Trump Reads Polarizing Scripture During Bible-Reading Event. Some argue the ‘If my people’ passage can’t just be applied to anything one wants
The front cover of Trump's "God Bless the USA" Bible in Washington, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
President Donald Trump participated Tuesday evening in a weeklong Bible-reading marathon by delivering a passage that, while rooted in an ancient story, carries strong meaning in today’s religious and political discussions, according to the AP. The selection comes from chapter 7 of 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament, a section frequently cited by those who argue that the United States was established as a Christian nation and should continue in that direction.
The verse most often highlighted, 2 Chronicles 7:14, calls on people to humble themselves, pray, seek God, and turn away from wrongdoing, with a promise that God will respond, forgive, and restore their land.
Trump is one of hundreds of participants reading the Bible aloud over the course of the week. While most readings are being held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, his contribution was delivered remotely from the Oval Office. Organizers of the “America Reads the Bible” marathon specifically invited him to read this passage. Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, which is behind the event, described his choice as especially meaningful.
For many years, this verse has played a central role in National Day of Prayer observances and has been repeated at numerous religious gatherings, rallies, and public events. These occasions often emphasize the belief that the nation should return to religious principles and seek repentance. The National Day of Prayer itself has been observed in different forms since the mid-1900s and was officially set by law to take place on the first Thursday of May beginning in the 1980s.
Historically, however, the passage originates from a very different setting. It refers to events roughly 3,000 years ago during the reign of King Solomon in ancient Israel. At that time, Solomon was dedicating the first temple in Jerusalem and prayed for mercy on behalf of future generations who might stray, face consequences such as war or disaster, and then seek forgiveness. In response, the scripture presents God offering a promise of healing and restoration.
Not everyone agrees with how the verse is used today. Brian Kaylor, a Baptist pastor and leader of the publication Word&Way, argues that the passage is often taken out of its original context. He says it was a specific promise given at a particular moment in history and should not be broadly applied to modern nations or political movements.
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