Why should we pray for Israel? Does the Bible instruct us to? Should we also be praying for the peace of Jerusalem like the Old Testament prophets sometimes did? Should a Christian be obligated to pray for Israel?
In Psalm 122:6 it says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.”
God’s Chosen People?
God calls Israel the “apple of His eye” which is a term of endearment (Duet. 32:10, Zech. 2:8). God adds a blessing to those nations and people who bless Israel and a curse on those who curse Israel (Gen. 12:2-3). Do these
blessings and cursings still apply? I do not see why they don’t since God changes not (Malachi 3:6). God was seen as the husband of Israel (Jer. 3:14). God is evidently still concerned over Israel, saying in 2 Chronicles 6:6, “
Yet I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.” Wherever God places His name is where He still places His love. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, knowing what their fate held, “
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it” (Luke 19:41).
This may be the very reason that God has prospered the United States. America is one of the few nations that have chosen to be her ally but that seems to have recently began to change. When America withdraws her support and defense of Israel, God could take His hand of blessing off of the U.S. Perhaps He has already begun to do so since relations with Israel have cooled off lately.
Israel is surrounded by hostile nations and a religion (Islam) that seeks her destruction. A blessing is pronounced over those who will pray for and bless Israel (Numb. 24:9). God will never abandon Israel and in the end, Israel will be saved by God Almighty (Malachi 3:6, Romans 11:1). Since Paul commands Christians to pray for governmental authorities and leaders, (
Rom 13:1-7) why should we not also be praying for peace in the Middle East and in particular, for Israel? No, Israel is not perfect and she has made many mistakes, but they are God’s chosen people (Duet. 6:3-4).
Read more:
http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow...israel-a-christian-perspective/#ixzz3jxFwLhgH