This week’s Torah portion known as Lech Lecha contains Genesis 12:3, the foundational Scripture for Christian Zionism.
So many non-Jews read this wonderful verse and conclude that it’s time to start caring more for Israel. This verse is often quoted and many know it by heart, so here are three things to know about Genesis 12:3.
1. I will bless those that bless you – God promises great reward for those who bless, support and assist the Jewish People. Thankfully, in our generation, there are millions upon millions of Christian Zionists who are inspired to stand with Israel in obedience to this verse. There are many ways to bless Israel. You can start by praying for the peace of Jerusalem each day, share your love for Israel with others, and find ways to support the miraculous restoration of the People of Israel in the Land of Israel. If you do even one of these, God promises to bless you!
2. I will curse those that curse you – The second clause of this verse is equally important and a cursory look at those who have cursed Israel proves the veracity of this verse throughout history. One need not to be religious to see that from the Philistines, Assyrians and Babylonians to the Romans, Crusaders, and through the Nazis, God has repeatedly demonstrated that those nations that persecute the Jews will ultimately experience devastation. Anyone concerned about their country’s future must ask, does my government stand with or against Israel?
3. All the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you – While God certainly loves Abraham, He doesn’t promise that Abraham or his family will benefit from this blessing, rather, the nations of the world are to be the true beneficiaries. There is nothing in ancient literature as generous as this. Unlike any other religious community, Israel emerged with a great sense of responsibility to the entire world. Once the world recognizes that instead of condemning or criticizing Israel, that they have so much to gain by supporting and assisting the Jewish State, they will start to see the blessings flow like a river!
- Now that you know these three things, what does Genesis 12:3 mean to you?
