The republican model described in the Hebrew Scriptures reassured pious Americans that republicanism was a political system favored by God.

I contend that no book figured more prominently than the Bible in the political thought of these patriots we call the founders.

God elevates nations that behave in conformity with God's standards but he withdraws his blessings from a people who disregard those standards.

God ordained and established civil government, but only to serve the common good. A civil government that oppresses its people and acts contrary to the people's interests deposes itself, ceases to be a legitimate government, and, therefore, citizens are no longer obligated by Scripture to obey it.

Most of what the founders knew about the Hebraic republic, it must be emphasized, they learned from the Bible. These Americans were well aware that ideas like republicanism found expression in traditions apart from the Hebrew experience, and, indeed, they studied these traditions both ancient and modern.

There were many Americans in the Revolutionary era who believed that they, like the children of Israel, were oppressed by their colonial rulers, and they looked to God for deliverance from the tyranny of their pharaoh, George III.

Nations, as well as individuals, must be virtuous and righteous if they desire to be stable, prosperous, and tranquil.