What does the Bible say about history?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that history unfolds under God’s sovereign rule, preserving His mighty works, warning His people, and displaying His unchanging faithfulness. Scripture was written for our instruction and hope, as Romans 15:4 teaches, while Psalms 78:3-4 calls believers to tell coming generations of the Lord’s deeds. Israel was commanded to remember the days of old and learn from those before them in Deuteronomy 32:7 and Job 8:8-10. Past judgments and deliverances serve as examples for us, according to 1 Corinthians 10:11. Hebrews 11:3 grounds history in God’s creative word, and Hebrews 13:8 assures us that Jesus Christ remains the same forever.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 15:4

    For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

  • Psalms 78:3-4

    [3] Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. [4] We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, His strength, and his wondrous works that he has done.

  • Deuteronomy 17:18-20

    [18] It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites: [19] and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; [20] that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.

  • Job 8:8-10

    [8] "Please inquire of past generations, Find out about the learning of their fathers. [9] (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days on earth are a shadow.) [10] Shall they not teach you, tell you, And utter words out of their heart?

  • Deuteronomy 32:7

    Remember the days of old, Consider the years of many generations: Ask your father, and he will show you; Your elders, and they will tell you.

  • Hebrews 11:3

    By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:9

    That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:11

    Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.

  • Jeremiah 1:5

    Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.

  • Hebrews 13:8

    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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