The Enduring Land Promise
Earlier this week, our Australian Government announced it will formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Hamas – a designated terrorist group – praised Albanese’s decision. We are on a deeply dangerous path that will further embolden the hostility we are witnessing towards the Jewish people in our nation. It also sends a dangerous message: that terrorism and antisemitism – including the tragic events of October 7 – pay off.
The Jewish people’s establishment in the land, despite centuries of opposition, should give caution to the nations that now rise against them. Despite modern claims to the contrary, God’s land promise to Israel is unconditional. That is why the many empires throughout history who have sought to conquer and divide the land have ultimately been overthrown themselves. While cycles of exile and return have unfolded through history, the LORD has always maintained His commitment to restoration (Deut. 4:25-31) – one not dependent on human strength, but God’s own faithfulness. As such, the land should not just concern Jewish people, but believers all around the world.
The Unconditional Promises to Abraham and David
In Genesis 12:2–3, God called Abraham to leave his father’s house and go to a land that He would show him and promised to make Abraham into a great nation. This was confirmed in Genesis 15, when God “cut” a covenant with Abraham, promising that his physical descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. During the covenant ceremony, God alone passed between the animal halves while Abraham was in a deep sleep. God’s unilateral act signified that this promise depended solely on Him. The covenant is therefore unconditional and will come to pass, regardless of Israel’s actions. God later reaffirmed this covenant to Isaac, the son of the promise, and with his son Jacob – the patriarchs of Israel (Gen. 26:2-5; 28:13-15).
Later, the Davidic covenant built upon the Abrahamic covenant, adding a royal dimension and the foundations for the messianic kingdom to be established from the land. God promised David that his descendant would one day establish an eternal kingdom from his throne (2 Samuel 7:10-17). The prophets linked this coming Davidic king with Israel’s final restoration, indicating that the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant will coincide with the Messiah’s literal, earthly reign from Jerusalem (Jer. 23:5; 33:15-16; Isa. 9:6-7; Ezek. 37:15-28).
The Land In The New Covenant
Many Christians today associate the New Covenant primarily with Jesus’ first coming and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those who believe in Him. However, it often overlooked that this was a very Jewish idea and one connected to the land, and that the Hebrew prophets spoke of a final consummation of the New Covenant coinciding with restoration to the land – fulfilling both the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants.
In the foundational New Covenant promise in Jeremiah 31:31-33, God vows to one day write the law on the hearts of the people of Israel. In parallel, Ezekiel 36:24–29 connects this giving of a new heart of flesh and a new Spirit with the Jewish people being regathered into the land promised to their ancestors. Thus, while Christians already experience the blessings of the New Covenant – salvation through Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit – its ultimate fulfilment is still future: when the Spirit is poured upon Israel, accompanied by their full national restoration to the land and a messianic era of peace.
It’s no wonder, then, that Satan is so intent on opposing the Jewish people’s presence in the land: their restoration is a key step toward the fulfillment of the New Covenant, the return of Messiah, and ultimately, Satan’s defeat.
It’s no wonder, then, that Satan is so intent on opposing the Jewish people’s presence in the land: their restoration is a key step toward the fulfillment of the New Covenant, the return of Messiah, and ultimately, Satan’s defeat.
Judgement For Mistreatment of God’s Land
Given the importance of the land to God’s redemptive purposes – and that it ultimately belongs to Him (Lev 25:23)- there are consequences for its mismanagement. Scripture is clear: this is God’s land, and He commands that it be treated with reverence. Christians should thus be weary of efforts to unjustly divide the land. Joel 3:1–3 pronounces judgment on nations that divide God’s land and mistreat His people. Ezekiel 36:5 condemns nations that seize the land with “utter contempt.” Numbers 35:33-34 warns against polluting the land through bloodshed. Unfortunately, the divisions that are being proposed now – under the current corrupt, terror-enabling regimes – risk doing just that.
Given all this, we must continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6), seek to understand the central role of the land in God’s redemptive plan, and recognise the relevance of the land to our faith in the present day.
Take a look at these related articles.
A Divine Covenant Unfolding
Dividing The Promised Land
Recognition of Palestinian Statehood
ICEJ recently issued a formal statement regarding the Australian Government’s unfortunate decision to recognise Palestinian statehood. We ask that you continue to pray that our government would reverse course at the current special session of the UN General Assembly, where Australia and numerous other nations are anticipated to vote for recognition.
Email us NOW and help us stand with our Jewish community
connect@icej.org.au
Rebuilding The Kibbutz Be'eri Children's Centre
For the 1200-plus residents of Be’eri, it was devastating. Over 120 houses were destroyed, 132 members were killed or kidnapped, including 51 elderly residents, some of whom are still not released. Most homes were destroyed by fire, and the others were pillaged and robbed. Thirteen public buildings were destroyed and desecrated. One was a key building that was part of the Children’s Education Centre.
On October 7, terrorists took over the Children’s Centre – it was a strategic act. They knew it included the heaviest fortified missile protected buildings in the centre of the community. One of the most heroic battles took place between the medical centre and the kindergarten, lasting for 7 hours.
Your TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation will help to rebuild lives and communities with safe, inhabitable areas for generations to come.
Partner with ICEJ and donate to this incredible outreach project today.
Join Us For The Feast Of Tabernacles
This year’s Feast will be held from 6-13 October 2025.
This years 4 day package of Feast events in Jerusalem is being offered for our
lowest price ever at only $120USD. More packages available on our registration page. Secure your spot now!
Word From Jerusalem
The Sept/Oct Word From Jerusalem is now available and features a range of incredible insights and letters straight from the desks of ICEJ officials. In this edition, ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler shares on “Seeds of Displacement: The Earliest Form of Replacement Theology”in our pages, covering various teaching excerpts from the recent Nicaea Teaching series, “Nicaea Revisited: Recovering the Jewish Roots of Christian Faith.”
Word From Jerusalem
Embrace a 4-day journey of worship, biblical teaching, and community.
Over the course of the Kingdom Festival, you will encounter heart pounding worship for all generations, powerful teaching on the end-times, feast fulfilment, and kingdom clarity.
Speakers include: David Pellowe, Sandra Godde, Greg Cumming,
Kyal Cumming, Natasha Cumming, Dr Tas Walker
Biblical and Prophetic Teachings
Watch this webinar to learn more about Israel’s failure to take possession of its inheritance in Gaza ever since the time of Samson with ICEJ Senior Vice President and Spokesman David Parsons.
Praying For Israel
With the constant threat of attack, the rising witness of Antisemitism globally and the devastation left behind in the lives of so many across Israel – now is the time to gather in prayer and uplift the nation of Israel.
If you would like to be part of ICEJ’s global 24/7 prayer,
click below to join the Australian prayer watch each
Tuesday 2pm-3pm or Wednesday 7am-8am (AEDT).
Blessings,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
