The Book of Chronicles’ Ten Commandments’ Moment

“…one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”

The United States’ Pledge of Allegiance

What does it mean to be a nation “under God”?

In Book of Chronicles, the Israelite Kingdom’s political structure was further defined.

In the first book of Chronicles, the nation is abuzz. A Temple in Jerusalem was to be built.  There would be a permanent structure for their Deity of the Ten Commandments.  King David’s vision was on the verge of happening.  This was a watershed moment for the fledgling nation.

The “House for the Name of the Lord” would eventually break ground under the David’s successor, King Solomon.  In anticipation of this occurring, King David offered up a blessing.

In this lofty political and religious moment, King David declared to the Lord: “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.” Chronicles 1:29:12.

For the Israelites, being “under God”, per David, is the acknowledgement that wealth – i.e. good fortune- and honor -i.e. respect- are derived from a higher place.

This notion was adopted into a theology.  The Israelite country’s well-being coincided with its fealty towards their deity.   This particular deity held a unique position in the ancient world. This deity was the one and only God; the creator of the world.

Beyond this exceptional status, this God who provided instructions to his people via the Torah.  This was a God for whom ethics, morals and holiness mattered.  This was a God who would enforce these matters.

Within this, a belief and a philosophy was advanced.  Obedience to the laws translated into national success.  God’s qualities such as the truth, kindness, benevolence, and compassion were incorporated into Torah’s laws.  Following this logically, the nation as well had expectations as far as it conducted itself in international affairs.

The Impact

As one surveys the Hebrew Bible, compliance with the Torah was the pathway towards wealth and honor. The failure to do so, according to the text, led to dire circumstances.

Eventually, other nations’ leaders became agents for the Israelite God.   At times, these foreign leaders delivered the Lord’s punishment to the Israelite Kingdoms.

“Under God” in Modernity

Given the Bible’s narrative background, a nation presenting as “under God” is one that adheres to a set of values. For the United States, the Bible- Old and New Testament- expresses the values, morals and expectations of conduct.  Arguably, those residing in the country act in accordance with Judeo-Christian values, i.e. the Ten Commandments.

Likewise, there is the expectation that the nation’s dealings with other nations are done in accord with these values.  Further, other countries should feel comfortable challenging the United States’ conduct.  The question: “are you truly adhering to your nation’s values?” is fair game.

Conclusion

King David’s declaration further addresses the concept of a Ten Commandments’ based political structure.  Being “under God” presents as an aspiration both internally and externally.  It is based upon a belief that people acting in line with the Bible produce a society of wealth and honor.  This notion further flows into international affairs.  Other countries should take the country’s representation as an indication that they are dealing with a country that has high standards.  These standards are ones that are existential.

Be well!!

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