"The author with deep insight in providential workings draws the curtain aside and reveals a philosophy of history by which the events of the past take on eternal significance. She expressed this philosophy in this way: PK 9.2"
"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:"
The EGW passage reflects the principle of God's sovereignty over earthly powers and the changing of times, as described in Daniel 2:21. The verse is a clear example of the philosophy of history that EGW is describing.
"“The strength of nations and of individuals is not found in the opportunities and facilities that appear to make them invincible; It is not found in their boasted greatness. That which alone can make them great or strong is the power and purpose of God. They themselves by their attitude toward His purpose, decide their own destiny. PK 9.3"
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 33:12, emphasizing that a nation's strength and blessing come from its relationship with God. The principle of God being the source of strength and blessing is central to both passages.
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"
Both passages highlight the idea that nations and individuals determine their destiny based on their choices and relationship with God. Deuteronomy 30:19 presents the choice between life and death, blessing and cursing, while EGW states that they decide their own destiny by their attitude toward God's purpose.
"“Human histories relate man's achievements, his victories in battle, his success in climbing to worldly greatness. God's history describes man as heaven views him.” PK 9.4"
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in 1 Samuel 16:7 that God's perspective differs from human perspective, focusing on inner character rather than outward appearance. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works."
Both passages contrast human and divine perspectives. Psalm 33:13-15 describes God looking down from heaven and considering the works of men, which aligns with EGW's statement about God's history describing man as heaven views him. The connection is valid.
"This volume, Prophets and Kings , opens with the account of Solomon's glorious reign over Israel, a united kingdom, with the temple of Jehovah—the center of true worship. Here are traced the vicissitudes of a favored and chosen people, torn between allegiance to God and serving the gods of the nations about them. And here are seen vividly, through a crucial period of this world's history, the dramatic evidences of the raging conflict between Christ and Satan for the hearts and allegiance of men. PK 9.5"
"For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father."
Both passages discuss Solomon's reign and his turning away from God. The EGW passage introduces the book's theme, while the verse from 1 Kings illustrates a key event in that theme. The connection is relevant and supports the thematic parallel.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The EGW passage describes the conflict between Christ and Satan, while Ephesians 6:12 speaks of wrestling against spiritual forces. Both passages highlight a spiritual battle, making the connection a valid thematic parallel.
"The book abounds in fascinating character studies—the wise Solomon, whose wisdom did not keep him from transgression; Jeroboam, the self-serving man of policy, and the evil results which followed his reign; The mighty and fearless Elijah; Elisha, the prophet of peace and healing; Ahaz, the fearful and wicked; Hezekiah, the loyal and good-hearted; Daniel, the beloved of God; Jeremiah, the prophet of sorrow; Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, prophets of the restoration. Beyond them all rises in glory the coming King, the Lamb of God, the only-begotten Son, in whom the typical sacrifices find fulfillment. PK 9.6"
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions the 'Lamb of God' and the fulfillment of sacrifices, which directly alludes to John 1:29, where Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God. This is a clear and direct connection.