In recent years, the question of how Christians should relate to the modern state of Israel has become increasingly urgent. From political debates to social media posts, many believers are told that supporting Israel is a biblical obligation, sometimes even equated with staying in God’s favor. Verses like “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6) are often quoted as commands for unwavering loyalty to Israel, and God’s promises to Abraham are invoked as reasons to bless the nation without question. Statements like “God blesses those who bless Israel” and “God curses those who curse Israel” and “Stand with Israel. Stand with God.” are repeated to compell Christians to provide unconditional political support for Israel.

But is that what the Bible actually teaches?

This post invites you to take a closer look at what Scripture really says about Israel—both ancient and modern—and what it means to be a true descendant of Abraham in light of Jesus Christ. Rather than following political slogans or popular assumptions, we’ll explore the full witness of Scripture, from the Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus and Paul. What emerges is a gospel-centered perspective that calls Christians to justice, compassion, and peace—not partisanship or nationalism.

Praying for the Peace of “Israel”?

Many people point to Psalm 122:6-7 claiming that Christians are required to pray for Israel. It’s important to note more precisely that King David called for people to pray for the peace of “Jerusalem” and that this prayer was encouraged as part of an ancient ceremonial ritual, not a universal ethical command.

Psalm 122:6-7
¹ I rejoiced with those who said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
² Our feet are standing
    in your gates, Jerusalem.
³ Jerusalem is built like a city
    that is closely compacted together.
⁴ That is where the tribes go up—
    the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord
    according to the statute given to Israel.
⁵ There stand the thrones for judgment,
    the thrones of the house of David.
⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
⁷ May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
⁸ For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
⁹ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

This blessing is part of one of many “Psalms of Ascent,” which were written as songs to be sung by Jewish pilgrims as they traveled the upward journey from their villages into the ancient city of Jerusalem (notice verses 1, 4) for various festivals (Feast of Tabernacles, Passover, and the Feast of Pentecost). Praying for peace within Jerusalem was a blessing to be said upon their entry into the city. 

Many people today claim this as a biblical command for all people, of all times and cultures, to always pray for “Israel”, no matter what. The insinuation of this claim is to seek prosperity and blessing for modern Israel regardless of their actions—to be on their side in order to stay on God’s side. However, this is not true. This passage is a ritualistic call to a specific group of people (ancient Israel) for a specific purpose at a specific time (their pilgrimages to the temple) to pray for peace to exist within Jerusalem as they enter it. Notice the prayer is for peace within Jersusalem, not prosperity or military success outside of Jerusalem. Also notice, it’s “Jerusalem,” not “Israel.” As far as commands go, this an encouragement from King David as part of the ceremonial law, which is no longer in effect.

Should we pray for modern Israel?
Absolutely. Just like we would pray for any other nation in the world—because all nations need God’s guidance, justice, mercy, and peace. As Christians, we are called to intercede for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2), to seek the peace of cities and countries where people live (Jeremiah 29:7), and to pray for all who are vulnerable, whether they are in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, or our own communities. Praying for Israel doesn’t mean endorsing every political decision or viewing the nation as spiritually privileged above others—it means asking God to bring wisdom to its leaders, safety to its people, and ultimately for both Jews and Arabs in the land to come to know the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. We pray for Israel not because it is unique in its need for prayer, but because it is not—like every other nation, it stands in need of God’s justice, healing, and salvation.

God’s Covenant with Abraham

In Genesis 12:1-3 and 15:18-21, God promises to

1. Bless Abraham with many descendants (often mistakenly understood to be the modern nation-state of “Israel”), and with provision, protection, and land for him and his descendants.

2. Bless all the people of the earth through Abraham and his descendants.

3. Curse those who curse Abraham and his offspring.

Genesis 12:1-3
¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
² “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.
³ I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
  and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 15:18-21
¹⁸ On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”

This is where most people find support for the idea that we must unconditionally support Israel, assuming that “great nation” means the modern nation-state of Israel and “descendants” means the modern ethnic people group of Israel (Jews). However, this is not true. The Apostle Paul explains this in the New Testament.

THE MODERN-DAY IDENTITY OF ABRAHAM’S DESCENDANTS

PAUL INTERPRETS THE BLESSING FOR US

In the New Testament, many first-century Jewish Christians claimed they were especially blessed by God and that the newer Gentile Christians (Greeks, Romans, etc.) needed to abide by the commands of the Law given by God to the people of Israel. The Apostle Paul challenges and corrects the Jewish Christians and affirms the Gentile Christians.

In Romans 9:6-8, Romans 11 (11:17-18), and Galatians 3:6-9, 28-29, the Apostle Paul teaches us that

1. “Not all from Israel are Israel,”
Paul explains to the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome that true Israel are not the physical ethnic descendants of Abraham.

2. The modern descendants of Abraham are those who have faith in Jesus.
The unbelieving Jews have been pruned off the tree of blessing, and the believing Gentiles have been grafted into the tree of blessing.

3. The blessings (and cursings) promised to Abraham’s descendants are for and through those who have faith in Jesus—both Jew and Gentile.

Carefully read the passages below where the Apostle Paul teaches Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome and Galatia about this very subject.

Difference Between Ethnic Israel and Spiritual Israel

Romans 9:6-8
⁶ For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. ⁷ Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” ⁸ In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.

Here, Paul makes a profound theological distinction between ethnic Israel and spiritual Israel. He argues that merely being a physical descendant of Abraham does not guarantee inclusion in the covenant people of God. Citing God’s choice of Isaac over Ishmael, Paul shows that God’s promises have always operated through divine calling, not biological lineage. The true children of Abraham are those who, like Isaac, are born through God’s promise—those who respond in faith, not merely those born into the right family. This passage reframes the concept of Israel around God’s sovereign purposes and highlights that belonging to God’s family has always been about faith and grace, not heritage or nationality.

Romans 11:17-18
¹⁷ If some of the branches have been broken off [unbelieving Israel], and you [believing Gentiles], though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, ¹⁸ do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.

Jewish Christians in Paul’s day were tempted to see themselves as spiritually privileged, while Gentile Christians were tempted to look down on Jews who had not believed in Jesus. Paul corrects both errors. Today, Christians should not assume that modern Israel holds divine favor automatically, nor should we who are not Jews assume we are spiritually superior to people who are Jewish (or anyone really).

The Blessing Is In Christ

Galatians 3:6-9, 14, 28-29
⁶ So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
⁷ Understand, then, that those who have faith [in Jesus] are children of Abraham. ⁸ Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” ⁹ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. …
¹⁴ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus…
²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Here, Paul teaches that the true children of Abraham are those who, like Abraham, believe God and are made righteous by faith. This includes not only Jews but also Gentiles, as God’s plan all along was to bless all nations through Abraham—fulfilled now in Jesus Christ. Paul explains that Jesus’ redemptive work has extended the blessings of Abraham to all who trust in Him, breaking down every dividing barrier. In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—all are united and equal in status before God. Therefore, anyone who belongs to Christ is considered Abraham’s seed and an heir of God’s promise, showing that spiritual inheritance depends on faith, not ethnicity or law.

This all means that the unconditional support of the modern-day nation-state of “Israel” is biblically unwarranted. God’s blessings are for those who have faith in him and his Son, Jesus Christ. The biblical Israel of the Old Testament and the modern-day political nation-state of Israel are two separate entities. The Apostle Paul says,

Romans 2:28–29
²⁸ A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. ²⁹ No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Modern Day Implications

Therefore, blessing those who bless Abraham and his children should not be conflated with unconditional political support for those who call themselves “The State of Israel” today. Paul’s teaching shows that being part of God’s family is not about being born into the right ethnicity or nation, but about trusting in Jesus. This reorients our view of who is truly “blessed” according to the promises made to Abraham.

Since Abraham’s children are those who have faith in Jesus, our support should prioritize the global body of Christ and the spread of the gospel. Political support must be subject to biblical values like justice, peace, truth, compassion, mercy, hospitality—not automatic or unquestioning loyalty to a particular nation.

Many Palestinians, including Palestinian Christians, are also physical descendants of Abraham. Paul’s message pushes us to resist simplistic narratives that assign blessing or blame based solely on ethnicity or nationality. The gospel compels us to pursue justice and mercy for both Jews and Palestinians, especially those who are vulnerable.

Paul’s vision is of one new family in Christ, made up of Jews and Gentiles alike. This shapes the Church’s mission: not to defend one people group over another, but to proclaim the reconciliation made possible in Jesus. Our allegiance is to Christ, not the flag of any nation.

Expanding NOT Replacing

This is not what is commonly known as “Replacement Theology.” The Church has not replaced Israel but has been added to Israel’s story. God’s covenant with the Jewish people is not canceled—it is fulfilled in Christ and extended to all nations. Jewish people who believe in Jesus will remain among the covenant people of God—the cultivated tree. Those who don’t are cut off. Gentile people who believe in Jesus are grafted in. And those unbelieving Jews who later turn to Jesus will be grafted back in.

Romans 11:23–24
²³ And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. ²⁴ After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

CONCLUSION

In summary, the Bible teaches that the true descendants of Abraham are those who have faith in Jesus, not merely those of ethnic or national descent. God’s covenant with Abraham was fulfilled in Christ and extended to all people—Jew and Gentile—who trust in Him. While we honor the Jewish people and their place in God’s redemptive story, the Bible does not mandate unconditional political support for the modern nation-state of Israel. To bless Abraham’s offspring today means to support the global body of Christ, seek justice for all who are oppressed, and share the good news of God’s kingdom with everyone. When we consider the modern conflict in Israel and Gaza, we must do so through the lens of the gospel, pursuing peace, justice, and compassion for all.

Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitic

Criticizing the policies or actions of the modern state of Israel is not antisemitic—it is not hatred of the Jewish people, nor is it a denial of their right to exist or live in safety. Antisemitism is evil and must be rejected in all its forms. But holding any nation accountable for injustice or violence is a Christian responsibility—and Scripture provides countless examples of God’s own prophets rebuking ancient Israel when it strayed from His ways.

For example:

Amos condemned Israel for trampling the poor and denying justice to the oppressed. He cried, “You oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts” (Amos 5:12). He called for repentance and declared that worship without justice is worthless (Amos 5:21–24).

Isaiah warned the leaders of Judah, saying, “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees” (Isaiah 10:1). He denounced violence, pride, and exploitation of the vulnerable.

Jeremiah condemned the temple establishment for trusting in religious identity while practicing injustice. “Do not trust in deceptive words and say, ‘This is the temple of the Lord’… If you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow… then I will let you live in this place” (Jeremiah 7:4–7).

Micah declared that true religion is not about rituals or sacrifices but about living with justice, mercy, and humility before God: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

These prophets weren’t anti-Israel—they were faithful Israelites who loved their people enough to speak the hard truth. Their critiques came from a deep desire for Israel to return to covenant faithfulness.

Jesus Himself followed in this prophetic tradition. He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44), grieved its coming destruction, and confronted religious leaders for hypocrisy and injustice (Matthew 23). His love for Israel did not keep Him from calling it to repentance.

In the same way, Christians today may—and must—speak out against injustice committed by any government or group, including the actions of Hamas on October 7, 2022 and the terribly disproportionate response from Israel. This includes clearly condemning Hamas’ brutal and unjust attacks on Israeli civilians, which were morally reprehensible and a violation of God’s justice. It also includes condemning disproportionate violence against civilians, unlawful military actions, overwhelming destruction of infrastructure, land seizures, and the humanitarian crisis being imposed upon Palestinians. Speaking out against the oppression or suffering of any people group—whether Israeli or Palestinian—is not antisemitic or anti-Arabic; it is a reflection of God’s heart for truth, righteousness, and peace. Christians must resist partisan loyalties and instead be faithful to the prophetic call to seek justice and mercy for all.

Likewise, hatred for or violence against Jews or Palestinians anywhere in the world—simply because they are ethnically associated with the state of Israel or Palestine—is morally wrong and must be rejected by all who follow Christ. Christians must resist unjust ethnic and partisan loyalties and instead be faithful to the prophetic call to be loyal to Christ and seek justice and mercy for all.

To love both the Jewish people and the Palestinian people as God does means to affirm their dignity, oppose all forms of antisemitism and anti-Arab racism, and uphold the biblical call to justice, peace, and compassion. As heirs of the prophetic tradition, Christians are called to seek peace for all peoples—Jews, Palestinians, and others—by bearing witness to the gospel of Jesus, the Messiah who brings reconciliation, healing, and hope to a divided world.