What does the Bible say about protecting Israel? It’s a question many of us ask as we watch the news and see conflict and trouble in that part of the world.
The Bible has many promises about how God protects Israel and shows us how He expects nations to treat His chosen people.
Israel has a special place in God’s heart and in His plan for all people.
God Himself Protects Israel
The Bible makes it very clear that God personally watches over Israel. In Isaiah 41:11-12 (NKJV), God promises:
“Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them—those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing.”
This means that anyone who fights against Israel will simply disappear before God’s power.
God considers Israel extremely precious to Him. Zechariah 2:8 (NKJV) says, “He who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”
When someone hurts Israel, it’s like poking God in the eye. That’s how personal God takes any attack on His people.
The Bible also tells us in Psalm 121:4 (NKJV), “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
God never takes a break from protecting Israel. He watches over them day and night without ever getting tired.
Isaiah 31:5 (NKJV) uses a beautiful picture to show how God protects Jerusalem:
“Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, He will preserve it.”
Just like a mother bird hovers over her babies to keep them safe, God hovers over Israel to protect them from harm.
God Judges Nations Who Harm Israel
The Bible warns that God will punish countries that hurt Israel or the Jewish people. Joel 3:1-2 (NKJV) says:
“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land.”
This means God will judge every nation based on how they treated the Jewish people and what they did with Israel’s land.
Jeremiah 30:20 (NKJV) adds, “Their children also shall be as before, and their congregation shall be established before Me; and I will punish all who oppress them.” God promises to punish anyone who oppresses Israel’s children.
Throughout history, we can see examples of this happening. Nations that persecuted the Jews often faced disasters and destruction later on. God keeps His word about protecting His people and judging their enemies.
God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel
One of the most important promises in the Bible appears in Genesis 12:3 (NKJV), where God tells Abraham:
“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
This promise passed down through Isaac and Jacob to all of Israel’s descendants.
Countries and people who treat Israel kindly receive God’s blessings. Those who treat Israel badly receive God’s curses instead.
This promise has proven true throughout history. Nations that welcomed Jewish people and supported Israel often prospered.
Countries that persecuted Jews or attacked Israel frequently faced disasters, wars, or economic problems.
God repeated this same promise to Isaac in Genesis 26:3-4 (NKJV) and to Jacob in Genesis 28:13-14 (NKJV). This shows that God’s protection and blessing of Israel passes down through all generations of Abraham’s family.
Spiritual and Prophetic Protection
God’s protection of Israel goes beyond just physical safety. Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) promises:
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the Lord.”
Even though enemies make weapons to hurt Israel, those weapons will not succeed in destroying God’s people.
God has made a permanent covenant with Israel. Jeremiah 31:35-36 (NKJV) says that Israel will continue to exist as long as the sun, moon, and stars exist.
God also promises to bring the Jewish people back to their land from all the countries where they were scattered.
Ezekiel 36:24 (NKJV) says, “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.”
We have seen this happen in modern times as Jews returned to Israel.
Human Support Matters
While God protects Israel, He also wants us to support and pray for them. Psalm 122:6 (NKJV) tells us:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you.'”
We should pray for Jerusalem to have peace. God promises to bless those who love Jerusalem.
Isaiah 40:1 (NKJV) says, “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ Says your God.”
God wants His people to be comforted and supported during hard times. We can be part of this by praying for Israel, supporting Jewish communities, and speaking against hatred toward Jewish people.
