ISRAEL

“For whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye. I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me.”

Zechariah 2:9

The first question is whether this is still valid today in regards to the Nation of Israel. Has God changed His mind or changed his stance to His people in the NT in any way?

The apple in this context refers to the pupil of the eye, the most sensitive and precious part of the eye. In ancient Hebrew, the word for apple can be understood as pupil. The metaphor, therefore, conveys a sense of tenderness, care, and close protection. Just as a person instinctively guards and protects their eye, God is portrayed as offering a similar level of protection and care for Israel. This phrase emphasizes God's special love for Israel, reaffirming Israel's status as a cherished and beloved nation, one that has been chosen for His purposes to receive his blessings and to be a light to the nations. This verse used here refers to the protection God will give to Israel during times of danger, with the idea that anyone who harms Israel is harming something that is precious to God and will face judgment. It declares God's special protection for them.

Does that mean we agree with everything that Israel is doing in Gaza at the moment? Absolutely no, of course not. We pray for both the Palestinian’s and Israel. Remember, most of the Jews are agnostic, but God has regathered them back to the land God promised to them and to bring His salvation to them. They are been grafted back into the vine as the true branches. Remember, we always need to have God's perspective in His revealed will in His word, not man's, politicians', media, etc. Remember, Jesus said He will not return again to Jerusalem until they welcome Him as their Messiah. That means the Jews will not be going anywhere until the 2nd coming of Jesus our Lord. Pray that God's salvation will be poured out upon the Jews and the Palestinian’s.