PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

July 3, 2024

Fourth of July: a Time to Read our Nation’s Foundation Documents

Many scholars think that the model for the covenant between God and the Hebrew people comes from ancient Suzerian treaties between Kings.  Most of the elements of such a treaty are to be found in the twenty-fourth chapter of the Book of Joshua.  There the setting is one of covenant renewal.

Essential to the success of a Suzerian treaty was that it was deposited in a specific place and, more importantly, was periodically read publically.  With the passing of time the two parties to the agreement tended to forget what it contained and the demands it made.  Regular readings were essential to keep it fresh and relevant.

The Jewish people created rituals and services at which they read the stories of God’s involvement in their history.  In this way they kept their covenant with Him fresh and on the front burner.  For them Passover was a time to retell the story of how God rescued them from bondage in the land of Egypt.  The yearly celebration of Hanukkah commemorated the purification of the temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.

One of my favorite holidays is the Fourth of July.  I have many found memories of picnics, parades, family gatherings, fairs, and fireworks.  However, when compared to other national celebrations there seems to be one thing mission from the fourth: patriotic speeches.  They are left for Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and Thanksgiving.  For the most part it is left to the individual citizen to recall the reason for the day.

This Fourth of July I would like to suggest that you and others join with me in a reading of the Declaration of Independence.  I have an annotated copy in my World’s Book Encyclopedia.  It  can easily be read through in less than ten minutes.

Most of us are familiar with the Declaration’s “Preamble,” “Declaration of Right,” and the closing sentence.  When I think of the document two sentences come to mind.  One is found in the “Declaration of Rights” and the other is the closing sentence.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

“And for the support this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

(This article was originally published July3, 2011.  Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)