Scripture reveals that God chose Israel as His covenant nation, gave them the land, made them His treasured possession, and through them brought the Messiah—and His plan for Israel's restoration remains unfinished.
Scripture on Israel
Genesis 12:1-3
Old Testament
"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'"
Exodus 19:5-6
Old Testament
"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
Romans 9:4-5
New Testament
"The people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen."
Romans 11:25-26
New Testament
"I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved."
Psalm 137:5-6
Old Testament
"If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy."
The Bottom Line
Israel is God's chosen people with an unbroken covenant; their story is the scaffolding of redemption history, not a sideshow to it.
Try Today
Read through God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12-15) and notice how specific and unchanging His commitment to Israel is—then pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) by name.
Prayer
Jesus taught us to pray boldly for what matters to God's heart (Matthew 6:9-10), and Jerusalem and Israel matter deeply to Him.
Father, You made an unbreakable covenant with Israel and called them Your treasured possession. Thank You for keeping Your word across millennia, even when Your people wavered. I confess I don't always understand the fullness of Your plan for Israel, but I trust You. Soften the hearts of Jewish and Arab people toward peace and toward You. Bring blindness to end and eyes to open to who Jesus is. And help me see Israel not as a political headline, but as Your covenant people, worthy of prayer and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Romans 9-11 for Paul's deep wrestling with God's plan for Israel past, present, and future.
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