The bloodiest insurrection of all, in which some sixty whites
were murdered, occurred in Southampton County, Virginia, in August,
1831. Nat Turner, its leader, besides being a skilled carpenter, was
a literate, mystical preacher. He had discovered particular relevance
in the prophets of the Old Testament. Besides identifying with the
slave experience of the Israelites, Turner and other slaves felt that
the social righteousness which the prophets preached related directly
to their situation. The picture of the Lord exercising vengeance
against the oppressors gave them hope and inspiration. While the
Bible did appear to tell the slave to be faithful and obedient to his
master, it also condemned the wicked and provided examples that could
be interpreted to prove God's willingness to use human instruments in
order to bring justice against oppressors. Turner's growing hatred of
slavery and his increasing concern for the plight of his brothers, led
him to believe he was one of God's chosen instruments.
As his conviction deepened, the solar eclipse early in 1831
appeared to him to be a sign that the day of vengeance was at hand.
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