Israel-Gaza war: Don't ignore what the Bible actually says

The entire Bible testifies that God will bring his Jewish people back into their land from the ends of the earth, argues Dr James Patrick

Christians are asking serious questions in response to the 7 October attack by Hamas, to Israel’s ensuing war in Gaza, and to the huge anti-Israel protests around the world.

Why are the Jewish people and their state hated so much? Why is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict so long-lasting and traumatic? How does modern Israel relate to biblical Israel? Are we witnessing fulfilment of biblical prophecy in any way? 

In his recent article for Premier Christianity, Mark Woods gave simplistic Bible-based responses, as if this conflict were just a personal disagreement – “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9); “Never take your own revenge” (Romans 12:19); “Love your enemies” (Luke 6:35). Of course these principles are godly, and modelled by Jesus himself. But until we have forgiven a neighbour for torturing, raping and then slaughtering our own little sister or grandmother, we Christians have no right to lecture the grieving citizens of Israel.

Even if we were to treat this like any other international war, the Bible has far more to teach us than the above. God has entrusted governments with “the sword” to avenge evil and enforce justice (Romans 13:1-7), and although individuals should not resort to violence, soldiers serving their government can use force justly (Luke 3:14; Matthew 5:41). ‘Just war theory’ is a robust Christian concept based on biblical patterns found throughout the history and laws of Israel. At the same time, the Bible recognises the tragic justice of collective punishment for the offences of leaders (Luke 19:41-44; 20:15-19, 23:27-31), provided there is due warning given (Luke 11:49-51) and opportunity for innocent individuals to escape (Luke 21:20-22). If Jesus decreed this for his own beloved nation, others cannot expect different standards of justice. 

However, we must not treat this conflict as if it were ‘any other war’. Regardless of Israel’s response to the Messiah, they remain chosen and loved by God, with irrevocable “gifts and calling” (Romans 11:28-29). The entire Bible is centred around this one ethnic group, so how can we ignore their ongoing identification with God as a major factor in this war?

I propose to explore this significance in three areas: the underlying excuse for attacking Israel at home and abroad, the tactics of Israel’s enemy, and the proper reaction of Christians toward the Jewish people.

First, the Bible speaks clearly about the ‘gift’ of the land.