What Should Be Our Attitude Toward Israel?  

With the conflict involving Israel dominating the news in recent days, it raises questions about how we view this particular nation. While all terrorist attacks and wars should concern us, why do we pay special attention when Israel is involved? Why do many believe it is important for us to support the Jewish nation? We hear people refer to them as God’s chosen people. Why is that? Is it still a valid designation for them today?

There are two main reasons why we tend to give greater attention to Israel. One is because of their role in certain biblical prophecies, especially concerning the end times. God’s Word indicates that Israel will be involved in some of those final battles which are foretold. So while we shouldn’t necessarily proclaim prophecies being fulfilled every time Israel goes to war, we watch closely to see if this incident escalates into a greater conflict that will involve other nations. We know that eventually such prophecies will be fulfilled, so we wonder if this may be the precursor to one of those final battles.

Secondly, we view Israel differently from other nations due to their history and relationship with God. It began with God’s promises to Abraham which were repeated and expanded on to his descendants. Several of these promises serve as a basis for our attitude toward Israel. First is the promise that God has given them a land. Later the Bible describes the exact area and borders of that territory. Therefore we see them as having a God-given right to that land and tend to support their occupation of it.

Another significant promise is that God has chosen Israel from among all the nations of the earth for a special purpose and to have a unique relationship with Him. HHe has used words such as “chosen”, “special treasure”, and “a kingdom of priests” to describe this relationship. He set them apart from all other nations to be a blessing to the world. However, do these promises still hold true? Has Israel forfeited that relationship by failing to keep the covenant with God, and especially by rejecting His own Son as their Messiah? It is interesting that the New Testament applies some of the promises God gave to Israel to the Church, the body of true followers of Jesus. Even some of the same language is used in reference to believers. Peter wrote to Christians, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (I Peter 2:9). There is no doubt that believers are God’s chosen people, but does that mean that Israel no longer holds that distinction? Some of God’s promises to Israel seem to suggest that in spite of their unfaithfulness, in the end they will experience some degree of restoration and favor with God. Some believe many Jews will turn to Christ in the last days. I encourage you to read Romans 9-11. These and other scriptures suggest that God has not completely cast away the people of Israel.   

A third promise that affects our attitude toward Israel is that God will bless those who bless Israel and will curse those who curse them. Those who hate the Jewish people and want to destroy them may find themselves fighting against God. However, those who bless and support Israel are inviting God’s pleasure and favor. Does this mean that Israel can do no wrong? Of course not. They may make poor choices or take wrong actions which we may need to expose and disagree with. Nevertheless, we should continue to seek Israel’s good. Our attitude toward them should generally be one of favor and support.

So let’s be prayerful for Israel and for all who are involved in and affected by this current situation.