Forgiveness Over Anger: Embracing Faith and Healing Through the Atrocities of Times Past

Alexander Poche 

10/14/24

Deuteronomy chapter 28 outlines the blessings and curses that the Israelites would experience, depending on their obedience or disobedience to God’s commandments. Many individuals today, especially within certain Hebrew Israelite communities, interpret this chapter as a prophecy foretelling the Transatlantic slave trade. In which, they then identify themselves as the descendants of the ancient Israelites, as to explain the reason they faced these curses. They point to verses like Deuteronomy 28:68, which describe being taken into slavery by way of ship into Egypt, as evidence of this connection:

 “And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.” (Deuteronomy 28:68)

However, a paradox arises for those who hold this belief, but harbor anger or resentment toward white people, whom they blame for their ancestors’ suffering. According to Deuteronomy 28, these curses were not just historical accidents, but rather divine judgment for Israel’s disobedience to God. If God himself put these events into motion as a consequence of disobedience, then it is contradictory to be angry with those who played a role in carrying out what they believe to be God’s will:

“The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart: And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.” (Deuteronomy 28:28-29)

It is painful to reflect on the reality that my own family were victims of the Transatlantic slave trade. For example, I have seen sales documentation of one of my ancestors, Jean Claude Pierre, and it is a reminder of the horrific atrocities they endured. Yet, despite the deep pain that comes from knowing this, I am instructed to forgive and look past these historical wrongs. And not try to read the sufferings of my people into the text of scripture, or harbor anger toward the ones who afflicted my family. I understand that those who committed these evils have passed on. and in many cases, died in their sins. Their judgment rests with Hashem. Even if it were true, that these oppressors were the direct instruments of the curses in Deuteronomy 28, I recognize that God is the ultimate judge, not me. I am also aware that racism still exists today and that it is something to remain conscious of. However, I will not let these realities distort my faith or lead me away from the path of love and forgiveness that Yeshua taught.

Even more importantly, after Yeshua (Jesus) came and left teachings of love, forgiveness, and salvation for all people—whether Jew or Gentile—many still cling to the anger and resentment that Yeshua sought to dispel. His sacrifice brought an end to the power of curses and provided a path to redemption, inviting all people to repent and turn back to God. His teachings called for love toward all, even one’s enemies, and He offered forgiveness as the ultimate form of healing and restoration:

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

Yet, some choose to remain disobedient to this message of love and reconciliation, holding onto hatred for others, particularly white people, for the injustices of slavery and oppression. In doing so, they overlook the deeper spiritual truth that these hardships, according to their belief, were orchestrated by God as a result of disobedience—not because of the inherent evil of others. If one were to presuppose and accept that the curses of Deuteronomy 28 were fulfilled in the Transatlantic slave trade, then it follows that Hashem's hand was in it, using these events as a form of correction for His people:

“The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young.” (Deuteronomy 28:49-50)

So, the question becomes: if you’re upset at white people because of slavery, are you also mad at God? If the suffering was a divine consequence for disobedience, then the anger is misplaced. Instead of focusing on blame, the focus should be on repentance, returning to obedience, and embracing the teachings of Yeshua, who offers a path of reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) 

In the end, healing comes not from harboring anger, but from seeking restoration with Hashem through Yeshua’s example. The path forward isn’t in assigning blame for the past but in returning to the commandments, following Yeshua’s teachings of love and forgiveness, and seeking unity with both God and our fellow humans. True peace and restoration lie in recognizing that God's purpose is ultimately for the good of His people, and through Yeshua, there is always a way back to His grace.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)