Knowing history in light of Psalms
I don’t know history. At least, not as well as I should. As I read through Psalms, I have to conclude that we let ourselves off the hook far too easily. If we know the names and some of the major accomplishments of the founding fathers of our nations; if we know most of the important dates of the last couple of centuries; if we can converse intelligently on current events - then we are tempted to think that we’ve really got a handle on history. Well, that’s the standard I aspire to, and it suddenly seems small and selfish.
The Psalms talk constantly about events that happened 4-10 centuries earlier in a way that makes them sound generally familiar and relatively recent. Think of that; our nation was born just over 200 years ago and we think that’s ancient history. Would you know what I meant if I said I hope he ends up like Cornwallis’s army at Yorktown? You might know that he lost, but would it mean any more to you than that? Do you know why Benedict Arnold became a traitor? Why did Aaron Burr kill Alexander Hamilton in a duel?
God’s people are repeatedly exhorted to know, remember and teach their children of His marvelous acts so that they will know that He is God. If we read our Bible enough, we might remember the humiliating circumstances surrounding the defeat of Sisera and his army (Ps. 83:9, Judges 4). We might understand some of the reasons behind the longterm conflicts between the Israelites and the Edomites, Ishmaelites and Midianites. We might even know what Jephthah (the son of a harlot leading a band of outlaws in the hills) was talking about when he quoted a centuries-old discourse (Judges 11:14-28) between 3 heathen kings and Israel.
But could you do this for your own nation’s history? For events that happened a scant century or two ago? Do we, as a people, know how God was glorified in our history? Do we understand how, why and when His judgment fell upon us as a rebellious people and when and why He lifted it and restored us to His favor? Do we know why our economy, social morality, and educational system, etc. are in a shambles?
The Israelites seem to have known this in their time; and yet they were constantly under judgment for forgetting. Their knowledge of history puts us to shame, but it was still sadly lacking. Is it any wonder that our nation is in trouble?
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Great post! I am so shamed to also admit that I don’t know history either. . . my husband frequently convicts me of this great tragedy.
I think the common excuse is that people don’t see much meaning in learning about anything that doesn’t directly concern THEM. These days, it is all about ‘finding your own personal history’ via family tree searches, etc. The funny thing is, every little tidbit and snitchet of history pertains to each one of us. Its part of taking domimion to be constantly questing to know all about the earth we live in.
You are right though, those Israelites put us to shame. God put true fear in their hearts when He pointed them to their neighboring nations who He severly punished - what made them think that they were any better off?
And what makes US think we are any better off???
I think a huge tragedy, especially with Americans, is that not only do we not know our own country’s history, but we don’t even keep ourselves informed with the current events of the world. Do you know who the current president of France is? Do you know the of the current leader in Japan? Are you aware of the horrible events happening in Kenya? Do you even know who the Secretary of State is in America?
I can pretty much guarantee you that everyone in France knows who the president of America is (and that’s not because America is more important that other countries). Why can’t we keep up on current events, let alone our own past? Americans have adopted a selfish attitude (as in, only my life events matter). We can’t be good disciples of Christ if we don’t take stock of and understand past and current events.
I love history, but feel like what I know is only a drop in the bucket in comparison to all there is to learn. I cringe to hear people say that they don’t put much emphasis on history because it is either boring or irrelevant! History is the most amazing, true story of how God has orchestrated His will throughout the ages; How He has set up kings and torn down kings; exalted some nations and annihilated others. It is the story of the lives of all those who have gone before us. What could be more exciting or relevant than that? I think a lot of times history is taught in disconnected segments so that it doesn’t seem to have any relevance to our lives. That is how it was for me in the public school system growing up. It is no wonder that so many people hate history. I love teaching history to my kids - it is our favorite subject…..and when approaching it from a Biblical perspective you are able to really see God’s hand in everything that has ever happened. When we understand where we came from, it is easier to see the direction in which we are heading - or at least want to be heading. It is scary because we know what lies ahead for nations who reject God.
Melissa,
You are so right, and I’m right in there with the worst of them! My own post displayed the very problem you point to; even when we try to do better and move outside that little “what pertains to me” box, it’s so easy to stay inside the “what pertains to my extended circle of friends” box.
The whole world is God’s creation, created for His glory and the working out of His plan. Why do we feel so free to declare large portions irrelevant to us who call ourselves His children?
I love history but am horrible about remembering any of what I learned in school.Of course that was almost entirely names, places, and dates. None of that is the important stuff. Traditional schools fall short in really teaching history in a way that matters. I love teaching my kids history and science because I am using God centered curriculum that focuses on what happened and how God had His hand in it. I have been learning right along side them.
Hi Kim!
I have been enjoying your blog, mostly without saying a word. You write very well, and I am sure that life is never dull at your place!
I think this post has a point well put; we do not know our history enough to grapple with the times of today. There are several reasons why ordinary Americans for the past few decades have neglected to study our history, particularly our Founding history. Public schools and most mainstream documentaries paint history as dull, boring, and always glorifies the negative. We are also brought up to think that man has changed over the last few centuries, and that we don’t need old fuddy-duds like the Founders, who lived in the pre-computer, pre-nuclear bomb age, to tell us what to do. Um, and then people scratch their heads and wonder what in the world went wrong.
Another reason that we don’t study history is there are many things to distract us: video games, television, sports, fiction and novels, celebrities, etc etc. In your case, at least you preoccupy yourself with better things such as building a home, cultivating the land, raising a barre-full of kids! Why, you could MAKE history!
If you don’t mind my modest recommendations for easy history learning online, I would like to recommend to you my blogs. You may or may not decide to read them; however, I would be honored and pleased if you did, and commented on the content as often as you please.
http://www.thefoundationforum.blogspot.com (has a host of links to other helpful websites)
http://www.ahpatriot.blogspot.com (and yes, I do know why Burr shot Hamilton!
)
http://www.meetthefounders.blogspot.com
http://www.foundersbookshelf.blogspot.com
The group American Vision has a webpage with all sorts of little-known and yet interesting facts about American history that you might be interested in. (And yes, it touches on Arnold’s treason, too).
http://www.americanvision.org/osafarchive/june2006.asp
I hope you find this information helpful.
I know you probably don’t have much time for browsing or for study, but I hope that you (or members of your bright family!) will find this stuff useful, at your own convenience.
God bless you.