"God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Success can only attend order and harmonious action. God requires order and system in His work now no less than in the days of Israel. All who are working for Him are to labor intelligently, not in a careless, haphazard manner. He would have his work done with faith and exactness, that He may place the seal of His approval upon it. PP 376.1"
"Let all things be done decently and in order."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of orderliness found in 1 Corinthians 14:40. Both emphasize the importance of order and system in God's work.
"For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ."
Both passages highlight the importance of order. Colossians 2:5 speaks of 'beholding your order,' while EGW emphasizes that 'God is a God of order.' The connection is thematic, focusing on the concept of order within a religious context.
"God Himself directed the Israelites in all their travels. The place of their encampment was indicated by the descent of the pillar of cloud; and so long as they were to remain in camp, the cloud rested over the tabernacle. When they were to continue their journey it was lifted high above the sacred tent. A solemn invocation marked both the halt and the departure. “It came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate Thee flee before Thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel.” Numbers 10:35, 36 . PP 376.2"
"And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel."
EGW directly quotes Numbers 10:35-36, making this an explicit allusion.
"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:"
EGW describes the pillar of cloud leading the Israelites, which is directly described in Exodus 13:21. The connection is clear and relevant.
"A distance of only eleven days’ journey lay between Sinai and Kadesh, on the borders of Canaan; and it was with the prospect of speedily entering the goodly land that the hosts of Israel resumed their march when the cloud at last gave the signal for an onward movement. Jehovah had wrought wonders in bringing them from Egypt, and what blessings might they not expect now that they had formally covenanted to accept Him as their Sovereign, and had been acknowledged as the chosen people of the Most High? PP 376.3"
"(There are eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh–barnea.)"
EGW mentions the eleven-day journey from Sinai to Kadesh, referencing Deuteronomy 1:2.