The men of Babel had determined to establish a government that should be independent of God. There were some among them, however, who feared the Lord, but who had been deceived by the pretensions of the ungodly and drawn into their schemes. For the sake of these faithful ones the Lord delayed His judgments and gave the people time to reveal their true character. As this was developed, the sons of God labored to turn them from their purpose; but the people were fully united in their Heaven-daring undertaking. Had they gone on unchecked, they would have demoralized the world in its infancy. Their confederacy was founded in rebellion; a kingdom established for self-exaltation, but in which God was to have no rule or honor. Had this confederacy been permitted, a mighty power would have borne sway to banish righteousness—and with it peace, happiness, and security—from the earth. For the divine statutes, which are “holy and just and good” ( Romans 7:12 ), men were endeavoring to substitute l…
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:12 in this passage.
"purposes of rebellion. God bears long with the perversity of men, giving them ample opportunity for repentance; but He marks all their devices to resist the authority of His just and holy law. From time to time the unseen hand that holds the scepter of government is stretched out to restrain iniquity. Unmistakable evidence is given that the Creator of the universe, the One infinite in wisdom and love and truth, is the Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, and that none can with impunity defy His power. PP 123.2"
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
Both passages emphasize God's patience and longsuffering, and the purpose of this patience is to lead people to repentance. The EGW passage expands on this idea, but the core principle is the same.
"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision."
Both passages deal with God's reaction to human rebellion. Psalm 2:4 describes God's derision, while the EGW passage speaks of God restraining iniquity and demonstrating His supreme rule. While not a direct quote, the theme of God's response to defiance is present in both.
"The schemes of the Babel builders ended in shame and defeat. The monument to their pride became the memorial of their folly. Yet men are continually pursuing the same course—depending upon self, and rejecting God's law. It is the principle that Satan tried to carry out in heaven; the same that governed Cain in presenting his offering. PP 123.3"
"But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell."
Both passages connect human actions (Cain's offering, the Tower of Babel) with a rejection of God's will and a reliance on self. The EGW passage explicitly draws the parallel, making the connection strong.
"There are tower builders in our time. Infidels construct their theories from the supposed deductions of sciences, and reject the revealed word of God. They presume to pass sentence upon God's moral government; they despise His law and boast of the sufficiency of human reason. Then, “because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Ecclesiastes 8:11 . PP 123.4"
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."
Ellen White directly references Ecclesiastes 8:11 in this passage.