Anyone who reads or watches the news knows that Israel is an almost constant topic of debate. As with most controversies, strong emotions flare on all sides. However, a right response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be grounded in Scripture. God promised to give a specific land to the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 15:7–21). Jewish people today are the heirs to this promise. This point certainly does not mean that Israel is above criticism or can do no wrong. Like any country, Israel needs accountability. Still, God’s promise means that Jewish people have a biblical claim to the land of Israel.

As followers of Messiah, we are also called to share the gospel with and seek the wellbeing of all people (Luke 10:27). We should defend the State of Israel’s right to exist while advocating for the dignity of everyone in the Middle East. Lasting peace will only come when the Jewish Messiah returns to inaugurate His kingdom (Isaiah 11:1–9). Still, we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and be agents of shalom as much as we can.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you’” (Ps 122:6).