Too Legit to Split
Too Legit to Split: The Danger of a “Two-State Solution”
With whom do you stand? This very simple question is one that becomes incredibly explosive when inquiring about the legitimacy of the existence of the modern State of Israel, especially as it pertains to defining its geographic borders. Ever since its reestablishment on May 14th, 1948, when Israel’s leading founding father, David Ben-Gurion, formally proclaimed the existence of the modern State of Israel, and being confirmed just eleven minutes later by US President Harry S. Truman, the legitimacy of Israel’s existence has been continually challenged. From day one, the Jewish nation has had to fight for and defend its sovereignty when it was attacked by surrounding Arab nations in what is known as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Today, over seventy years later, not a lot has changed.
In the aftermath of the horrific October 7th massacre by the Hamas terrorist organization in 2023 and the ensuing war between Israel and Gaza that has persisted ever since, calls for a “two-state solution” have ramped up from nations around the world longing for peace in the Middle East. Increasingly, countries across the globe are taking bolder steps intended to ramp up pressure on Israel to divide their land so that an official Palestinian state may be formally recognized by the international community. Such steps include a recent United Nations conference held July 28th – July 30th intended to address the “Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the goals of this conference included the reaffirmation of international consensus for the peaceful settlement of “Palestine,” establishment of concrete, timebound resolutions towards implementing a two-state solution, and reinforcement of regional and international cooperation in support of Palestinian statehood. Should these goals be achieved, the result would be an officially recognized “State of Palestine” comprised of regions known as the West Bank and Gaza, governed by the Palestinian Authority.
Why a Two-State Solution Threatens God’s Promises
The question one ought to ask is whether or not this is a good idea. Increasingly, it seems that many would respond by saying, “Yes! The world needs a globally recognized nation of Palestine to achieve peace in the Middle East.” Such a response implies support for, solidarity with, and favorability towards the claims of the “Palestinian” people’s rights to the land. At the same time, it communicates an opposing stance against Israel’s entitlement to the geographic territory. Growing support to split the land is quite apparent when considering the issuance of “The New York Declaration” stemming from the recent UN meeting. Signed by the 22 countries of the Arab League, the European Union (consisting of 27 nations), and 17 other member-states, the New York Declaration demands the implementation of the “two-state solution,” which includes dividing the city of Jerusalem to allow the creation of “East Jerusalem” as the future capital of Palestine. Despite the United States’ condemnation of the Declaration, support for dividing the land appears to be growing among the American population, even among those claiming to be politically conservative. Included among these are prominent media personalities, Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, historically staunch conservatives, who have taken surprisingly hostile stances towards Israel, Owens going so far as calling Israel a “demonic state.”
The Biblical Case for Israel’s Land Ownership
While the numbers may be growing for those who stand in support of a two-state solution, they would do well to inquire, “Where does God stand on this issue?” Many would be surprised to learn that this is not a subject on which God is silent; on the contrary, this is a matter in which God is greatly interested, fiercely passionate, and outspokenly vocal. His track record of standing in support of Israel traces all the way back to the days of Abram when He promised to make him a “great nation,” speaking of the future kingdom of Israel that would come from his lineage (Ge. 12:2).
The fulfillment of this promise began with God guiding Abram “To the land which I will show you,” ultimately leading him to settle in the land known at the time as Canaan (Ge. 12:1,12). Included in this promise, God vowed to bless those that bless him (that is, the nation descended from him), and curse those who curse him (Ge. 12:3). More specifically, God clarified to Abram, “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates (Ge. 15:18).” This is part of the promise known as the “Abrahamic Covenant.” Reconfirming this promise, God declared that the land of Canaan was to be an everlasting possession, thus establishing His pledge as irrevocable (Ge. 17:8).
Scripture is clear that God’s vow to make a great nation from Abraham’s descendants began with his son Isaac (Ge. 21:12), carried to his grandson, Jacob (Ge. 25:23, Mal. 1:2-3), and was ultimately perpetuated through Jacob’s children and their progeny. Jacob’s name was changed by God to “Israel” after wrestling with God to obtain His blessing (Ge. 32:28). Then, after Israel and his sons fled to Egypt to escape a severe famine, it was God Himself who delivered and led the children of Israel back out by a pillar of fire and smoke, using His servant, Moses, and then Joshua, directing them through the wilderness until their return to the land of Canaan, or “Promised Land” (Ex. 6:8). Despite God’s gift of this land to Israel as an everlasting possession, from the beginning He predicted future periods when He would permit the people to be driven out by foreign nations due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness toward Him. Yet, even after being cast out, God still promised to bring back the Jewish people from the ends of the earth to inhabit the land of their fathers (De. 30:4-5).
Israel’s Rebirth in 1948: Proof of Prophecy Fulfilled
Israel’s rebirth in 1948 is a remarkable demonstration of the veracity of God’s promises to the Jewish people regarding their homeland. Through its reestablishment, the world witnessed the first of several prophetic promises beginning to be fulfilled. Among these were God’s declaration to regather His people back into their own land to create a single unified nation (Eze. 37:21-22), its rebirth occurring in a single day (Is. 66:8), and Israel’s regathering in a state of unbelief (Zep. 2:1-2, Eze. 22:17-22). True to His word, the restoration of the geographic land to the people of Israel demonstrates a divine work that only God could accomplish. Considering His uncompromising faithfulness in keeping His promises regarding the land of Israel, those vying for a two-state solution should not overlook God’s warnings about a coming day when He will enter into judgment with all the nations for dividing His land (Joel 3:1-2) and His pledge to severely injure those who try to change or move the boundaries of Jerusalem as if they were lifting a stone (Zec. 12:2-3).
It's admirable that the nations of the world desire peace between Jews and Arabs, but seeking its achievement at Israel’s expense of sacrificing territory given by God will result in heavenly wrath as biblical history bears out. Ultimately, God Himself has declared ownership of the land in the Middle East and has undeniably promised it to the nation of Israel as an everlasting possession. Israel’s rebirth as a modern nation bears witness to God’s faithfulness in keeping His word while at the same time serves as a warning to those who would stand in His way of completing His promises. So really, when it comes to the idea of a two-state solution, it really isn’t a question of whether you stand for or against Israel’s legitimacy; it is a question of whether you support or oppose God.
The Spiritual Consequences of Dividing Jerusalem
Amidst the growing hostility toward Israel from people around the world, even among professing Christians, followers of Jesus who take the Word of God seriously should heed the prophetic warnings to those who would stand against Israel. God has not revoked His warning to curse those who would curse Abraham’s descendants. His threat to severely harm those who would alter Jerusalem’s boundaries also still remains. His looming judgment against nations that will divide the Jewish homeland is yet on the horizon.
Knowing this, we as Christians should be diligent to pray for, support, and bless the nation of Israel. Admittedly, no nation is perfect, and not everything a country does should be condoned; however, God has called the Church to be a witness and example to the Jewish people intended to stir up jealousy in their hearts meant to lead them to Jesus (Ro. 11:11-28). As those who have been entrusted with the good news of the Gospel, Christians should especially desire to demonstrate God’s love toward and proclaim His message of salvation to the Jewish people specifically found in their Messiah, Jesus Christ. But if any success is to be had in achieving this goal, it will come through aligning with God’s heart towards His people and seeking to be a blessing rather than an obstruction.
How Christians Can Support Israel Today
So, what practical steps can you take to bless Israel? First, you can help to educate others who misunderstand or are unaware of what God says in His Word regarding His promises related to the Jewish homeland and the inherent danger that exists in dividing the land. You can point others to the Biblical passages proving the legitimacy of Israel’s claims to the land based on God’s everlasting promises. Secondly, you can exercise discernment when encountering voices in the media who try to stir up animosity and hatred towards the Jewish nation. Thirdly, pray for God’s peace, protection, and provision for Israelis knowing that they live within one of the most hostile regions of the world. For those seeking more tangible means of blessing, you can help to meet practical needs through charitable giving to reputable Christian ministries that partner with the country of Israel. Fourthly, support Israel financially. The divestment movement is intended to defund Israel’s ability to defend itself. I encourage followers of Jesus to purchase Israeli goods, invest in Israeli companies, and to visit Israel. A lot of the economy in Israel is based on tourism. The news is often written to create fear about tourism. Vacationing in Israel is unlike any other location, with its beaches, mountains, culture, and so much more. It is the land of God’s eternal plan of salvation, the land of the Bible, and the land where Jesus will rule and reign. While there, take time to pray for the people. Lastly, and most importantly, look for opportunities to share Christ with friends, neighbors, coworkers, or even family members who are Jewish. The impact of helping a Jewish person embrace Jesus as their Savior may go farther than you can possibly imagine.
In light of everything above, my hope is that you understand the legitimacy of the claim made by the modern nation of Israel to exist in their ancestral lands according to the unchanging promises of God Himself. Standing in the Lord’s way of keeping His promises will prove to be a fateful mistake. So, allow me to ask once more, with whom do you stand?