"Yet the Lord still cared for them and did not give them up to the disasters that would have come upon them if the frail arm of flesh had become their only support. He brought them into close places, that they might be convicted of the folly of depending on man, and that they might turn to Him as their only help. The time for the proving of Saul had come. He was now to show whether or not he would depend on God and patiently wait according to His command, thus revealing himself as one whom God could trust in trying places as the ruler of His people, or whether he would be vacillating and unworthy of the sacred responsibility that had devolved upon him. Would the king whom Israel had chosen, listen to the Ruler of all kings? Would he turn the attention of his fainthearted soldiers to the One in whom is everlasting strength and deliverance? PP 618.1"
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
The EGW passage emphasizes God as the ultimate source of help and strength, especially when human support fails. Psalm 46:1 directly states that God is our refuge, strength, and present help in trouble. The thematic parallel is clear and strong.
"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord!"
Both passages emphasize the danger of relying on human strength and resources instead of trusting in God. The EGW passage applies this principle to Saul's situation, while Isaiah 31:1 warns against relying on Egypt. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"those consecrated to the office should present sacrifices before Him. But Saul commanded, “Bring hither a burnt offering;” and, equipped as he was with armor and weapons of war, he approached the altar and offered sacrifice before God. PP 618.2"
"And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering."
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Samuel 13:9, making it a clear explicit allusion.
"“And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.” Samuel saw at once that Saul had gone contrary to the express directions that had been given him. The Lord had spoken by His prophet that at this time He would reveal what Israel must do in this crisis. If Saul had fulfilled the conditions upon which divine help was promised, the Lord would have wrought a marvelous deliverance for Israel, with the few who were loyal to the king. But Saul was so well satisfied with himself and his work that he went out to meet the prophet as one who should be commended rather than disapproved. PP 618.3"
"And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;"
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the events described in 1 Samuel 13:11, making it an explicit allusion.