Entirely Trustworthy

“Listen, my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s popular poem about a Boston silversmith and American patriot has been read to most grade-school children, but many don’t realize it’s sprinkled with myths that are more of a product of late nineteenth century nationalism.

The poem suggests Revere rode alone, but the truth is that there were two other primary riders—William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. Most scholars agree that there were as many as forty riders who carried the warning through northern and eastern Massachusetts. It is also unlikely that he cried out, “The British are coming,” since all the people considered themselves British. He probably called out, “The Regulars are coming,” meaning the British army.

Some believe that the historical records found in the Bible have been sprinkled with myths. Yet the Bible itself claims to be inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:15) and affirms heaven’s guidance in choosing its content. God told men to write a factual history of His dealing with Israel (e.g., Numbers 33:1, 2). Luke wrote an accurate account about Jesus “that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:4). Bible writers were directed by the Lord to present history in a way that would lead people to salvation.

Even the biographies of Scripture reveal evidence of inspiration by not covering up the weaknesses of major characters like Abraham, Moses, or Paul. Failures of Israel’s kings are plainly, openly described. Bible writers understood all historical narratives as historically accurate and spiritually relevant. There are no degrees of inspiration in the Bible; it is absolutely the authentic Word of God.

Apply It:

Read the apostle Paul’s warnings to us about the Israelites’ failures in 1 Corinthians 10:1–13. Which historical example do you most need to hear?

Dig Deeper:

John 10:31; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 2:6

Key Bible Texts

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV)