Growing up, my favorite part of my school day was the end of morning prayers at my Jewish Day School. Why? Whichever student was in charge of leading prayers that day got to choose the American Patriotic Song, sung at the end of the service. You might ask – why was this so exciting for little fourth-grade me?
I loved the song “God Bless America,” mostly because I loved that America was a “she” and it was always fun to try and harmonize at the end. But on top of my sweet and childish connections to the anthem, there was something incredibly moving about the tune, how regal it sounded, and the knowledge that God was always looking out for the place where I lived. I wish I could tell the nine-year-old version of me that one day, she’d be writing an inspirational article about the importance of God’s Blessings over a land.
But let’s backtrack just a bit!
The composer and lyricist of the famous “God Bless America” was none other than a Russian-born Jewish man named Irving Berlin. Born Israel Beilin in 1888, Berlin fled religious persecution in Russia with his family, arriving in America at the age of five. He grew to embody the American dream, rising from poverty to become one of the greatest songwriters in U.S. history (ever heard of White Christmas? Yup! That’s him!). His journey from a struggling immigrant to a cultural icon mirrors the very promise of America that he celebrated in his music.
Berlin originally wrote “God Bless America” in 1918 while serving in the U.S. Army, but it wasn’t until 1938, as war loomed in Europe, that he revised and published the song. Can you imagine hearing this song as the storm clouds of evil rolled over Europe? Its simple yet powerful lyrics captured the hearts of Americans, expressing gratitude for the nation’s blessings and a prayer for divine guidance.
But I think there’s a deeper meaning – God is indeed blessing the people of America – He is blessing them to stand up for freedom, for justice. There is no place in the world more worthy to share in those values than the land of Israel. The land that God blesses for all time in the Bible.
Interestingly enough, the concept of blessing America is rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in God’s covenant with Abraham.
This promise extends to Abraham’s descendants—the people of Israel.
As Americans, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to align ourselves with this biblical principle. By supporting Israel, we position our nation to receive God’s blessings, just as He promised thousands of years ago.
These prophetic words highlight the spiritual significance of keeping God’s land intact and supporting the nation of Israel. And this can be done by actively supporting the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.
Today, Americans are celebrating their independence. And boy, is it a beautiful thing! Let’s remember that our freedom and prosperity are intertwined with our commitment to supporting those who we believe should share those same freedoms. Just like we are encouraged to pray for Peace in Jerusalem – in the book of Psalms.
By standing with Israel, you’re not just supporting a political ally; we’re fulfilling a spiritual mandate.
I admit we can’t all proclaim our patriotism and religiosity through writing our songs. We’re not all King David’s nor are we Irving Berlins. However, a powerful way to deepen our understanding of God’s plan for Israel and strengthen our support is through dedicated study of the Bible.
And you know that – that’s why you’re here reading this article!
In light of recent challenges to Israel’s existence, it’s more crucial than ever for faith-based communities in America to unite in support of Israel. This support goes beyond political allegiances; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s eternal promises and seeking His blessings for both Israel and America.
As the fireworks light up the sky, today, and the smell of grilled hotdogs and burgers waft over us, let’s remember the deeper meaning behind the words “God Bless America.” Our blessings as a nation are not just for our own benefit but part of a greater divine plan. By standing with Israel, we secure God’s favor and fulfill our role in His ongoing story of redemption.
May God truly bless America, and may we continue to bless Israel by keeping God’s land intact and supporting His chosen people.
A special edition of The Keep God’s Land Israel Bible spearheaded by Keep God’s Land, a coalition of faith leaders committed to defending Israel’s biblical heartland in Judea and Samaria is currently on sale! The Israel Bible is the first of its kind—a Hebrew Bible that uniquely highlights the profound bond between the Land, the People, and the God of Israel.
