Exodus 22:28

I received an email from one of our fellow Vets for Trump, Larry. I let him know I would write about this when I found time. Today is the day!

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Hi Mike:

I’m not a “Bible banger,” but I did see something interesting on the Story Channel.

Exodus 22:27 (at least in my Bible, but on theirs, it was 22:28): “You shall not revile God, nor curse a prince of your people.”

According to this, we’re not supposed to curse Biden.

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The NIV translates to: “Do not blaspheme God ^e or curse the ruler of your people”. The footnote says Or “Do not revile the judges”

Most translate the word תָאֹֽר׃ in Hebrew as “curse” but a couple versions translate it “speak evil” or “speak ill”. However analyzing the Hebrew text the word is clearly “curse”. See this link. A link to a Jewish website for further thought is listed two paragraphs down.

The word וְנָשִׂ֥יא is translated “prince” in the version above but is also most often translated as “ruler” with some using “leader”. You can read many translations of this passage by clicking here. There is no real difference.

First, cursing someone, anyone, is something Christians and all decent people should avoid. Cursing someone in Jewish tradition is complex and you can read more from a Jewish website at this link if interested.

Whatever the word “curse” means it does not mean we cannot criticize, argue or draw contrast with rulers or leaders. We could end the discussion there but there is more to consider that others have asked in the past related to the Bible.

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The Bible also teaches in Romans 13:1

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. – click here for more translation

Add to that 1 Peter 2

13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

18Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

If we extend that teaching to the world throughout history it would include the most evil people you can think of. Stalin, Mao,Hitler, and so on killed hundreds of millions. What are we to make of that? I found the following answer to align with my Christian faith.

There is only one exception when believers are not to be subject to the governing authorities—when those leaders try to force Christians to contradict the will of God. In Acts 5:22–33, the apostles are arrested for preaching the gospel in Jerusalem and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. As they stand trial, the apostle Peter defends their actions with these words: “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29, NLT; cf. Acts 4:18–19). The Christian has a duty to disobey human authority if the alternative is dishonoring and disobeying God’s law (Exodus 1:17; Daniel 1:8; 3:28; 6:7–10; Hebrews 11:23). When governing authorities attempt to take the place of God by requiring behavior that conflicts with God’s revealed will, then resistance is justified. Source – Got Questions

It does not matter if you live in the times of Kings or an area of the world administered under different styles of government. The Christian is under no obligation to approve of things that God does not approve of. Things like abortion, non-normative sexuality, neglecting our own to help others and the list goes on and on.

The Christian faith also teaches us to first look at ourselves before judging others. We are all sinful creatures in a fallen state. However, we are told to “judge a righteous judgement” and we are told “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” 1 Cor 6:3 If we sincerely see and judge our own sins we can still judge the sins of others but it will certainly not be as harsh. After all, if we are without a particular sin another is burdened with it is by the grace of God.

If you are one of those people who wishes ill to your political adversaries then watch your step. I would like to think I would take a bullet for Joe Biden or any President because that is my duty. As veterans we swore to protect our Constitution ( and I include the nation and our people) from all enemies, foreign and domestic.

None of these things prohibit a Christian or veteran from advocating with a clear conscious for the candidate of their choice or criticizing those they oppose.

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