When the Jewish people began returning to the Land of Israel in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, after nearly two thousand years of dispersion and the horror of the Holocaust, ultimately reestablishing the State of Israel in 1948, which group provided some of the strongest support for the Zionist cause?
1. Religious Jews
2. Scholars and universities
3. The United States
4. Gentile Bible-believing Christians
5. Only themselves
4 is the right answer.
The restoration of Israel involved the efforts of many groups, Jewish pioneers, Zionist leaders, political supporters in various nations, and the survivors of immense persecution. However, one often overlooked fact is the significant role played by Gentile Bible-believing Christians. Long before the establishment of the State of Israel, many Christian students of prophecy believed that the Jewish people would one day return to their ancient homeland in fulfillment of the promises found in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Among those who supported the restoration of Israel were prominent Bible scholars such as E. W. Bullinger, who took a keen interest in biblical prophecy and Israel’s future. This man, who produced great works on end-time prophecies and even lexicons on the original languages, happened to be Herzl’s close friend. In his biography, we learn of Bullinger’s long walks he had with Herzl in Vienna.
Today, a similar phenomenon can be observed. Among the strongest supporters of Israel are many Gentile Bible believers who see the modern State of Israel as part of God’s continuing plan for the Jewish people. Whether one agrees with that interpretation or not, the historical influence of Christian Zionism on the restoration of Israel is difficult to ignore.
Just yesterday, the American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, defied President Trump’s remarks, “Without America, there would be no Israel.” During an International conference on Israeli Heritage in Judea and Samaria, it was Huckabee who reversed the cause and effect. He said, “It is your heritage, without a doubt, but it is also the heritage of the United States. Without Israel, without the Jewish foundation, there would not be America.” A beautiful step of faith, declaring the biblical importance and influence the bible and God have on global matters. Render honor where honor is due.
While the United States was not founded by Jews, it was profoundly shaped by the Scriptures preserved by the Jewish people. America’s founders drew heavily from the Hebrew Bible, and Jewish immigrants were among the many groups who helped build the nation. In that sense, America owes part of its moral and spiritual heritage to Israel and the Jewish people.