The concept of protecting Israel is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's covenantal relationship with the nation of Israel and His promises to safeguard them. This theme is woven throughout the Scriptures, highlighting both divine protection and the responsibilities of Israel and its leaders.

Divine Protection

God's promise to protect Israel is a recurring theme in the Bible. In Genesis 12:3, God tells Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." This foundational promise underscores God's commitment to Israel's welfare and His intention to use Israel as a conduit of blessing to the world.

The Psalms frequently echo this assurance of divine protection. Psalm 121:4-5 states, "Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand." This imagery of God as a vigilant guardian reassures Israel of His constant watchfulness and care.

Covenantal Promises

The covenantal relationship between God and Israel is central to understanding the divine protection promised to the nation. In Exodus 19:5-6, God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This covenant establishes Israel as a unique nation under God's protection, contingent upon their faithfulness to His commandments.

Historical Examples

Throughout Israel's history, the Bible records numerous instances of divine intervention to protect the nation. In Exodus 14, God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army. This event is a powerful demonstration of God's protective power and His commitment to deliver His people from danger.

Similarly, in 2 Kings 19, during the reign of King Hezekiah, God delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God sends an angel who strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, showcasing His ability to protect Israel against overwhelming odds.

Prophetic Assurance

The prophets also speak of God's enduring protection over Israel. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures Israel, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness." This prophetic promise emphasizes God's unwavering support and His role as Israel's protector.

Role of Leaders

While divine protection is a central theme, the Bible also highlights the role of Israel's leaders in safeguarding the nation. Leaders like Moses, Joshua, and David are depicted as instruments through whom God enacts His protective plans. Their faithfulness and obedience to God's commands are crucial in ensuring the nation's security.

In 1 Samuel 17, David's victory over Goliath is not only a testament to his courage but also to his reliance on God's protection. David's declaration, "The battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47), reflects his understanding that true protection comes from God.

Eschatological Protection

The Bible also speaks of a future time when God will protect Israel in a definitive and eschatological sense. In Zechariah 12:8-9, it is prophesied, "On that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." This prophecy points to a time when God's protection will be fully realized, and Israel will be secure from all threats.

Conclusion

The theme of protecting Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenantal promises. Through divine intervention, prophetic assurance, and the leadership of faithful individuals, the Bible presents a comprehensive picture of how God has, and will continue to, protect His chosen people.Hosea 11:8
How shall I give you up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver you, Israel? how shall I make you as Admah? how shall I set you as Zeboim? my heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
Topicalbible.org

Deuteronomy 28:1-68
And it shall come to pass, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of the LORD your God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth:
Topicalbible.org

Israel the Beloved
... For example, the first one, of safe dwelling, reappears in verse 28 in reference
to Israel; the second one, of God's protecting covering, is extended to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/israel the beloved.htm

The Angel of Death
... Therefore when Kenkenes bore witness, by his stature, that he was the protecting
Egyptian, and by his testimony concerning the God of Israel, that he was worthy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xli the angel of.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles
... This feast was not only the harvest thanksgiving, but the memorial of God's
protecting care over Israel in the wilderness. In commemoration ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 49 at the feast.htm

A Path in the Sea
... side which was cloud was turned to the pursuers; that which was light, to Israel. ...
we can feel that it must have taken some trust in God's protecting hand to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

Jeroboam
... was a sign of God's displeasure at the abomination that was being wrought in Israel. ...
them their commission gives them also the assurance of His protecting care ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

The Third Kingdom
... is Israel's King, and rules as King. God fulfils His regal office by spiritually
and physically bringing the nation into existence; by protecting, regulating ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the third kingdom.htm

Carmel
... monarch of Israel, the prophets of Baal, the men of war, and the surrounding thousands.
But Elijah is not alone. Above and around him are the protecting hosts ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 11 carmel.htm

'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
... When the harvest of the third year was gathered in, then Israel would know that
the ... His honour is involved in protecting us if we enter into the strong city of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/he uttered his voice the.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather ...
operations of divine grace have been kind to His servants, protecting them at ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

Instructed in the Law of God
... Yet even here was evidence of the sin of Israel. ... They saw that it was because of
a departure from God that His protecting care had been withdrawn and that the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 56 instructed in the.htm

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