Israel Prayer Centre
In the prophetic writings of Jeremiah, chapters 31 to 33 present both a chilling indictment and a thrilling promise for Israel. These chapters stir a deep reflection on Israel’s spiritual state and God’s ultimate plan for restoration, offering both a stark warning and an incredible hope for the future.
The Chilling Indictment
The solemn indictment of Israel in these chapters reveals the gravity of our nation’s broken relationship with God. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, the Lord speaks of the New Covenant, but the preceding verse (31:32) reminds us of the broken Sinai covenant, which we violated despite God’s faithful commitment to us. The verse reads:
“Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD.”
This was no minor transgression. Israel’s unfaithfulness is compared to adultery, and according to the stipulations of the Sinai covenant, adultery warranted death (Ezekiel 16:38). It is a sobering thought that Israel’s sin, as a nation, was so severe it required divine intervention. It would take the death of Yeshua, the Son of God, and His shed blood to redeem Israel from eternal separation from God, and this applies not only individually but also corporately as a nation.
As Hebrews 9:15 states:
“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
This understanding is essential as we pray earnestly for our nation. The weight of our sin makes it clear how deep the need for God’s mercy and grace truly is.
The Wonder of His Grace
While Israel’s sin is overwhelming, the promise of restoration is equally awe-inspiring. Jeremiah 31-33 is filled with God’s promises of grace, and they are nothing short of breathtaking. Despite our unfaithfulness, God speaks of His joy and delight in restoring us. Jeremiah 32:41 says:
“I will rejoice in doing them good…”
The term “rejoice” in this context signifies God’s delight in doing good for His people. These promises of restoration are not contingent upon Israel’s faithfulness but are solely grounded in the work of the Messiah on the cross.
In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God promises the New Covenant, which was ultimately fulfilled in Yeshua. Further promises are found throughout these chapters:
- Jeremiah 32:40: “I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
- Jeremiah 33:15-16: “In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely. And this is the name by which she will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
These promises are not only for individual restoration but are for Israel as a nation. It is God’s sovereign will alone that will bring these promises to pass. The repeated use of “I will” throughout these chapters reveals that God alone has the power to restore Israel. For instance:
- “I will make a new covenant…” (31:31)
- “I will gather them out of all countries…” (32:37)
- “I will cause them to dwell safely…” (32:37)
- “I will be their God…” (32:38)
- “I will give them one heart and one way…” (32:39)
- “I will make an everlasting covenant with them…” (32:40)
- “I will not turn away from doing them good…” (32:40)
- “I will bring it health and healing…” (33:6)
- “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity…” (33:8)
The repeated “I will” underscores that this restoration is entirely the work of God. As we see in Ephesians 2:5, salvation is by grace alone: “even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”
The Power of Prayer
Understanding the depth of our need and the wonder of God’s grace should lead us to a place of prayer. Prayer for Israel is vital because, as believers in Messiah, we have been made alive together with Him and are called to intercede for our nation. It is through prayer that we seek God’s intervention for Israel’s spiritual revival and for the fulfillment of His promises.
Two Key Points in Our Prayer for Israel
- Israel’s Security and Salvation: The promise of Israel’s security is tied directly to her salvation. In Jeremiah 32:37, God promises that He will cause Israel to “dwell safely,” and in 33:16, it is prophesied that Jerusalem will dwell securely. This is a reminder that Israel’s ultimate security is not found in military might but in her relationship with God.
- The Unity of the People of Israel: God promises to give Israel “one heart and one way” (Jeremiah 32:39), a promise that speaks to unity. This is especially relevant in our current time, as Israel faces internal divisions, particularly in the political sphere. The rising tensions and the potential for civil unrest, as highlighted in recent headlines, are deeply concerning. However, God’s promise of unity in the New Covenant offers a hopeful future.
A Prayer for Restoration
As we reflect on the “I will” statements in these chapters, let us pray earnestly for Israel:
Lord, Your promises shine as bright stars of hope in Israel’s long night. How wondrous is Your grace! How humbling is Your commitment to us as a nation. We marvel at Your love, patience, and unwavering faithfulness to us as Your people.
We acknowledge Your sovereignty over Israel. You are moving the nation toward a face-to-face meeting with You, and we thank You for Your righteous plan. Father, we bring before You our nation’s perilous divisions, and we ask for Your intervention. We trust that You will bring peace and unity, preventing civil war.
We also bring before You Israel’s security. We thank You for the IDF, but we look to You to defend us from all our enemies. We ask for Your protection, both within Israel’s borders and from external threats. We also pray for peace in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, and for an end to the rising tide of antisemitism in the nations.
Lord, we lift up the hostages in captivity, and we ask that You bring them home safely.
Finally, we declare the words of Psalm 106:44-48:
“Nevertheless, when He heard their cry, He looked upon their distress. For their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the abundance of His steadfast love.”
May the Lord’s promises be fulfilled, and may Israel know the fullness of His grace and restoration.
Amen. Praise the LORD!
