The Slave Bible: a reflection

The Slave Bible: a reflection on Genesis 50:20 and God’s sovereign goodness

The month of October is designated as Black History Month annually in the United Kingdom. The period offers a focused opportunity for reflection, learning, re-learning and action on matters relating to Black history and other contemporary issues.  

As we observe Black History Month, it is important to explore some of the lesser-known yet deeply impactful aspects of history such as the existence of the ‘Slave Bible’.

This instance serves as a sobering reminder of how people have used even sacred texts to propagate their own agendas and evil.

However, through the lens of Genesis 50:20, we find profound hope in God’s ability to turn human wickedness into a force for good, even in the darkest times.

The Slave Bible: a tool of oppression

The ‘Slave Bible’ was a heavily redacted version of the Bible, first published in 1807 by British missionaries and planters in the Caribbean.

Its creation served a dual and conflicting purpose – to introduce Christianity to enslaved Africans, and to use it as a tool to control them by keeping them ignorant of the Bible’s messages of freedom, justice, and hope.

Entire books were omitted, including 90 per cent of the Old Testament and crucial New Testament texts like Galatians 3:28, which declares, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Commissioned by the Anglican Bishop of London, Beilby Porteus (a key abolitionist, controversially), the ‘Slave Bible’ included only those parts of scripture that supported the institution of slavery, while carefully removing any mention of God’s deliverance, justice, and the call for human dignity.

Passages like the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt were stripped away, leaving a version of scripture that distorted God’s Word to justify and perpetuate oppression.

Yet, even in this, we are reminded of Genesis 50:20, which tells us that what humans intend for evil, God can turn to good.

Genesis 50:20: God’s sovereignty over human wickedness

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph speaks to his brothers who had sold him into slavery out of jealousy. He says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

This verse speaks volumes about the sovereignty of God over human history. While human beings have often acted out of evil intentions – whether in Joseph’s story or the systemic evil of slavery – God can still bring about good through his divine plan.

This does not mean God creates or endorses evil. Evil is a product of human sin and the enemy’s work in the world. But God’s power and plan for his people are greater than any human effort to harm.

He is able to take even the most painful and unjust circumstances and use them for the good of his creation.

This truth provides a lens through which we can view the atrocities of slavery and other injustices throughout history and even in the world today.

Reflecting on the ‘Slave Bible’ in light of Genesis 50:20, we are reminded that human wickedness cannot thwart God’s ultimate plan for good.

Despite attempts to suppress and distort God’s word, God’s truth and love have always prevailed.

The resilience of faith among enslaved Africans – who often found hope in the Bible despite its altered form – shows us how God’s spirit works even in the most trying circumstances.

Romans 8:28 echoes this idea: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Even when we cannot understand how God is working in the midst of evil, we can be assured that he is always present, always orchestrating events in ways we cannot fully see or comprehend.

Conclusion: gratitude, hope and assurance

As we reflect on the existence of the ‘Slave Bible’ and the way it was used to justify oppression, we are reminded of the depth of human sin. But more importantly, we are reminded of God’s unwavering goodness.

In every trial, in every moment of injustice, God is working behind the scenes to bring about a greater good.

This Black History Month, let us express our gratitude for the resilience of those who suffered under the yoke of slavery, but let us also find hope in the fact that, no matter the evil intentions of humanity, God’s plan is always for good.

May we find comfort and assurance that God is still working in the world today, turning even the darkest situations into opportunities for his light to shine.

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