There is a lot of confusion among laymen and leadership alike about what supporting Israel looks like. With that said, people have struggled to clearly define and identify Israel as it relates to the Jewish people. Is there a difference? How are they alike? Is there a clear delineation between the two? If so, how does that work, and what does that look like?
Most people, when they think of Israel, see a nation of Jewish people. That’s it. However, this is a very shallow (albeit inaccurate) depiction of Israel. Here we are going to fully explore the depth and breadth of Israel so you can have an accurate understanding of this people and nation. Israel has a very complex identity, precisely because her nativity and origin are spiritual, rather than merely ethnic, geographic, or political.
Israel is the most hated and contested nation State on earth — bar none. No other nation faces such intense existential hostilities. But why? Again, it goes back to her spiritual origin. When Abraham was chosen by God to birth Israel, he conceived a promise from God that extended to all the families of the earth. That promise was realized through Abraham’s son Isaac, and was fulfilled through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. So how do we reconcile the Jews, who are so beloved of God (being the apple of His eye), with the nation State of Israel, which some would say is deeply corrupt? How do we support God’s chosen people aptly addressing antisemitism, without endorsing corrupt policies or government leaders who seem to be acting contrary to God’s covenant?
There doesn’t need to be any more confusion. We are going to address this head on and answer these questions as clearly as possible. Israel, we must understand, begins with a spiritual definition, upon which their political, ethnic, and geographic definitions are wholly dependent.
God’s Definition of Israel
First, we must clarify how God defines Israel. The LORD does not define Israel the same way the world does. His definition is very different. The world sees Israel and the Jewish people as one consummate ‘organ’ or entity. However, the biblical definition of Israel begins with covenant blood and birthright. The hallmarks of His chosen people miraculously hail from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is the Israel of the flesh. God gave Moses clear boundaries within the Law to keep their bloodline pure. They were not to intermarry among the heathen nations surrounding them, irrespective of any peace achieved. Israel was his own special treasured possession. They came into being by way of covenant promise, having a miraculous conception. The birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, who were “as good as dead” (see Romans 4:19) with regard to childbearing, bore testament to the fact that Israel was set apart unto God alone for His special purpose. God’s jealousy over Israel is demonstrated in His command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac upon His altar. It was also demonstrated in His miraculous salvation of Isaac from the same. God’s vehement protection of this nation became most evident to the world through their Exodus when He set millions free from Pharaoh’s oppressive rule. In an age when Egypt had been the dominant world-power, and was so greatly feared, God turned that tide irrevocably. Israel fast became the most feared nation on earth in their conquest for the promised land — so long as they did not forsake God.
The bloodline was pure. So, who is the true Israel of God? Paul explains in the following:
1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. 6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed,” (Romans 9:1-8, KJV).
It was through Israel that our Messiah (Jesus Christ) came. He settled the issue of bloodline once and for all, as all who were born of God through faith became Abraham’s seed, including the Gentiles (see Galatians 3:19 — 4:31). His is a salvation that came by a pure blood covenant. The salvation of mankind very literally came through Israel, even as Jesus declared, “Salvation if of the Jews,” (see John 4:22).
Israel was entrusted with the covenants of God, the presence of God, the promises of God, the Law of God, the intimate knowledge of God, and His promised Messiah — so the world separated from Him by sin could be restored to covenant fellowship with the Father. The Messiah, Jesus Christ, was the fulfillment of that covenant promise to all mankind. And for all those who are born again into the Kingdom of God by faith in Jesus Christ — they are now Abraham’s seed (see Galatians 3:29 and 4:28). These Gentile believers are ingrafted branches (see Romans 11:11-29). They are partaker’s of God’s covenant with Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ the Messiah. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are restored to a right relationship with God the Father. As the Apostle Paul declared: the Gospel of Christ is for the Jew first, and then the Gentile (see Romans 1:16).
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God,” (Romans 2:28,29, KJV).
By no means is this Replacement theology. We, as believing Christians who are born again by faith in Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit, are not replacing the Jewish people. Nor are we subverting the covenants of God entrusted to them. Many of the prophesies for Israel have nothing to do whatsoever with the Church today. We need to understand the distinction. We as believers are “ingrafted branches”. We are not replacing anyone. Rather, we are adopted into the Kingdom and Family of God.
However, despite God’s command and insistence, the Israel of flesh did not maintain a pure bloodline. In time, Israel intermarried, and their lineage soon included heathen nations. That pure DNA was corrupted. Sadly, they broke covenant with God multiple times, and the curse He swore to their forefathers came to pass — most notably through Solomon’s fall, a succession of evil kings, their exile to Babylon, the utter destruction of Jerusalem, and finally through the Holocaust. Yet in spite of all this, God did not abandon Israel. He preserved a remnant unto Himself. Even Paul the Apostle states that the true Israel of God will be saved. And Jesus Christ further clarifies in Revelation that there are those who are of the “Synagogue of Satan” who claim to be Jews, but are not (see Revelation 2:9 and 3:9). So we must be able to discern with clarity who is a Jew, and who is not. Not everyone who proclaims faith in Jesus Christ is a Jew. But we are members of the true Israel, who are partakers of His covenant promises. The LORD makes that clear. With that said, God makes a clear distinction between bloodline and spiritual birth, and the covenants pertaining thereto. You can be a Jew by blood and never become a member of Israel — the true Israel of God. Because the true Israel of God is only found in Jesus Christ.
The Nation State of Israel
When the State of Israel was founded in 1948, followed by the miraculous Six-Day War in 1967, the prophecy of God came to pass with respect to the Jewish people — His chosen people were once again gathered to the land He covenanted them and became a nation (see Isaiah 11:1 — 12:6, and Ezekiel 4:3-6) (see extra-biblical source by Grant Jeffrey). Thus, a new prophetic era came to pass in the eternal timeline of God’s plan for mankind. But let it be understood: since that time, the government of Israel has not always made biblical covenantal decisions. The name “Israel” was finally chosen in lieu of several others for the new nation. Although Israel determined itself to be a Jewish State with Hebrew as the official language, Israel did not determine an official religion. To this end, many other religions freely practice within Israel, namely Christians and Muslims. Strangely, the God of Israel has not been invoked upon the State of Israel as having any absolution of authority, deity, or headship within its government, and the practice of Judaism came merely by default. Some would argue that is not true, as there are laws punishing proselytizing in Israel. Christians are not allowed to openly preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jewish orthodoxy is still prominent, and those who practice are passionate about keeping Israel a Jewish state. However, Israel has more than its share of transgression against God, insomuch, that by the standard of Mosaic Law, He could rightfully bring a measure of destruction again if He so chose.
It remains therefore, that Israel as a nation must be saved. That particular prophecy, as ascribed by the Apostle Paul (see Romans 11:26) has yet to come to pass.
Not everyone who lives in Israel is Jewish. Not every Jew in Israel is practicing Judaism. Key government leaders have not consistently followed the LORD’s word or covenant, nor do they claim allegiance to Him. In fact, they’ve willingly transgressed Him, bringing about much of the chaos we see today. Can we say Israel is corrupt? Well, in all fairness, by what standard of measure? By God’s standard, every government in the world is corrupt. Some governments are simply more corrupt than others, hence His judgment of the nations. Since the nation of Israel was founded, even from its earliest inception, we see corruption. Their government was far from perfect, despite the Law and ordinances God had so graciously given by Moses. Under the leadership of Moses God destroyed thousands — anyone over the age of forty — because they did not believe Him — thus, they did not enter His promised land. Even Moses did not enter the promised land of God due to his anger and insubordination against the LORD. His temper cost him dearly. As we chronicle Israel’s history, throughout the Judges and the Kings, we see corruption play out time and again. And we also see God’s loving redemption come to their rescue. Israel sins: God is grieved: Israel is punished: Israel repents: God saves them. That pattern has not changed in Israel — even unto this day. It continues to unfold before our very eyes in real time.
However, supporting the Jewish people and supporting the nation of Israel are not the same. They are indeed different. God defines Israel has His chosen covenant possession, which as we see, are those of promise through Christ. They are His people by covenant — that covenant is one by birth (both natural and spiritual) — not merely by geographical location. Therefore, just because you reside in Israel does not mean you are Jewish. Nor does it mean you are in covenant with God. Today, the Israel of God is scattered all over the globe. There are Jewish and Gentile Christians alike, who both share in persecution and suffering for Jesus Christ; and there are those who share in blessing and prosperity as well.
Israel as a nation, is a distinct covenant land which hosts His covenant people. Please understand: Israel as a nation State does not claim covenant with God. God decreed that Israel (His chosen people) would possess a land within very distinct boundaries, which today is still not fully possessed. Portions of God’s promised land were allotted to each tribe. Sadly, Israel is governed by those who are not fully walking in covenant with God, and that land has been surrendered to enemy forces. Their interests are divided. Israel as a nation, is comprised of many various people groups, cultures, and ethnicities. Therefore, there are religious and cultural tensions unique to Israel, which no other nation shares — precisely because Israel is a covenant land promised to the Jewish people which is currently inhabited and shared by multitudes of people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
When God mentions Israel in the Bible, we need to understand that He is referencing His chosen covenant people. But there are also times when He clearly references Israel as a specific nation, such as in Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel. When God looks at Israel as a nation, He sees covenant people and land — in the purest sense — despite any government currently in power. Why? Because since the inception of Israel, God was to be their only Head of State or Ruler. He was Israel’s LORD God. It wasn’t until the days of Samuel that Israel demanded a king and forsook Him. Israel was to be governed by God alone. This is why we see Jesus referenced as having the Government upon His shoulders. He is their Messiah, and upon Him rests the Government of God for the people of Israel. When He came in the flesh, He taught them, healed them, and revealed the covenant His Father established for Israel. Did they receive Him? No. They killed Him.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this,” (Isaiah 9:6-7, KJV).
Our Allegiance to the God of Israel
Second, we can clearly support the Jewish people, both in Israel and abroad, without giving nods to any corruption in Israel’s modern government. We, as believers, do not forsake our morals, common sense, civic duty, biblical beliefs, or our personal covenant with God to blindly espouse every decision made at a government level — just because they are “Israel”.
No. Absolutely not.
Our first allegiance is always to the LORD God. Always. We can indeed love and support the Jewish people. We should. They are our brethren. And we can love and support the nation of Israel, as defined by God, without bending the knee to corruption. We need to understand that Israel is not perfect. They are a nation like any other, ruled by men who are flawed. But God has not withdrawn His hand from His chosen people, nor has He withdrawn His hand from the land He has covenanted to them. Israel, as a nation, belongs to Him, despite any foreigner or Gentile that resides within those covenant boundaries. It is still His. Also, this very flawed nation, despite their sin against God, is still being used for good in the world. God has sanctified Israel to Himself by way of covenant promise. Israel’s technology, engineering, industry, and brilliant ingenuity has contributed to human civilization in ways no other nation has done. Today, the tiny nation of Israel lies on the cutting edge of technology, intelligence, economic advancement, and military power. God has made Israel a unique blessing to the entire world, despite their transgressions.
Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East by which peace is preserved for the entire world. Without Israel, we would live in unceasing bloodshed where persecution and terror would thrive unabated. Israel is the only sovereign Jewish State. We are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem — which is where God’s covenant with Israel was birthed and ordained.
God’s strategic placement of Israel’s boundaries makes it a stronghold of peace for the rest of the world and its surrounding region.
Israel’s Prophetic Future
Thirdly, prophetically there is much more that will come to pass concerning Israel and the world. Therefore, Israel as a nation, is God’s divine clock by which we can know His appointed times. We are indeed in the last days. We are commanded to watch and pray, and when doing so, are to have our eyes upon God — and Israel. Being aware of what’s going on with Israel is key to keeping in step with God’s eternal plan as it unfolds.
Israel is not perfect. No individual believer is perfect either. Nations and people alike, bear sins against God which require repentance. God knows how to deal with each. And when Christ returns, He will judge the nations with a rod of iron.
So yes, we need to recognize Israel as a sovereign nation that is in covenant with God — despite her sins against Him. He will deal with Israel even as He always has from the beginning. He is the God of justice, mercy, and truth. The true ruler of Israel as a nation is God Himself.
And yes, we need to recognize Israel as God’s chosen covenant people. Jews are the natural branches of the Vine. Christians are the ingrafted branches of the Vine. Both are partakers of the covenant promises through our Messiah, Jesus Christ, who paid the full price for our redemption. That does not mean Christians are Jews. They are not. Christians are Gentiles. Completed Jews or Messianic Jews are still Jews, both by the flesh and by promise. They have simply been born again by their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Both Jews and Christians, who are of the seed of Abraham, make up the true Israel of God. But Jews will always be Jews by birthright — they are His peculiar people, His treasured possession, His chosen covenant people entrusted with the Gospel of God for all mankind. That will never change.
The True Israel of God
In conclusion: The true ‘Israel of God’ will be saved. Corruption is everywhere. It is in the Church. It is in Israel. It is in individual people. When you support Israel, do so with discretion and discernment according to the word and covenant of God. That is all He would ask of you. The support of Israel should never infer that you blindly endorse policies, laws, people, or the like that DO NOT HONOR the LORD, His chosen people, His land, or His covenant. God did not wink at that kind of blind behavior in the Old Covenant, much less in the New Covenant. We are called to walk in His light with discernment and discretion, and to align with Him and abide in Him in all things. We are never permitted to forsake Him or His covenant. We are to be found faithful.
I hope this clarifies the differences between Israel as a covenant people (Jews who are scattered, and believing Christians), and Israel as a nation State (which is a covenant land, the Jewish State, hosting various ethnicities and cultures). Although there are similarities, they are distinct. And I hope it clarifies God’s intention for those who sincerely wish to support Israel in a biblical manner. As God promises:
1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 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,” (Genesis 1-3, KJV).
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance,” (Romans 11:25-29, KJV).
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