"To understand these things,—to understand that “righteousness exalteth a nation;” that “the throne is established by righteousness” and “upholden by mercy” ( Proverbs 14:34 ; 16:12 ; Proverbs 20:28 ); to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings” ( Daniel 2:21 ),—this is to understand the philosophy of history. Ed 175.1"
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
EGW directly quotes Proverbs 14:34, making this a clear and intentional reference.
"And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:"
EGW directly quotes Daniel 2:21, making this a clear and intentional reference.
"Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy."
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 20:28 in this passage.
"Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face."
EGW directly quotes Proverbs and alludes to Daniel, then connects these to the concept of understanding history. Psalms 89:14 shares the theme of justice, judgment, mercy, and truth being foundational to a throne, which aligns with the principles EGW discusses. The connection is strong and direct.
"In the word of God only is this clearly set forth. Here it is shown that the strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in the opportunities or facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity with which they fulfill God's purpose. Ed 175.2"
"And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:"
EGW's statement about a nation's strength being tied to fulfilling God's purpose directly reflects the principle in Deuteronomy 28:1, where obedience to God's commandments leads to being set above all nations. The connection is a clear illustration of the principle.
"There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength."
EGW states that a nation's strength isn't in its apparent invincibility but in its fidelity to God's purpose. Psalm 33:16 conveys a similar idea: a king isn't saved by a large army, nor a mighty man by great strength. Both passages emphasize that true strength comes from something other than worldly power, making this a valid thematic parallel.
"An illustration of this truth is found in the history of ancient Babylon. To Nebuchadnezzar the king the true object of national government was represented under the figure of a great tree, whose height “reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: the leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all;” under its shadow the beasts of the field dwelt, and among its branches the birds of the air had their habitation. Daniel 4:11, 12 . This representation shows the character of a government that fulfills God's purpose—a government that protects and upbuilds the nation. Ed 175.3"
"It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth."
EGW explicitly references Daniel 4:11, 12 and uses the imagery of the tree to illustrate the purpose of national government. She then connects this to the idea of a government that fulfills God's purpose. The connection is direct and based on the biblical text.
"God exalted Babylon that it might fulfill this purpose. Prosperity attended the nation until it reached a height of wealth and power that has never since been equaled—fitly represented in the Scriptures by the inspired symbol, a “head of gold.” Daniel 2:38 . Ed 175.4"
"And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold."
Ellen White directly references Daniel 2:38 in this passage.
"But the king failed of recognizing the power that had exalted him. Nebuchadnezzar in the pride of his heart said: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30 . Ed 175.5"
"The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?"
EGW directly quotes Daniel 4:30, making this a clear and undeniable explicit allusion.