"“In every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.” Esther 4:3 . The decree of the Medes and Persians could not be revoked; apparently there was no hope; all the Israelites were doomed to destruction. PK 601.1"
"And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes."
Ellen White directly references Esther 4:3 in this passage.
"But the plots of the enemy were defeated by a Power that reigns among the children of men. In the providence of God, Esther, a Jewess who feared the Most High, had been made queen of the Medo-Persian kingdom. Mordecai was a near relative of hers. In their extremity they decided to appeal to Xerxes in behalf of their people. Esther was to venture into his presence as an intercessor. “Who knoweth,” said Mordecai, “whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Verse 14 . PK 601.2"
"This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men."
Both passages touch on the idea of God's sovereignty and control over kingdoms and rulers. The EGW passage highlights God's providence in Esther's position, while Daniel 4:17 emphasizes God's ultimate rule. The connection is thematic, though not a direct allusion.
"The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her strength. “Go,” she directed Mordecai, “gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Verse 16 . PK 601.3"
"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of fasting and turning to God in times of crisis. Esther and the Jews fasted and prayed for deliverance, while Joel 2:12 calls for a general turning to God with fasting and mourning. The connection is thematic and relevant.