belonged to the magicians, though at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah; and his prophecies had been handed down by tradition from century to century. But in the Old Testament the Saviour's advent was more clearly revealed. The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord. DA 59.3"
"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."
The EGW passage directly references Balaam's prophecy and the star out of Jacob, which is found in Numbers 24:17. It connects this prophecy to the Magi's search for the Messiah.
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
Both passages discuss the idea that God's truth can be perceived through creation and that people are without excuse for not recognizing it. The EGW passage speaks of the Magi perceiving the Creator through the stars, while Romans 1:20 speaks of God's invisible qualities being understood through the things that are made.