The world has much to say about the land, the nation, and the people of Israel.
God's Word has much to say, too.
These are a few of those things:
This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says:
"My love for Mount Zion is passionate and strong;
I am consumed with passion for Jerusalem!
Zechariah 8:2, NLT
overlooking Jerusalem
For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem;
He has desired it for His home.
"This is my resting place forever," He said.
"I will live here, for this is the home I desired.
I will bless this city and make it prosperous
I will satisfy its poor with food.
I will clothe its priests with godliness;
its faithful servants will sing for joy."
Psalm 132:13-16, NLT
inside the Old City of Jerusalem
Because I love Zion,
I will not keep still.
Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem,
I cannot remain silent.
I will not stop praying for her
until her righteousness shines like the dawn,
and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.
Isaiah 62:1, NLT
the Sea of Galilee
It is the LORD who provides the sun to light the day
and the moon and stars to light the night,
and who stirs the sea into roaring waves.
His name is the LORD of Heavens Armies,
and this is what He says,
"I am as likely to reject my people Israel
as I am to abolish the laws of nature!"
This is what the LORD says,
"Just as the heavens cannot be measured
and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored,
so I will not consider casting them away for the evil they have done.
I the LORD have spoken!"
Jeremiah 31:35-37, NLT
one of many beautiful towns in Israel
... the people of Israel... are still the people He loves
because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
For God's gifts and His call can never be withdrawn.
Romans 11:28-29, NLT
the Jordan River
But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you.
O Israel, the One who formed you says,
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are Mine.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
when you go through rivers of difficulty you will not drown.
Isaiah 43:1-2a, NLT
looking out from the Golan Heights
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored and I love you.
Isaiah 43:2b-4, NLT
praying at the Western Wall
But you, O LORD, will sit on your throne forever.
Your fame will endure to every generation.
You will arise and have mercy on Jerusalem -
and now is the time to pity her,
now is the time you promised to help.
For your people love every stone in her walls
and cherish even the dust in her streets.
Psalm 102:12-14, NLT
inside a bunker at the Golan Heights
O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls;
they will pray day and night continually.
Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD.
Give the LORD no rest until He completes His work,
until He makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.
Isaiah 62:6-7, NLT
Jerusalem
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."
Genesis 12:1-3, NLT
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.
For the sake of my brothers and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Psalm 122:6-9, NIV 1984
