On this Independence Day, I invite you to join me in considering the largely unknown verses 3-4 of The Star Spangled Banner. These verses, far from the spotlight, contain profound reflections on the courage, sacrifice, and divine providence that have forged our nation’s history through the fires of conflict.
3. And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Verse 3 recounts the indomitable spirit of our founders, their brave defiance against those who sought to take away our home and country. Their courage was fueled by a vision, a dream of a nation built on freedom, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. They withstood the terror of war and the threat of the grave, painting their indelible footprints on the pages of history with their blood. As President Reagan reminded us, “They pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Sixteen of them gave their lives. Most gave their fortunes. All preserved their sacred honor.” Amid the havoc of war, the star-spangled banner emerged, waving triumphantly over the land of the free and the home of the brave.
When we contemplate the sacrifices of our founding fathers, we must remember their audacity to pursue independence in the face of daunting challenges and fearful naysayers. Their courage is a legacy we have inherited, a beacon that continues to illuminate our path as a nation.
4. O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto – “In God is our trust,”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 🇺🇸
Verse 4 underscores a powerful belief that has been the backbone of our nation from its inception – our existence and continuation are, above all, a testament to God’s providence. The verse speaks of the heaven-rescued land, a land blessed with victory and peace, and of our continued existence as a nation as a tribute to the divine power that created and preserved us.
The verse concludes with a stirring proclamation, a motto that resonates with our historical core values: “In God is our trust.” This motto reaffirms our faith in God’s providence and our commitment to justice in the world: “Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just.” Sadly, we have not always been just in our pursuits as a nation, starting with our shameful mistreatment of the First Americans who inhabited this land before us. As we move forward, we should humbly take this conviction with us, holding firm to our belief in God’s guidance and support in the pursuit of true justice.
As Christians, we know that one day, our belief in divine providence and justice will be made manifest beyond our earthly dreams and efforts. One day, Jesus, the true King, will return. In His Kingdom, justice and righteousness will be established across the whole earth, perfected in a way the best of humanity can only aspire to. His reign will straighten all that is crooked, make right all that is wrong, and guide all his people into true justice and peace.
As we gaze upon the star-spangled banner waving over our nation on this Independence Day, let’s take a moment to honor the memory of our founding fathers’ courage and sacrifices to establish this great nation, to humbly acknowledge our nation’s sins and imperfections, and to look forward to the divine promise of justice and righteousness that will come with Jesus’ return. In their memory, guided by God’s providence, an in hope of Christ’s return, let us strive to keep the flame of freedom burning brightly, preserving these United States as the land of the free and the home of the brave.
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