Myths & Facts About Israel (Part 1 of 3)
A Concise Guide for Christians
Myth vs. Fact
Christians today are hearing many strong claims about Israel—on television, in classrooms, and across social media. Some of these claims sound convincing, yet many are built on assertion rather than evidence.
In today’s information climate, it often seems that an influential voice can make a claim without substantiation, and it quickly takes root in the minds of listeners. Repetition alone can make an idea feel credible, even when it lacks historical or biblical support.
Too often, careful examination and critical thinking are left behind.
But for believers who take God’s Word seriously, it is essential to examine such claims carefully, thoughtfully, and truthfully. Christians are not called to react emotionally—but to think biblically and to measure every claim against truth.
This three-part series is designed to help Christians distinguish between commonly repeated myths and documented facts about Israel—beginning not with politics, but with the Bible itself. 📖
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
— John 17:17 (NASB 1995)
📖 Myth vs. Fact — Biblical Foundations
Before discussing headlines, diplomacy, or modern conflict, we must begin where Scripture begins—with God’s covenant purposes.
Israel’s story is not merely political.
It is biblical, historical, and theological.
❌ Myth
The Jewish people are no longer part of God’s plan.
✅ Fact
Scripture clearly teaches that God has not rejected Israel.
Some claim that Israel’s role ended in the New Testament, or that the Church permanently replaced Israel in God’s purposes. Yet the Apostle Paul directly addressed this misunderstanding.
“God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.”
— Romans 11:2“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
— Romans 11:29
Paul warned Gentile believers not to become arrogant toward Israel:
“Do not be arrogant toward the branches… but fear.”
— Romans 11:18–21
God’s covenant faithfulness remains central to biblical theology.
The continued existence of the Jewish people—despite centuries of dispersion, persecution, and exile—stands as powerful evidence of God’s preserving hand.
Israel remains part of God’s unfolding redemptive plan.
❌ Myth
Jews have no biblical claim to the land of Israel.
✅ Fact
God promised the land to Abraham and his descendants as an everlasting possession.
This promise was not vague or symbolic—it was specific, repeated, and enduring.
“I will give to you and to your descendants after you… all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession.”
— Genesis 17:8
God reaffirmed this promise multiple times:
Isaac — Genesis 26:3
Jacob — Genesis 28:13
Israel — Exodus 6:8
This repeated reaffirmation shows that the land promise was not temporary or conditional upon a single generation.
Throughout Scripture, the land of Israel is tied directly to God’s covenant dealings with His people. The Old Testament repeatedly records Israel entering, leaving, and returning to the land—yet always under the authority of God’s promises.
❌ Myth
Israel exists only because of modern politics.
✅ Fact
Scripture foretold Israel’s regathering from the nations.
For centuries, the Jewish people lived scattered among nations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Yet long before modern political movements existed, the prophets spoke of a future regathering.
“I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land.”
— Ezekiel 36:24
This promise was echoed by multiple prophets:
Isaiah spoke of gathering from the ends of the earth (Isaiah 11:12)
Jeremiah foretold restoration to the land (Jeremiah 30:3)
Amos declared Israel would be planted in their land again (Amos 9:14–15)
For centuries, the Jewish people lived scattered among nations—yet returned in modern times in numbers that history records and Scripture anticipated.
This regathering is not merely political—it reflects the unfolding of biblical prophecy.
❌ Myth
The land promises were symbolic, not literal.
✅ Fact
Scripture repeatedly describes the land as a real geographic inheritance.
Some interpret the land promises as purely spiritual or symbolic. Yet Scripture consistently treats the land as physical territory promised to a physical people.
“You shall live in the land that I gave to your forefathers.”
— Ezekiel 36:28
God’s promises involve both:
A people
A land
The covenant with Abraham included specific geographic boundaries (Genesis 15:18–21). Israel’s history repeatedly records physical possession of the land—not symbolic possession.
When Scripture speaks of restoration, it consistently describes return to an identifiable place—not merely spiritual blessing.
❌ Myth
Christians should be neutral about Israel.
✅ Fact
Scripture calls believers to pray for Jerusalem.
Christians are not commanded to ignore Israel, nor to treat it as historically irrelevant. Instead, Scripture encourages active concern for Jerusalem and its peace.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you.’”
— Psalm 122:6
This does not mean blind support for every government action, nor does it eliminate the need for discernment. But it does mean recognizing that Israel occupies a unique place in God’s covenant purposes.
Believers are called to:
Pray for peace 🕊️
Seek understanding 📖
Pursue truth 🧠
✍️ Closing Reflection
Israel’s story does not begin in 1948—but in Genesis.
Before debates, headlines, or politics, Scripture establishes enduring truths:
God chose Israel
God promised the land
God preserved the people
God foretold their return
Understanding these truths prepares us to examine the historical claims surrounding Israel.
Christians are called not merely to hold opinions—but to seek truth.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
— John 8:32
📬 Coming in Part 2
We have briefly looked at some of the biblical foundations concerning Israel. In the next installment, we will turn to history itself and examine what the historical record reveals about Israel and the land.
In the meantime, may the Gospel of Peace go forth in Israel, and all places, so that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, may rule in Jewish and Gentile hearts.
— Stuart
Excellent Stuart!