Our Biblical Duty to Stand Against Antisemitism: A Christian’s Call to Action
As a Christian who deeply loves Israel, my heart aches when I see the rise of antisemitism in our world. We are not called to be bystanders when the weak and vulnerable are attacked. Instead, we are commanded to rise up and defend the Jewish people and the land of Israel, grounded in a profound biblical mandate.
Imagine for a moment the world without the Jewish people. It’s impossible because they are the very foundation of our faith. Romans 3:1-2 reminds us, “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly, because to them were committed the oracles of God.” Without the Jewish people, we would not have the Word of God. We have been grafted into their covenants, becoming part of the same olive tree, as Paul eloquently explains in Romans 11:17-18. The root supports us, not the other way around. This truth is unshakable.
Our duty as Christians extends beyond prayer. It calls us to tangible action, just as the early church did. Romans 15:27 reminds us that the Gentiles shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings and thus owe it to them to share material blessings. Paul himself, a Jew ministering to Gentiles, never forgot to support the poor in Jerusalem (Acts 24:17). Our support for Israel and the Jewish people is a way of reciprocating the blessings we’ve received.
We are instructed to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalms 122:6). This command is unique, as Jerusalem is the only city the Bible specifically tells us to pray for. Genesis 12:3 further underscores this with a divine promise: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” These words are as vital today as they were in ancient times.
God’s promises are eternal. He does not abandon them, nor does He abandon us. As Romans emphasizes, we are to be active in our concern for the welfare of the Jewish people. Silence makes us complicit. We share values with the Jewish people—values of liberty, personal responsibility, and the free market, which are unique in the Middle East. Israel stands as a beacon of these values, allowing Christians to worship and live in peace.
The Spiritual Battle Against Antisemitism
Antisemitism is more than just a social or political issue; it is a spiritual battle. Many have asked, “Why do people hate Jews?” The answer lies in the spiritual realm. Antisemitism is a manifestation of a deeper spiritual sickness. Throughout history, there has been a concerted effort to thwart God’s plan, and this often involves the Jewish people. From Pharaoh to Hitler, those who sought to destroy the Jews were also those who denied God.
In Genesis, we see the beginning of this struggle: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This enmity has played out through history, with the Jewish people often at the center of this cosmic battle. Yet, despite these attempts to annihilate them, God’s plan prevails.
The covenants made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not just historical promises but living, enduring commitments. God’s plan for the Jewish people includes being a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6), and this plan continues despite all efforts to thwart it. Even during their darkest times, such as the Egyptian and Persian exiles, God preserved His people.
The story of Hanukkah is a powerful reminder of God’s protection. Despite Antiochus Epiphanes’ efforts to force the Jews to abandon their faith, God granted them victory. This festival symbolizes the endurance of the Jewish spirit and God’s unwavering support.
God’s covenants are irrevocable. Israel is described as “the apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10), “His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6), and “God’s firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22). His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continue through history, reaching their fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1).
The Holocaust’s horrors underscored the urgency for the Jewish state’s rebirth. Just three years after World War II, Israel declared independence, a testament to God’s enduring promise. Despite overwhelming odds, Israel has thrived, fulfilling prophecies and standing as a symbol of redemption.
A Call to Action
As Christians who love Israel, we must recognize the spiritual and historical context of antisemitism. Rabbi Jacob Emden’s words resonate deeply: “By my life, the survival of the Jewish people in this exile is a greater miracle than the Splitting of the Sea.” Despite centuries of persecution, the Jewish people have endured, a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Our role is clear. We must stand against antisemitism in all its forms. We must pray for Israel, support its people, and speak out against hate. By doing so, we honor God’s covenants and participate in His divine plan. Our faith calls us to action, and our love for Israel compels us to defend it. Let us rise to this biblical duty with courage and conviction, knowing that we are blessed as we bless the people of Israel.