"The Philistines had gathered an immense force at Michmash—“thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude.” When the tidings reached Saul and his army at Gilgal, the people were appalled at thought of the mighty forces they would have to encounter in battle. They were not prepared to meet the enemy, and many were so terrified that they dared not come to the test of an encounter. Some crossed the Jordan, while others hid themselves in caves and pits and amid the rocks that abounded in that region. As the time for the encounter drew near, the number of desertions rapidly increased, and those who did not withdraw from the ranks were filled with foreboding and terror. PP 617.1"
"And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude."
Both passages describe an enemy force so numerous they are compared to sand on the seashore. While the specific enemy and context differ, the imagery is strikingly similar and serves the same purpose of emphasizing the overwhelming odds.
"When Saul was first anointed king of Israel, he had received from Samuel explicit directions concerning the course to be pursued at this time. “Thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal,” said the prophet; “and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do.” 1 Samuel 10:8 . PP 617.2"
"And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do."
Ellen White directly references 1 Samuel 10:8 in this passage.
"Day after day Saul tarried, but without making decided efforts toward encouraging the people and inspiring confidence in God. Before the time appointed by the prophet had fully expired, he became impatient at the delay and allowed himself to be discouraged by the trying circumstances that surrounded him. Instead of faithfully seeking to prepare the people for the service that Samuel was coming to perform, he indulged in unbelief and foreboding. The work of seeking God by sacrifice was a most solemn and important work; and God required that His people should search their hearts and repent of their sins, that the offering might be made with acceptance before Him, and that His blessing might attend their efforts to conquer the enemy. But Saul had grown restless; and the people, instead of trusting in God for help, were looking to the king whom they had chosen, to lead and direct them. PP 617.3"
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
The EGW passage discusses Saul's lack of faith and the importance of seeking God with a repentant heart for acceptance. Hebrews 11:6 speaks directly about the necessity of faith to please God and the reward for diligently seeking Him. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of faith in approaching God.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
The EGW passage describes Saul's impatience and failure to encourage the people to trust in God, while Psalm 27:14 encourages waiting on the Lord and being of good courage. The connection lies in the contrast between Saul's actions and the advice given in the Psalm, highlighting the importance of patience and trust in God during difficult times.