Scripture reveals that God sometimes calls His people to leave familiar places and advance His kingdom elsewhere—whether geographically or spiritually.
Scripture on Leaving Isreal
Genesis 12:1-2
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.'"
Acts 1:8
New Testament
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Matthew 28:19-20
New Testament
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Hebrews 11:8-10
New Testament
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
2 Corinthians 5:17
New Testament
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
The Bottom Line
Following Christ may require leaving behind what's comfortable to follow Him into what's faithful.
Try Today
If you're facing a decision about leaving Israel or another place, write down what you're afraid of losing and what God might be calling you toward—then share it with a mature believer who can help you discern.
Prayer
Jesus invites us to 'Take up [our] cross and follow me' (Matthew 16:24)—which sometimes means leaving.
Father, You called Abraham to leave everything and trust You with what came next. I confess that leaving feels risky, and I don't always see the full picture. Help me to distinguish between my comfort and Your calling. Give me courage to obey even when the path isn't clear. And help me remember that Your presence goes with me wherever I go. Show me what faithfulness looks like in this decision.
📚 Read Genesis 12 to see how God calls Abram to leave, and Acts 8 to see how persecution scattered believers across regions—both showing how leaving serves God's purposes.
Explore any Bible topic instantly
Search what the Bible says about anything — free, fast, and faith-first.