For those of us who believe that the Word of God is the final authority regarding all matters of life, Godliness and indeed the prophetic Word regarding Israel, God’s chosen people, we need not be confused about God’s will regarding the land of Israel and particularly that piece of land known as the West Bank or more correctly as Biblical Judea and Samaria.
The West Bank
The UN and the nations generally, call this area, variously, the West Bank or Palestine and refer to it as ‘occupied’ territory. There was a time when it was called disputed territory, but it seems that is not still the case. How should we view this ‘disputed’ territory as Bible believing Christians?
From the time of Abram receiving the Promise of eternal inheritance as a land defined extending from the Great Sea (Mediterranean) to the Dead Sea and from the river of Egypt to the Great River Euphrates much has taken place. (Genesis 15:18 & Joshua 1:4.)
Israel’s long history in the land cannot be disputed, even though some would try. From Abraham until exile in 70 CE is well over 2000 years of continuous residency in the land not forgetting those who remained during the last 2 millenia.
The scriptures refer to different parts of the land, but I would like to focus on the area known as ‘the mountains of Israel’ also known as Judea and Samaria for thousands of years. This is the area that came to be called the ‘West Bank’ of the Jordan River, but only since 1948 and the War of Independence.
The Mountains of Israel
In Ezekiel 36, we read these words regarding this heartland of Israel….
1 “And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD! 2.Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because the enemy has said of you, ‘Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,’ “ ‘ ……. V8 But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to My people Israel, for they are about to come. 9 For indeed I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown. 10 I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. 11 I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bear young; I will make you inhabited as in former times, and do better for you than at your beginnings. Then you shall know that I am the LORD. 12 Yes, I will cause men to walk on you, My people Israel; they shall take possession of you, and you shall be their inheritance; no more shall you bereave them of children.”
The Settlers
Settlers, so called, in the West Bank area are often depicted as troublemakers and extremists, but in fairness, they are mostly those who take these prophetic Scriptures seriously and are fulfilling God’s prophetic word regarding this specific area. The term ‘settled’ is used in this context in a positive sense, translated in the NKJV as ‘inhabited’ (yashav…bcy). So being a settler is a good thing in God’s eyes. The ‘enemy’, who do not have the prophetic Scriptures to support their claim to this land, do not acknowledge Israel’s right to the rest of the land let alone the West Bank, but continue to harass and even murder those who do. Arab schools in this area teach their children that Israel is the enemy, that they have no part in the land and in fact have school maps that ignore Israel altogether.
God will fulfil His promises to Israel primarily to preserve His Holy Name.
There are many references in scripture to God bringing His people back to their own land in the Last Days, and particularly to this area.
Specific Purchases by the Patriarchs and King David
Shechem, Jerusalem and Hebron are specifically mentioned as sites which were purchased by the Patriarchs and are towns and cities of focus in Judah and Samaria.
Abraham (c.2006 BCE) purchased the Cave of Machpelah and the associated field which is the heart of the Hebron, Kiryat Arba area for 400 pieces of silver. (Genesis 23:16-20)
Jacob (c. 1906 BCE) purchased a portion of land at Shechem (called Nablus by Arabs) for 100 pieces of silver, built an altar to the Lord and called it El Elohe Israel, meaning the Mighty God of Israel. (Genesis 33:19)
King David (c. 1000 BCE), purchased the threshing floor from Ornan for 600 Shekels of gold, which became the heart of Jerusalem and the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. (1 Chronicles 21:25)
Though the land of Israel was promised to the patriarchs in perpetuity regardless, it is interesting to note that these sites most disputed by Israel’s enemies even today were actually purchased by Israel, with the scriptures as the deed of ownership and the God of Israel as witness to the contract and the prices paid.
It is not surprising the God of Israel wanted to bring His people back to their ancient homeland, and particularly the Mountains of Israel in the latter days.
God’s Holy Name
Ezekiel 36 is a most interesting passage of scripture promising the return of Israel, explaining why they had to leave, why God wanted to bring them back and the primary motivation He had to do so…..
V.20-24. ”When they came to the nations (Israel in exile), wherever they went, they profaned My holy name—when they said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, and yet they have gone out of His land.’ But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations wherever they went. “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD,” says the Lord GOD, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.”
This portion of scripture highlights a number of important issues.
- God’s Holy Name was questioned when His people were so disobedient that they had to leave their promised Land.
- God will fulfil His promises to Israel primarily to preserve His Holy Name.
- By restoring His people to the land, God’s Holy name will be preserved as His promises are fulfilled and this will be seen to be by all.
- God is a Covenant keeping God who will not countenance Satan continuing to deceive the nations into believing that Israel’s enemies are the rightful inhabitants of the West Bank… His Holy Name is at stake!
Israel, A Restored People in the Land
V.25-28 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.“
Israel’s tenure of the land is once again to be enhanced by their relationship with God in terms of the New Covenant promised to them through a number of the prophetic writers as quoted above and in Jeremiah 31:31, for example.
This event will be a testimony to the whole world of God’s faithfulness…
When His Holy Name is seen to be Sanctified through Israel!
In Conclusion
I believe that there is a particular man-made plan which God will not tolerate….
The division of the land ie. The ‘Two State’ solution.
Joel 3:1-3 ”For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.“
The simple fact is that those who promote or even agree with this ‘two state’ solution are at odds with God’s will, and will be accountable to Him.
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