American Constitutionalism 101: The Importance of the Hebrew Bible in the Foundations of American Freedom and Prosperity, Part 1

​Most Americans don’t know that cast into the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall in Philadephia are the words that come directly from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) – “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof:” – Lev. 25:10. This statement from the Bible demonstrates how closely the foundations of America were tied to the Law that God gave through Moses. Indeed, Samuel Langdon, President of Harvard College, stated that constitution of the Israelites formed a “perfect republic”.
 
“The Jewish government, according to the original constitution, which was divinely established, if considered merely in a civil view, was a perfect republic.”
– Langdon, GOVERNMENT CORRUPTED BY VICE, 1775
 
But truly, the influence of the Hebrew Bible on the foundations of America goes deeper than establishing a system of representative government. 

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Introduction of the Hebrew Bible’s Influence on America
This video presentation will give a brief introduction into the influence of the Hebrew Bible on Amercia’s founding.

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​America adopts the Principles of Freedom and Prosperity from the Hebrew Bible
 
That All Men are Equal
The very first principle we see adopted by America from the Hebrew Bible is the concept that all men are equal, and that the ideals of freedom God gave to Israel are available to all.
 
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,”
-Declaration of Independence
 
“One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.”
Exodus 12:49
 
(We’ll conduct an analysis later of why slavery existed in the ancient world.)
 
 
That Rights come from God
The second principle we see adopted by America from the Hebrew Bible is the concept that rights of life, Liberty, and Happiness do not come from the State/Government but from God. And that governments are established to protect these God-given rights.
 
“that [men] are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,”
- Declaration of Independence
 
“See, I have set before thee this day life and good …. that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.”
- Deuteronomy 30:15,16
 
 
Collectivism
The third principle we see adopted by America from the Hebrew Bible is the concept that we are all in this together. Our united efforts to protect self-government will produce the life, liberty and happiness that we desire.
 
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
- US Constitution
 
“And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.”
- Exodus 19:7,8
 
 
Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law
The fourth principle we see adopted by America from the Hebrew Bible is the concept that a system of laws - a constitution - is established to preserve those freedoms.
 
“do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
- US Constitution
 
“See, I have set before thee this day life and good … In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.”
- Deuteronomy 30:15,16
 
 
A Republic - Representative Government
The fifth principle we see adopted by America from the Hebrew Bible is the concept that representatives are elected by the People.

“The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, ….”
- US Constitution, Art 1, Sec 2
 
“Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.”
- Deuteronomy 1:13
 
 
Is America a Democracy or a Constitutional Republic.
Today, in America politics, you see the word democracy thrown around like ping pong ball. A democracy is the direct vote of elected officials by the people. Originally, America was not established as a democracy, but as a constitutional republic. We have Electors that review the Peoples choice for President. These Electors are to preserve the principles of freedom and safeguard America from a corrupt President; and, originally Senators were selected by state legislators to protect states rights, which was later corrupted and change by an amendment so that there is a direct vote for senators by the people.
 

Next Week – Part II
Next week will continue with our review of principles we see adopted by America from the Hebrew Bible.
 
Part III
In Part III, we see what America looks like under a full theocracy when God’s Servant arrives to restore all things.