The Blessing of Abraham: What Scripture Really Says About Israel

unlockthebiblenow
Apr 27
3 min read

By Scott Mitchell | Unlock the Bible Now

The promise made to Abraham in Genesis has long captured the attention of believers and theologians alike. For many, the phrase “blessing of Abraham” has become synonymous with support for the modern nation of Israel. But is that what the Bible actually teaches?

In our latest study, we took a closer look at this widespread assumption — and uncovered something quite different in the Scriptures.

Where the Confusion Begins

Much of the misunderstanding stems from Genesis 12: “I will bless them that bless thee.” This verse is often lifted from its context and used to support a theologAppy that equates modern political Israel with the recipients of Abraham’s covenant. But Scripture makes an important clarification: the promise was made to Abraham and his seed — singular — not to a political nation, but to Christ (Galatians 3:16).

Paul makes it plain in Galatians 3 that those who are in Christ, regardless of ethnicity, are Abraham’s seed and heirs of the promise. This shifts the focus away from national identity and places it squarely on faith in Jesus.

Modern Israel and Prophecy: A Mismatch?

Some argue that the formation of Israel in 1948 was a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. But prophecy concerning Israel’s restoration consistently includes spiritual transformation — a return to the Lord and recognition of Jesus as Messiah (see Isaiah 59, Hosea 5:15, Jeremiah 31). These elements are noticeably absent in the modern state.

The Bible doesn’t leave room for a purely political restoration. Without national repentance and faith in Christ, the prophetic requirements remain unmet. True fulfillment is still to come — and it will come on God’s terms, not ours.

Theological Assumptions That Don’t Hold Up

There’s a popular belief that supporting modern Israel ensures personal blessing. But when held up against Scripture, this idea falls apart. Nowhere in the New Testament are believers instructed to bless a geopolitical entity to earn divine favor.

Galatians 3 removes all doubt: the blessing of Abraham is spiritual and comes through faith in Christ, not through national alliances. Aligning theology with political support distorts the gospel message and shifts attention from what truly matters — salvation in Christ.

A Future Still to Come

That’s not to say Israel has been cast aside. Prophecy speaks clearly of a future restoration, one marked by repentance and spiritual renewal. Ezekiel 36 paints a picture of transformation — not just in land or leadership, but in heart. Until that day, as Hosea declares, Israel is “not my people.” But the promise remains: one day, they will be again.

Interestingly, many devout Jewish groups, including Torah-faithful sects, reject the idea that God restored Israel in 1948. They recognize, as we must, that God’s covenants are spiritual before they are political.

Rethinking Identity and Inheritance

The New Testament redefines identity. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek — only one body of believers united by faith. National distinctions do not carry over into spiritual inheritance. The blessings promised to Abraham extend to all who are in Christ, not based on ethnicity, but on belief.

This truth is liberating. It breaks us free from the pressure to tie spiritual significance to political events and refocuses our attention on what the gospel actually teaches.

Final Thoughts

The blessing of Abraham is not a national slogan — it’s a spiritual promise. Scripture never commands believers to support modern Israel as a requirement for blessing. Instead, it calls us to Christ.

As we continue to navigate theological narratives shaped by tradition and current events, it's more important than ever to return to the Word. Only there will we find the truth — and the freedom — that comes with it.