"To ward off or to remove a plague, it was anciently the custom among the heathen to make an image in gold, silver, or other material, of that which caused the destruction, or of the object or part of the body specially affected. This was set up on a pillar or in some conspicuous place, and was supposed to be an effectual protection against the evils thus represented. A similar practice still exists among some heathen peoples. When a person suffering from disease goes for cure to the temple of his idol, he carries with him a figure of the part affected, which he presents as an offering to his god. PP 587.1"
"Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land."
EGW directly refers to the practice of making images of emerods and mice, as described in 1 Samuel 6:5. This is a clear and direct allusion.
These wise men acknowledged a mysterious power accompanying the ark—a power which they had no wisdom to meet. Yet they did not counsel the people to turn from their idolatry to serve the Lord. They still hated the God of Israel, though compelled by overwhelming judgments to submit to His authority. Thus sinners may be convinced by the judgments of God that it is in vain to contend against Him. They may be compelled to submit to His power, while at heart they rebel against His control. Such submission cannot save the sinner. The heart must be yielded to God—must be subdued by divine grace—before man's repentance can be accepted. PP 587.3 How great is the long-suffering of God toward the wicked! The idolatrous Philistines and backsliding Israel had alike enjoyed the gifts of His providence. Ten thousand unnoticed mercies were silently falling in the pathway of ungrateful, rebellious men. Every blessing spoke to them of the Giver, but they were indifferent to His love. The forbearance of …
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
Both passages discuss the idea of intellectual assent to God's existence without genuine heart change. The James verse speaks of demons believing and trembling, while EGW speaks of the Philistines submitting to God's authority while still hating Him. The connection is thematic, not a direct quote or allusion.
"And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked."
Both passages deal with a reluctant acknowledgement of God's power and a superficial repentance in the face of divine judgment. Pharaoh's confession in Exodus is similar to the Philistines' situation described by EGW. The connection is thematic.