"the ark would ensure them victory over the Philistines. In like manner, during the days of Jeremiah, the inhabitants of Judah were prone to believe that a strict observance of the divinely appointed services of the temple would preserve them from a just punishment for their wicked course. PK 416.1"
"Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these."
Both passages address the false security people place in religious rituals or institutions (the ark in the first instance, the temple in the second) while neglecting true obedience and righteousness. Jeremiah 7:4 is a direct condemnation of relying on the temple's presence for safety despite wickedness, which aligns with EGW's interpretation of the people's mindset.
What a lesson is this to men holding positions of responsibility today in the church of God! What a solemn warning to deal faithfully with wrongs that bring dishonor to the cause of truth! Let none who claim to be the depositaries of God's law flatter themselves that the regard they may outwardly show toward the commandments will preserve them from the exercise of divine justice. Let none refuse to be reproved for evil, nor charge the servants of God with being too zealous in endeavoring to cleanse the camp from evil-doing. A sin-hating God calls upon those who claim to keep His law to depart from all iniquity. A neglect to repent and to render willing obedience will bring upon men and women today as serious consequences as came upon ancient Israel. There is a limit beyond which the judgments of Jehovah can no longer be delayed. The desolation of Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn warning to modern Israel, that the counsels and admonitions given them through chosen instrumen…
"And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood."
Both passages highlight the futility of outward religious observance (spreading forth hands in prayer, keeping the commandments) when inward righteousness and justice are lacking. Isaiah 1:15 describes God's rejection of prayers from those with 'hands full of blood,' which parallels EGW's warning that outward observance won't protect from divine justice if wrongs are not addressed.
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
The EGW passage warns against complacency and the dangers of thinking one is secure in their faith or position while neglecting to address sin. 1 Corinthians 10:12 serves as a general warning against overconfidence, which is thematically similar to the EGW passage's call for self-examination and repentance.