Bible verse about Israel being attacked
Israel has faced attacks and threats throughout its history. As God’s chosen people, Israel’s safety and security are discussed at length in the Bible. There are a number of verses that specifically reference future attacks against Israel.
Old Testament Verses About Attacks on Israel
The Old Testament contains many prophecies about Israel being attacked by its enemies. These verses foretold events that would happen hundreds or thousands of years later.
Zechariah 12:9
“On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.”
This verse refers to a future time when God will destroy any nation that attacks Jerusalem and the land of Israel. It shows God’s commitment to protecting His chosen people.
Zechariah 14:2
“I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped…”
This prophecy foretells a future attack on Jerusalem when enemy nations will gather together to wage war. It is a distressing verse implying terrible atrocities.
Ezekiel 38:18-23
“This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord…I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed…I will pour down torrents of rainfall, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.”
This passage describes a future attack led by “Gog” where God uses natural disasters to defend Israel and defeat its enemies. It shows God fighting on behalf of His people.
Modern State of Israel Verses
Other verses refer to attacks on the modern state of Israel reestablished in 1948. These references are open to interpretation.
Luke 21:20
“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.”
Some believe this verse and the surrounding verses refer to future attacks on Israel that will happen closer to the end times. The specifics, however, require deeper study.
Zechariah 14:1-3
“A day of the Lord is coming, Jerusalem, when…I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it…Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.”
Again, this passage may refer to end time attacks on Israel and Jerusalem followed by God stepping in to defend them against their enemies.
Digging Deeper into Possible Interpretations
Interpreting Bible prophesy requires prayer, study, and wisdom. We must approach these verses thoughtfully and with humility. Here are some principles to keep in mind:
Consider Context
We must understand the verses surrounding these prophecies to correctly apply their meaning. Taking a single verse out of context can lead to misinterpretation.
Bible Commentaries
Consulting reputable Bible commentaries can help shed light on the original intent and meaning of each verse. They examine the historical context and related scripture.
Different Perspectives
Sincere Bible scholars hold differing positions on how literally to take these prophecies. Consider different Christian perspectives before firming your own conclusions.
Watch Global Events
Keeping up with current events in Israel and the Middle East can reveal how modern conflicts tie into Biblical prophecy. However, exercise caution before making definitive declarations.
Israel’s Enemies in Bible Prophecy
Several nations are referenced by name as part of prophecies about attacks on Israel:
Babylon
Jeremiah 51:25: “I am against you, you destroying mountain, you who destroy the whole earth,” declares the Lord. “I will stretch out my hand against you; I will roll you off the cliffs and make you a burned-out mountain.”
Babylon refers both to the ancient Babylonian Empire and symbolic references to Israel’s end times enemies.
Persia
Ezekiel 38:5: “Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets…”
Persia corresponds to modern day Iran which continues to threaten to destroy the state of Israel.
Gog and Magog
Ezekiel 38:2: “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal…”
There is speculation about the specific modern nations represented by Gog and Magog. Russia is one possibility that is discussed among some scholars.
Of course, we cannot say with certainty which current countries will participate in future attacks. We must avoid jumping to conclusions not firmly rooted in Scripture.
Trusting God to Protect Israel
While these verses highlight terrifying threats against Israel, they also affirm God’s steadfast commitment to His chosen nation.
We can take comfort knowing the safest place in the world is being at the center of God’s will. Israel continues to dwell in the very land God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
No weapon formed against Israel shall ultimately prosper so long as they trust and obey the Almighty (Isaiah 54:17). We must continue praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) while taking refuge in the promises of God.
Israel’s Role in the End Times
Most Bible scholars agree Israel playing a pivotal role in end time events. Several prophesies specify what will happen to Israel just prior to Jesus Christ returning.
Regathering of the Jews to Israel
After centuries of exile and diaspora, the Bible foretold of the Jewish people returning en masse to Israel in the final days:
Ezekiel 34:13: “I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and will bring them into their own land.”
This began substantially in the late 1800s and continues today with over 6 million Jews living in Israel once again.
Enemies Surrounding Jerusalem
End time Scripture references Israel being surrounded and attacked by enemy nations. However, God promises to be Israel’s defender:
Zechariah 12:8-9: “On that day the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem…On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.”
We must watch closely for these unfolding prophecies while avoiding sensationalist predictions not clearly spelled out in the Bible.
All Nations Turn Against Israel
Unfortunately, antisemitism appears to be proliferating globally even among historically strong Christian nations:
Zechariah 12:3: “On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.”
This isolation of Israel aligns with end times prophecy of God alone defending Israel against the entire world.
Of course, Christians must always stand with Israel against threats to its existence. However, the Bible warns even professing Christians will turn away from – or against – God’s chosen people in the final days according to Revelation.
We must self-reflect on our own attitudes while advocating for Israel as Scripture commands.
Two-Thirds in Israel Will Perish
One of most tragic end time prophecies involves a severe loss of life among Jewish inhabitants of Israel:
Zechariah 13:8: “And it shall come to pass in all the land, says the Lord, that two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one–third shall be left in it.”
The specifics are not fully understood but it implies another holocaust-like scenario happening in Israel prior to the return of Christ.
Despite widespread slaughter, God promises to bring a remnant of Israel through who will ultimately accept Jesus as Messiah at his Second Coming.
Israel will Trample Invading Armies
After intense persecution, the Bible prophesies a reversal of fortunes for Israel’s enemies leading up to the Lord’s return:
Ezekiel 39:3-4: “I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you.”
Though the immediate future looks bleak, we can take hope in God’s ultimate victory on Israel’s behalf against invading armies.
Preparing Our Hearts and Minds
In these divisive times, we must open our eyes without losing our balance. We should refrain from viewing current events solely through an end times lens.
Let us embrace God’s promises while avoiding blanket judgements against particular ethnicities or nationalities. Likewise, we must separate true Bible scholarship from amateur prognostications surrounding headliner news stories.
Most importantly, we must ground our study of prophesy in prayer while maintaining an attitude of grace, wisdom and truth.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
