By David W. Daniels
Many believers today wrestle with an important question: How should Christians think about modern Israel—especially when actions appear to conflict with biblical principles? Scripture gives us a framework that is both clear and careful. When we let God’s Word speak for itself, we learn His thoughts about Israel - both the land and the people.

To understand the issue, we must begin where God begins—with His own words about the land and the people of Israel.
In Deuteronomy 11:11–12, God singles out this land in a way He does not describe any other place on earth. Israel is described as: “A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it…”
Likewise, in Joel 3:1–2, God refers to Israel unmistakably as “my people” and “my heritage.” He also warns against those who have “parted my land.” These passages make clear that the Jews are His people —both the saved and the unsaved. And the land His land.
God even attaches blessings and curses to the treatment of his people. In Genesis 12:3 He says: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

At the same time, Scripture is honest about Israel’s failures. The biblical record shows rebellion against God and disobedience to His words for much of their history. Yet with all that, look what God said through Balaam in Numbers 23:21: “He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel…”
The prophets repeatedly rebuked Israel’s kings and leaders for wickedness, proving that divine favor did not equal divine approval of every action. However, Scripture clearly demonstrates that God views Israel in light of His covenant purposes. In other words, God’s plan for Israel is not contingent upon Israel’s obedience.

Scripture plainly teaches that God still has future plans for national Israel:
Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11-12). The nations will be gathered for judgment (Joel 3; Matt. 25; Rev. 14). Jesus will dwell on Mount Zion (Joel 3:17). The Jewish people will be regathered to their land (multiple passages in Ezekiel and Matthew 24).
These prophecies reinforce that Israel remains significant in God’s redemptive timeline. If we deal with politics, we get into multiple sides and propaganda. But if we: pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6–9) and do what we can to get the gospel to the Jewish people, we will always be on the right side of history.

A balanced biblical view avoids two common errors.

First, no nation—including Israel—is morally perfect. Scripture itself records the sins of Israel’s leaders and people.

Second, it is neither biblical nor just to condemn an entire people group because of the actions of some individuals.

Christians must keep their focus where Scripture places it: on God’s covenant faithfulness and on the mission of evangelism.

The most biblically grounded posture is neither blind political loyalty nor hostile skepticism. It is faithful prayer.
Like the apostle Paul, believers should desire above all that the people of Israel come to saving faith in the Messiah. God’s promises stand, His prophetic timetable moves forward, and the gospel remains the central mission.
May we be found praying for the peace of Jerusalem—and for the salvation of all who dwell there.