The ink hardly dried on our previous three posts (Not a Fan of the 20-Point Plan, A Biblical View of the 20-Point Plan and Whose Side are They On?) and we get this headline: Trump warns Israel that annexation threatens US support. Though the intended focus on the subject was only 1-2 days, here we are again with yesterday’s news that causes even further doubt about the plan.

For Biblical context, per the Abrahamic Covenant, Israel is God’s chosen land and the Jewish people are uniquely called. (Genesis 12, 15, 17, for starters) Because we (believers) have been offered salvation through our “grafting in” to the Olive tree – Israel (Romans 11), we have specific obligations to support, stand, care for and pray for Israel. (Isaiah 40:1, Ezekiel 33, Isaiah 62, Psalm 122, as examples) In fact, there are very specific warnings for all, including nations, who stand against Israel. Here are two such warnings:

I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you [Israel] all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
~Genesis 12:3

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.
~Joel 3:2

It is Joel 3:2 that concerns me most when it comes to how the US administration is handling the peace plan. In it, the prophet warns that those nations who scatter the Jewish people and/or divide up their land will face judgment…and I believe it will be severe, based on the full context of God’s Word concerning the treatment of His special land and people.

Now Trump threatens to pull support of Israel if they attempt to annex the West Bank! (ie – if they attempt to bring back under control what is theirs to begin with!)

First, let’s clarify what the West Bank really is. The area is called Judea and Samaria in Scripture. It is the “Biblical heartland” where much of ancient Israeli history occurred. For example, Shiloh (where the tabernacle rested) is in Samaria; Bethlehem is in Judea; Nazareth is in Samaria; Jesus met the woman at the well in Samaria; the Good Samaritan was from Samaria; Jacob’s well is in Samaria; Mount Gerizim (mount of blessing) is in Samaria; Abraham and Jacob both built altars at Shechem in Samaria; following Babylonian exile, Jews returned to Judea; Jesus frequently ministered in Judea; and many early churches were established in Judea. This is where the accounts of the patriarchs unfolded, and this is truly the heartland of Israel’s faith and history.

The so-called West Bank is technically Jewish land but has been the focus of many ill-advised treaties throughout history, including the horrific Oslo Accords which granted authority for the Palestinian Authority to establish a degree of authority there. It immediately increased tensions, and Israel has been forced to defend itself from terrorist enemies within her own borders.

Now, Trump is apparently making it clear to Israel that if they attempt to annex that territory (due to constant terrorist threats), the US will cease support of Israel.

I now point your attention back to Joel 3. US…wake up! The quickest, easiest way to fall under God’s judgment is to scatter the people or divide the land of Israel. Hands off! Allow Israel to do what Israel believes they need to do regarding Judea and Samaria. The land was promised by God and legally belongs to them.

Trump says he will not allow Israel to annex because “I gave my word to the Arab states.” (Bad move!)

You decide which is most important: appeasing Arab states or standing on the right side of Joel 3:2? Hold tight to your Anchor (Jesus Christ), my friends. America once cherished its Judeo-Christian heritage and we enjoyed the hand of God’s blessing for decades. However, America has slid from its foundation. But for the remnant of believers, America would be a pagan nation. True, President Trump has been the most pro-Israel president in history, but should the US now turn against Israel, God’s hand of blessing on our country will almost assuredly be lifted altogether.

We may be experiencing a political revival, but what we need is a spiritual revival in which we turn back to God’s Word and heed His warnings. But revival doesn’t start in the White House or the statehouse…it starts in our house. Be about the Father’s business, my friends!