There’s a divine principle that begins in Genesis and runs through the entirety of Scripture:
God blesses those who bless Israel.
This is not just a poetic idea or a passing Old Testament promise. It’s a covenant rooted in God’s unchanging nature. When God called Abraham, He not only promised to bless him, but also those who would bless him—and by extension, his descendants.
God’s Everlasting Covenant with Abraham
In Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV), we read:
Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
This divine promise establishes a clear spiritual law:
- Bless Abraham and be blessed.
- Curse Abraham and be cursed.
Abraham’s descendants—the Jewish people—carry this covenant. It has never been revoked. God’s Word does not change. As Numbers 23:19 reminds us:
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.”
This blessing-cursing principle still applies today. Individuals, churches, and nations are either blessed or judged based on how they treat Israel and the Jewish people.
Biblical Examples of Gentile Blessings Through Israel
1️⃣ Joseph: A Jewish Blessing to the Nations
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt. Yet in God’s providence, Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt.
Through divine wisdom, he prepared Egypt for the coming famine. When it arrived, Egypt became the source of grain for many surrounding nations.
Because of one faithful Jewish man, countless Gentiles were spared from starvation. As Genesis 41:57 says:
“So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands.”
The world was blessed through Joseph, one of Abraham’s descendants.
2️⃣ Jesus: Salvation Comes Through the Jews
Jesus affirmed this principle in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well:
“…salvation is of the Jews.” – John 4:22
Every spiritual blessing we have received as Christians—salvation, the Scriptures, the apostles, the prophets—has come through the Jewish people.
Without Israel, there would be no Christianity.
As the apostle Paul says in Romans 11:17-18:
“You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them… do not boast against the branches.”
Gentile believers owe a spiritual debt to Israel.
How Nations Are Blessed by Blessing Israel
America: A Modern Example
One reason America has experienced such blessings, despite its many moral failings, is its historic support for Israel.
- In 1948, under President Harry Truman, the U.S. helped persuade the United Nations to recognize Israel as a nation.
- The U.S. has since provided billions in aid to Israel and defended her in times of war.
- In 2017, under the Trump administration, the U.S. recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital.
- In 2019, the U.S. recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
America’s consistent support of Israel has not gone unnoticed in heaven.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” – Psalm 33:12
While no nation is perfect, God honors those who honor His people.
Blessing the Jews Brings Personal Blessings
1️⃣ Laban Was Blessed Because of Jacob
In Genesis 30:27, Laban tells Jacob:
“Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake.”
Even though Laban had mistreated Jacob, he recognized that God’s blessing followed him.
This is a powerful reminder: When we bless God’s covenant people, we position ourselves to be blessed in return.
2️⃣ Cornelius: The First Gentile Household to Receive the Gospel
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is a striking example of Gentile blessing through honoring Israel.
In Acts 10:2–4, he is described as:
“…a devout man and one who feared God… who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.”
The “people” he blessed were the Jews. Cornelius supported them, and God noticed.
Peter was later sent to preach the Gospel in Cornelius’s house. As Peter preached, the Holy Spirit fell upon them all (Acts 10:44).
Cornelius became the first Gentile to receive the Gospel and the baptism of the Holy Spirit—because he blessed the Jewish people.
What About Israel’s Mistakes?
Supporting Israel doesn’t mean endorsing every decision made by its government. No nation is without fault.
However, supporting Israel’s right to exist and honoring God’s covenant with them is still biblically mandated.
The idea that the Church has replaced Israel (known as Replacement Theology) is not biblical. Romans 11 makes it clear: God is not finished with Israel.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” – Romans 11:29
As Bible teacher Amir Tsarfati puts it:
“The nation of Israel is our insurance policy. If God has abandoned the Jewish people and His covenant with them, what makes us think He won’t abandon the Church?”
How Can We Bless Israel Today?
- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6)
- Support ministries that serve the Jewish people.
- Stand against antisemitism in all its forms.
- Educate others on God’s covenant with Israel.
- Speak the truth about Israel’s biblical and historical right to the land.
Key Takeaway
Blessing Israel is not optional—it’s a biblical principle with eternal consequences.
God’s covenant with Abraham is still in effect, and those who honor it will experience God’s favor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the promise in Genesis 12:3 still valid today?
Yes. God’s promises are eternal. The covenant with Abraham and his descendants has never been revoked (Romans 11:1-2).
Does supporting Israel mean agreeing with everything the Israeli government does?
No. Christians can support Israel’s right to exist and bless the Jewish people without endorsing every political decision.
What’s the difference between modern Israel and biblical Israel?
Biblical Israel refers to the people God chose through Abraham. Modern Israel is the current nation-state. While distinct, they are deeply connected through prophecy and covenant.
How can Christians practically bless Israel?
Through prayer, giving, advocacy, and standing against antisemitism. You can also support ministries that serve Jewish communities and teach biblical truth about Israel.
Has the Church replaced Israel?
No. Romans 11 clearly teaches that God has not rejected Israel. Gentiles have been grafted in, but Israel remains God’s chosen people.
Final Thoughts
If you love Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, you are already spiritually connected to Israel. Let that love overflow into practical support and intentional prayer.
“I will bless those who bless you…” – Genesis 12:3
That promise still stands. And God always keeps His Word.
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Recommended Resource:
Israel and the Church: An Israeli Examines God’s Unfolding Plans for His Chosen Peoples by Amir Tsarfati
As the day of the Lord rapidly draws near, we must appreciate God’s plans for all His people
To truly grasp Bible prophecy, we must first understand how God’s promises to Israel complement His vision for the church. While some believe God has forsaken Israel for the church, this goes against the nature of the faithful Lord we find in Scripture.
In his latest book, native Israeli and bestselling author Amir Tsarfati makes clear what the Bible says about God’s unique master plans for His two chosen groups, Israel and the church. Amir gets to the heart of key questions, such as…
Do the promises God made to the Old Testament nation of Israel still apply to the Jewish people today?
Has God replaced rebellious Israel with the church?
Now that the church exists, does Israel possess a distinct role in the present age?
How are current events in Israel relevant to the church?
What should the church’s attitude be toward Israel?
Israel and the Church provide a fascinating look at all that God has prepared for His two peoples—and why it’s so relevant to us today!
No. This promise was to Abraham, the father of all nations, not to the modern nation of Israel. Your exegesis is incorrect and is endangering those who succumb to your way of thinking.
The promises to Abraham are to the Palestinians also. Remember, Ishmael was also his son by Hagar. The promise given to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus who blesses not one nation but all nations.
Certainly, we are grafted into the people of God, Israel but THIS IS NOT the modern nation of Israel.
Thank you for dropping by and sharing your insights. Although I’m afraid I have to disagree with your stand, I appreciate you voicing it out.
Certainly, the promises of God are not to the Palestinians. First, there was no Palestine when God made His promises to Abraham.
If Israel as we know it today isn’t the original Israel, why is it then that God keeps protecting them from their enemies?
The fact that Israel still exists today proves they are God’s people and God remains faithful to them.
God promised that for as long as the stars and moon continued to give their light, the nation of Israel would continue to exist (Jeremiah 31:35-36; NIV).
Yes, not all Israel today is true Israel (Romans 9:6-8). But there remains a true remnant whom God continues to preserve and protect according to His covenant with them.
It’s this nation of Israel that we have been grafted in.
Shalom!
Amir of Behold Israel we support. Also, One for Israel, which reaches out to the Jews and Arabs in Israel through hundreds of podcasts watched millions of times.
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for stopping by.
I’m glad to know that you are following and supporting Amir Tsarfati and other Messianic Jews.
Let us continue to stand with the nation of Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Shalom! ☺