The Eternal Covenant with Abraham
To understand why God protects Israel, we must look beyond modern geopolitics and turn to the foundational promises of Scripture. God's protection of Israel is rooted in an unconditional, everlasting covenant established with Abraham thousands of years ago. This covenant was not based on Israel's size, strength, or righteousness, but solely on God's sovereign choice and holy character.
"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 12:3
In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people of Israel that God did not choose them because they were a vast or mighty nation, but simply because He loved them and chose to keep the oath He swore to their fathers. This covenant is eternal, meaning God's faithfulness to Israel is a reflection of His own unchangeable nature.
The Apple of His Eye
Scripture uses deeply personal and tender imagery to describe God's relationship with Israel. The prophets make it clear that those who seek to harm Israel are directly opposing the Almighty Himself. God guards His people with the fierce protectiveness of a father guarding his child.
"For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." — Zechariah 2:8
To touch the "apple of His eye" is to touch the most sensitive, guarded part of the eye. This vivid description shows that God feels Israel's pain and actively intervenes to shield them from total destruction, preserving them through centuries of exile, persecution, and conflict.
He That Keepeth Israel
Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen, yet the Jewish people remain. This miraculous survival is not a coincidence; it is the direct result of divine vigilance. The Psalmist assures us that the Creator of the universe never takes His eyes off His chosen people.
"Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." — Psalm 121:4
While human leaders and nations grow weary, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remains actively on guard, ensuring that Israel will never be utterly consumed or erased from the earth.
The Unshakeable Character of Our Covenant-Keeping God
The same God who watches over Israel, who numbers the stars and calls them by name, is the very God who numbers the hairs on your head and promises He'll never leave you nor forsake you.
"...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." — Hebrews 13:5
When we see God keeping His ancient promises to Israel, it strengthens our faith that He will keep His promises to us. He is entirely faithful, and His word never fails.
Let's pray:
Father, we thank You that Your promises are unshakeable and Your grace is unconditional. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and we pray for peace in our own hearts as we face the trials of this life. Help us look past the troubling headlines of this world and fix our eyes on the finished work of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Blessed Hope. Amen.