The issue of Israel building settlements in the occupied territories is complex and divisive. There are differing perspectives on this issue, even among Bible-believing Christians. In this 9,000 word article, we will attempt to summarize the key biblical principles related to Israel, the land, justice and peace that can inform our thinking on this challenging topic.
First, the Bible makes clear promises about the land of Israel belonging to the Jewish people. Passages like Genesis 12:1-3, 15:18-21, and 17:7-8 show God promising the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants forever. This promise is repeated to Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants (see Genesis 26:2-5, 28:13-15, 35:9-12). God promises that, despite exile, He will bring His people back to the Promised Land (Jeremiah 30:3, Ezekiel 37).
However, the Bible also makes clear that residence in the land is conditional on Israel’s obedience and relationship with God. Peace, security, and prosperity in the land are tied to following God’s laws (see Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28). Exile is presented as a consequence of disobedience. Yet there is always the promise that if Israel repents, God will restore them to the land (Deuteronomy 30:1-10).
Biblically, the boundaries of the Promised Land are described as extending from the Sinai Peninsula to the Euphrates River (Genesis 15:18-21, Exodus 23:31). However, there is no specific command that Israel must possess the entire land at all times. There is also indication that non-Israelites lived in the Promised Land during periods when Israel was obedient to God (Judges 1:21, 27-36).
Therefore, there is a tension between God’s promise of the land to Israel, and the ethical conditions God places on residence in the land. Israel’s right to live in the land must be balanced with adhering to God’s standards of justice and compassion.
In the Old Testament, the prophets frequently pronounce judgment on Israel for oppression of the vulnerable and poor, even as they live in the Promised Land (Amos 2:6-8, Isaiah 1:21-23). God also judges the nations surrounding Israel for their violence, oppression and other ethical violations (Amos 1-2).
Furthermore, the Bible commands Israel to treat non-Israelites in the land justly and compassionately. Passages like Exodus 22:21, 23:9, Leviticus 19:9-10, 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:18-19 and Jeremiah 22:3 offer various protections for the “foreigner” living among Israel.
While God promised Canaan to Israel, the peoples living there forfeited exclusive rights to inhabit the land because of their sinful practices (see Deuteronomy 9:5, 18:9-12). Yet there are still commands for Israel to treat such peoples justly, not mistreating or wrongly dispossessing them.
Thus biblical principles regarding Israel’s rights to the land also have ethical limits when it comes to how various peoples living in the land should be treated. Settlements or land possession should not come through unjust dispossession or oppression of others.
In the New Testament, the concepts of justice, compassion and concern for all human beings regardless of ethnicity are strongly emphasized. Jesus’ teachings to love one’s neighbor (Luke 10:25-37) and even one’s enemy (Matthew 5:43-48), Paul’s affirmation that God’s redemption is available to all peoples (Romans 3:29-30), and other Biblical principles about justice and human worth challenge any mistreatment of those of other ethnic backgrounds.
Therefore, while Israel may have unique ties and rights to the land of Israel, this does not nullify the human dignity and justice owed to all peoples residing in that land. Building settlements that dispossess or fail to adequately consider the rights of non-Jewish inhabitants thus becomes problematic.
This relates to biblical principles about justice, property rights and ‘shalom’ or peace. Passages like Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24 and the witness of prophets confronting Israel suggest that possessing property or land cannot come at the expense of doing justice, loving mercy and seeking the shalom of all peoples. Justice and peace are high priorities for how God wants all human relationships and communities to function, even beyond unique ties to a land.
At the same time, the Bible does warn about the dangers of Israel trusting in other nations for their security rather than God (see Isaiah 30:1-5, 31:1-3). And Scripture affirms God’s promise to restore Israel to the land in the last days (Ezekiel 37, Zechariah 12:10-13:1). So Israel has valid concerns about defending itself against threatening forces.
Therefore, a just peace in the Middle East should acknowledge Israel’s ties to the land and need for security. But the building of settlements should not infringe upon the rights and dignity of other inhabitants. Nor should settlements unnecessarily preclude the possibility of political accommodations that allow different peoples to live in the land.
Biblically, the Messianic future holds out hope for peace between Israel and her neighbors. Passages like Isaiah 19:18-25, Amos 9:7 and Micah 4:1-4 suggest Israel will live in harmony with surrounding nations in the age to come. So present actions should promote neighborly coexistence between Jews, Christians, Muslims and all who call this land home.
In conclusion, the Bible affirms God’s promise of the land of Israel to the Jewish people. However, it also qualifies Israel’s tenure in the land to ethical conditions like justice, compassion, and peace. Israel should have access to live in safety in the land, but not in ways that wrongly infringe upon the rights and dignity of others living in the land.
The Bible ultimately offers hope for just, compassionate and harmonious Jewish-Arab relations in the land of Israel. Settlements or arrangements that unduly preclude such possibilities should be avoided. But settlements that allow for coexistence and justice should be considered. Creative political solutions may offer ways for balancing the rights of all parties.
There are good-faith disputes among Christians as to what viable solutions might look like. But a biblical perspective begins with upholding justice, dignity, and peace for all peoples. Seeking the shalom of all, communicating respectfully, overcoming fear, and recognizing the Image of God in every human being will help move the conversation forward.
May the God of justice and peace guide all involved to build settlements and societies in the land of Israel/Palestine where true justice and lasting shalom can reign.