The US Is Ending Military Aid to Israel. What Does the Bible Say About Standing With Israel?

By Dr. Layne McDonald

The Bible calls God's people to bless Israel, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and to remember that God has not turned away from His people. When nations change their plans, our calling does not change. We pray, we bless, and we ask God to protect every life in that land.

What happened

President Trump said in a Fox News interview on election day that the United States will end roughly 4 billion dollars a year in military aid to Israel by the end of this year.

Reports say the timeline came from an agreement reached with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu months ago. Still, reports also say the speed of it caught Israeli officials off guard.

This story is still developing. Plans can change, and more details may come out in the days ahead. What we know today is the announcement itself, and that leaders on both sides are now working out what comes next.

News like this can stir strong feelings. Some hear it as a wise step. Others hear it as a worrying one. As Christians, our first response is not to argue. Our first response is to go back to what God has said.

What does the Bible say?

In Genesis 12:3, God spoke to Abraham and said, "I will bless those who bless you." God's promise to Abraham and his family still shapes how we treat Israel today. Blessing is not a political word. It is a Bible word. It means we speak well, we pray, and we wish God's good on His people.

Psalm 122:6 tells us plain what to do. It says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Prayer is the standing order for God's people when it comes to that city and that land. We pray for peace, for safety, and for hearts to turn to God.

In Romans 11:1-2, Paul asks if God has rejected His people, and he answers clearly that He has not. God keeps His promises. His love for Israel has not ended.

At the same time, God loves every person. We pray for peace and safety for all peoples in the region, Jew and Arab alike. Every life there is precious to God. A Christian can bless Israel and still weep for every child, every mother, and every family in danger, on every side.

How does a Christian go about this?

We pray first. We bless with our words. We refuse fear and we refuse hate. We let the Bible, not the loudest voice, set our hearts.

Put it into practice

• Pray today for the peace of Jerusalem, just as Psalm 122 tells us to do.

• Pray for protection for every family in the region, Jew and Arab alike.

• Speak blessing, not cursing, when Israel comes up in your talks today.

• Read Genesis 12 and Romans 11 slowly, and let God's own words steady you.

• Do not share news about this story until you know it is true and confirmed.

• Thank God that His promises do not change when the plans of nations change.

Carry this with you

Friend, governments make plans, and plans shift. God's Word does not shift. He still calls us to bless, to pray, and to love people. So today, lift up Jerusalem in prayer. Lift up every family in that region. And rest in this: the God who keeps His promises is keeping you too.

Questions people ask

Does standing with Israel mean I cannot care about Arab families?

No. God loves every person, and so should we. We can bless Israel, pray for Jerusalem, and still pray with a full heart for Arab families, for their safety, and for peace for all. God's heart is big enough, and ours can be too.

What can I do when I feel too small to matter in world events?

Pray. Prayer is not a small thing. God hears the prayers of His people, and He works through them in ways we may never see. Your quiet prayer today is real work in the kingdom of God.

Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.