The Biblical Perspective
The Bible makes it crystal clear that in the end times, the Jewish people will be regathered to their homeland in unbelief (Isaiah 11:10-12), their state will be re-established (Isaiah 66:7-8), and they will reoccupy their historic capital of Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:7-8). In His last discourse to His disciples, Jesus said that one of the key end time signs that would point to His return would be the return of Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem (Luke 21:24).
The Hebrew prophet, Zechariah, also foresaw that the claim of the Jewish people on both their land and Jerusalem would be disputed by the Gentile nations of the world. He prophesied that the whole world would come against Israel (Zechariah 12:2-3).
Ever since the re-establishment of the State of Israel in May of 1948, the nation has been the focal point of world politics, and the status of Jerusalem has been the center of the controversy. The United Nations originally wanted to internationalize the city. The Vatican has laid claim to it. The Arabs demand that they be given exclusive sovereignty over it. The European Union, joined today by the UN, wants to divide it between the Jews and the Arabs.
President Trump’s act of recognition has inflamed the debate and the hatreds that are rooted in Satanic anti-Semitism. In that regard, his action has led to a partial fulfillment of Zechariah 12:2-3, but not to its complete fulfillment.
The fulfillment of the prophecy must await the day when all the nations of the world, including the United States, turn against Israel. That reality portends two possibilities: 1) That Trump will ultimately reverse course, or 2) That his successor will do so.
Future Relations with Israel
What could cause Trump to turn against Israel? His pride in being the ultimate deal maker. He believes he can negotiate a peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Like all presidents before him, he will quickly discover that the Palestinians have no real interest in peace. They will remain intransigent, refusing to make any concessions — refusing, in fact, even to recognize the existence of Israel.
When Trump hits this brick wall, he will most likely do what his predecessors have done. He will start putting the heat on the Israeli leaders, arguing that they owe it to him to make major concessions, such as surrendering half of Jerusalem. And when the Israelis dig in their heels and refuse to budge, it is likely the Great Deal Maker will turn his wrath on them.
The other possibility, and the most likely one, is that any liberal Democrat succeeding Trump will pick up where Obama left off in his zeal to undermine the Jewish state. Remember that Obama interfered in Israel’s elections in an attempt to defeat Netanyahu. He engineered a UN resolution condemning Israel’s right to any of the so-called “occupied territories.” And he conspired behind the back of Israel to make a deal with Israel’s number one enemy, Iran — a deal that is enabling Iran to continue with the development of nuclear power. And all the while, Obama was mouthing support of Israel!
Israel’s Future
Some dark days lie ahead for Israel, but the Bible says, “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). It also says that in the end times Israel will be like David against Goliath and that the nations that come against Israel will be destroyed (Zechariah 12:8-9).
And there is a prophecy that should stand as a sober warning to our nation. It is contained in Joel 3:2. This prophecy states that any nation in the end times that gets involved in trying to divide the land of Israel will suffer the judgment of the Lord.
So, pray for President Trump to stand firm in his support of Israel, and pray for his eyes to be opened to the spiritual realities behind the political facade.
We know God hears our prayers, and although prophecy will be fulfilled as written, we who pray are also seen by God to our innermost being; and, when it’s done in the name of Jesus, which is for the glory of The Father, the sincerity will be reckoned as righteousness — so at least two things are happening when we pray for Israel. Notwithstanding, God does answer prayer, which He foreknew before the creation of the world.