"Chapter 16—Jacob and Esau This chapter is based on Genesis 25:19-24 ; 27 . Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast, both in character and in life. This unlikeness was foretold by the angel of God before their birth. When in answer to Rebekah's troubled prayer he declared that two sons would be given her, he opened to her their future history, that each would become the head of a mighty nation, but that one would be greater than the other, and that the younger would have the pre- eminence. PP 177"
"And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac: And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan–aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the Lord. And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb."
Ellen White directly references Genesis 25:19-24 in this passage.
"Esau grew up loving self-gratification and centering all his interest in the present. Impatient of restraint, he delighted in the wild freedom of the chase, and early chose the life of a hunter. Yet he was the father's favorite. The quiet, peace-loving shepherd was attracted by the daring and vigor of this elder son, who fearlessly ranged over mountain and desert, returning home with game for his father and with exciting accounts of his adventurous life. Jacob, thoughtful, diligent, and care-taking, ever thinking more of the future than the present, was content to dwell at home, occupied in the care of the flocks and the tillage of the soil. His patient perseverance, thrift, and foresight were valued by the mother. His affections were deep and strong, and his gentle, unremitting attentions added far more to her happiness than did the boisterous and occasional kindnesses of Esau. To Rebekah, Jacob was the dearer son. PP 177.2"
"And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents."
The EGW passage expands on the description of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25:27, providing more detail about their personalities and their parents' preferences. It's a thematic parallel because it elaborates on the biblical narrative.
"The promises made to Abraham and confirmed to his son were held by Isaac and Rebekah as the great object of their desires and hopes. With these promises Esau and Jacob were familiar. They were taught to regard the birthright as a matter of great importance, for it included not only an inheritance of worldly wealth but spiritual pre-eminence. He who received it was to be the priest of his family, and in the line of his posterity the Redeemer of the world would come. On the other hand, there were obligations resting upon the possessor of the birthright. He who should inherit its blessings must devote his life to the service of God. Like Abraham, he must be obedient to the divine requirements. In marriage, in his family relations, in public life, he must consult the will of God. PP 177.3"
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of the birthright and the promises made to Abraham, which Isaac passed on to Jacob and Esau. Hebrews 11:20 mentions Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau concerning things to come, which is thematically related to the promises and the birthright. The EGW passage provides more context and explanation of the significance of these blessings.
"And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of the birthright and its connection to the Abrahamic promises, which include the blessing of all families of the earth. While not a direct quote or explicit allusion, the EGW passage amplifies the significance of the promises made to Abraham and their relevance to Isaac's family.