During this time when the issue of Israel and the Land is at the forefront of the world’s attention, when the world argues the Jewish people’s legitimate right to the Land of Israel, when terms such as “Occupied Land” and “West Bank” are being tossed around, we followers of the Messiah — those who believe in and follow the Word of God — must understand the importance of the Land in God’s covenant with Abraham; there is an inextricable link between God’s promises to Abraham, his son Isaac, and the Land:

“And the LORD appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you. “Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath, which I swore to your father Abraham. “And I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws.” Genesis 26:2-5

In the verses above, the Lord repeats His promises, which He originally made with Abraham, to Isaac; He tells Isaac to stay in the Land that He promised to his father, Abraham. But there is an interesting addition to this promise in the form of an oath, which God swore to Abraham.

The word of God is very clear about His promises. The fact is that God cannot renege on His promises… this would make Him a liar! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). There are many who claim to be followers of the God of Abraham who say that the Land of Israel today is not the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies and is in no way connected to the promises that God made to Abraham. That is tantamount to saying that God is not true to His promises!

“So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

As we can see in the wonderful words of Isaiah, the Word of God will not return to Him empty; God is faithful to His promises, and as we see in Genesis 26, it is not just a promise, but an oath which God Himself swore.

My brothers and sisters, I believe that God is sending us a very clear message! Let us embrace the fullness of His promises and stop denying His everlasting faithfulness.

Shabbat Shalom,

Moran