This past week, I took my children to Jerusalem on the train. It’s a quick ride from where we live, and once you get to Jerusalem – you can either walk or take the above-ground Light-rail tram around the city center. So that’s what we did! We visited the outdoor market and the Shuk, we watched street performers, we got pizza, and we enjoyed the amazing city of Jerusalem. Our day started winding down, so we hopped back onto the Light-rail to go back to the central train station to return home. But as we sat on the tram, waiting for it to depart, the announcer informed us that we would be stuck indefinitely. There were protests up ahead, and the protestors were blocking the street. Some of them were sitting directly in front of the Light-rail. Left with no choice, we decided to walk the rest of the way to the Central train station. Of course, my children noticed the protests, and of course, they were very aware of the change in plans. My moment to shine as a parent came through, though – when – I needed to explain to them – both our amazing ability in Israel and in America to have freedom of speech. Not every country allows you to say when you don’t like something the government is doing. But, I also carefully shared with them – there is a balance we have to strike between telling someone we don’t like what they’re doing, standing up for our rights, and being disrespectful, dangerous, or mean. Often, with any protest, the latter becomes the norm. And that is never okay. So, as any Bible-loving person does (hi, that’s me), I did a deep dive into the idea of free speech in the Bible.
What does the Bible say about Freedom of Speech?
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When I think about the power of speech in the Bible, my mind immediately goes to the story of Moses. Imagine the scene: Moses, a man who once fled from Egypt as a fugitive, now stands before Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler in the world at the time, demanding freedom for the Israelites. “Let my people go,” he declares (Exodus 5:1), not once, but repeatedly, even as Pharaoh’s heart hardens and the situation becomes more perilous.
Moses’ courage to speak out in the face of such overwhelming power is a profound example of the biblical foundation for freedom of speech. In a society where dissent was likely punishable by death, Moses exemplifies the moral imperative to speak out against injustice. His words, empowered by his faith and sense of divine mission, became the catalyst for the liberation of an entire nation! This story teaches us that the right to speak truth, especially to power, is not only a privilege but a responsibility.
Next, we turn to the prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others—who were called to speak difficult truths to the people of Israel. These prophets were often unpopular because their messages challenged the status quo, urging repentance, justice, and a return to God.
The prophets didn’t have the luxury of being silent or politically correct. Their words often brought them into direct conflict with kings and the people, yet they remained steadfast in their mission. The prophets’ unwavering commitment to delivering God’s message, regardless of personal risk, shows just howmuch the Bible values freedom of expression. They remind us that speech is a powerful tool for social and spiritual reform. The prophets’ examples show us that sometimes, standing up for what is right means speaking out, even when it’s not easy or safe.
One of the most striking examples of speaking truth to power in the Bible is the story of the prophet Nathan confronting King David. After David’s grievous sin with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband, Uriah, God sends Nathan to deliver a harsh message to the king. Nathan could have stayed silent, knowing the potential danger of angering the king, but he chose to speak out. Through a parable, Nathan reveals David’s sin to him.
Nathan’s confrontation is a powerful reminder that freedom of speech is not just about airing grievances or opposing government actions—it’s also about holding one another accountable. In a way, Nathan’s words were a form of protest, not against a government policy, but against moral failure. The story of Nathan and David teaches us that the right to speak must be balanced with the responsibility to speak the truth, especially when it comes to matters of justice and righteousness.
As I explained to my children on that eventful walk through Jerusalem, freedom of speech is a precious right, both in Israel and in many parts of the world. And we are very very lucky to have that power. But the Bible also teaches us that with this freedom comes great responsibility. Moses, the prophets, and Nathan all used their voices to bring about change, to challenge injustice, and to uphold moral and divine laws.
In the modern world, where protests and free expression are daily occurrences, these biblical stories remind us to use our speech wisely. It’s not just about the ability to speak. Anyone can get up with a megaphone and shout. But it’s about ensuring that our words are used for good, to uplift, to correct, and to inspire. Just as the Bible advocates for truth and justice, so too should our voices reflect these values, whether we’re speaking to power, protesting an injustice, or simply having a conversation with our children.
So, the next time we find ourselves in a situation where we feel compelled to speak out—whether it’s in a protest, a letter to a government official, or a conversation at the dinner table—let’s remember the examples set by Moses, the prophets, and Nathan. Let’s use our voices to make the world a better place, just as they did.
The Hebrew Bible is a very big book – actually, 24 books, to be exact. Studying it can feel very overwhelming. Where do you start?
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