Understanding Black History Through the Bible

Sep 30, 2024

Lecture on Black History from a Biblical Perspective

Introduction

  • Focus on Black history beyond what is traditionally taught in schools.
  • Traditional Black history often starts from the point of slavery.
  • The Bible offers a different narrative about Black history.

Importance of Truth in History

  • Emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth about history that has been obscured or omitted.
  • Addresses potential discomfort when confronting historical truths.

Biblical Foundation

  • Genesis 10: Discusses the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
    • Highlights that African nations trace back to Ham.
    • Distinguishes between different groups of dark-skinned races, pointing out the misconception that all dark-skinned peoples are the same.

Israelites in Egypt

  • Psalm 105: Israel's journey into Egypt is outlined, emphasizing their time in the land of Ham.
  • Genesis 42: Joseph's family story in Egypt—his brothers do not recognize him due to his Egyptian appearance.

Appearance and Identity

  • Exodus 2 & 4: Discusses perceptions of Moses as an Egyptian and the miracle of his hand turning leprous.
  • Job 30:30, Song of Solomon 1:5-6, Jeremiah 8, 14: Biblical references to skin color, asserting that certain Biblical figures were Black.

Historical Misrepresentation

  • The misrepresentation of historical figures and events concerning Black history.
  • Lamentations 4 & 5: References to the physical appearance and hardships of certain peoples.

Cultural and Historical Evidence

  • Artifacts and artifacts, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs, suggest a Black presence in ancient civilizations.
  • Acts 21: Paul is mistaken for an Egyptian, highlighting racial perceptions.

Curses and Punishments

  • Amos 3:1-2: Israel's unique relationship with God and subsequent punishment for disobedience.
  • Daniel 9: The confession of sin and recognition of curses due to disobedience.

Deuteronomy 28: Blessings and Curses

  • Verses 1-14: Outlines blessings for obedience.
  • Verses 15-68: Describes detailed curses due to disobedience, including slavery and scattering of peoples.
  • The curses align with historical and contemporary experiences of Black people.

Historical Context

  • Joel 3: Historical selling of Israelites to the Grecians.
  • Jeremiah 17 & Psalm 83: Discusses the loss of heritage and conspiracies against the identity of Israel.

Modern Implications

  • The impact of historical curses on contemporary Black experiences.
  • The significance of understanding true historical identity.

Conclusion

  • The series aims to provide a complete picture of Black history through a Biblical lens.
  • Encourages further exploration and understanding of these historical truths.