“Israel, receive the eternal life He promised!”
And this is what he promised us—eternal life.(1 John 2:25,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Middle East
Population | 8.91 million
Area | 21,937㎢, located on the eastern Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Lebanon in Western Asia.
Capital City | Jerusalem (950,000 people)
People Groups | Total 49 groups, Jews 74.4% (Israeli Jews 55.1%, Russian Jews 7.9%, Romanian Jews 2.4%), Arabs 20.9% (Israeli Arabs/Palestinians 17.1%, Bedouins 1.4%), Others 4.7% (Europeans, Filipinos)
Unreached People Groups | 38 (97% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Hebrew, Arabic, English
Total Languages | 39
Bible Translations | Completed 19, New Testament 3, Partial 9
Religion | Judaism 76%, Islam 17.3%, Christianity 1.7% (Protestant 0.1%, Orthodox 0.8%), Non-religious 4%, Evangelicals 0.7% (600,000 people)
》 About Israel
The history of Israel began about 4,000 years ago when the Israelites (Hebrews) migrated from Mesopotamia to the land of Canaan (modern-day Palestine), which is recorded in the Old Testament. By the 19th century, growing persecution of Jews in Eastern Europe and Russia led to the rise of Zionism—the belief that Jews needed to return to their ancestral homeland, Palestine, to establish a nation and escape oppression. After World War I, Jews began migrating to British-controlled Palestine. This migration accelerated dramatically following the Holocaust during World War II. In 1948, with support from the United Nations, the State of Israel was established. Since then, the region has witnessed six major wars. In 1964, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) was formed to reclaim lost territory. Yasser Arafat became its chairman in 1969 and led its resistance until the Oslo Accords in 1993, which created the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza and the West Bank. Israel operates under a parliamentary system. Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party has served as Prime Minister for a total of over fifteen years, leading the country through repeated attacks by groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, while also dealing with uprisings (intifadas) and ongoing tensions with Iran.
Israel has a high-tech, free-market economy. Its top exports include polished diamonds, advanced technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Key imports consist of oil, grain, raw materials, and military hardware. While Israel often runs a trade deficit, this is offset by strong revenue from tourism, services, and foreign investment. The discovery of large natural gas fields in the Mediterranean has significantly improved its energy outlook. However, the country faces issues such as income inequality, high housing and consumer prices, and economic slowdowns—especially intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Israel’s GDP per capita is approximately $38,300.
》 Scripture Focus
| 1 John 2:9–11, 15–17, 24–25(NIV) 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life. |
》 Prayer Points
1. After the establishment of Israel in the land of Palestine under the banner of Zionism, the nation has long been in conflict with neighboring Middle Eastern countries and is currently at war with the Palestinian armed group Hamas. Ongoing violence and threats have led to many civilian casualties on both sides. Political resolution and peace seem distant, as both sides insist on their own claims and remain deeply divided. This conflict has begun to spark broader tensions between Jews and Muslims worldwide. Let us pray that those who claim to walk in the light will recognize their sin in hating their brothers for their own interests. May they hear the gospel of grace, which reconciled us to God through the life of Jesus Christ, who bore our sin. Let us pray for true reconciliation with God and for an end to division between peoples, so that love may bring unity.
2. More than 8 million Jews live as diaspora, scattered across the United States, former Soviet Union, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and other nations. Compared to others, they tend to be less tied to traditional Judaism and are often more open to the gospel. Various ministries, such as Jews for Jesus (JFJ) and Chosen People Ministries (CPM), serve Jews around the world. Let us pray that Jewish people across the nations will hear the message of truth—the gospel given for all humanity—and receive the blessing of eternal life that is promised in Jesus Christ and God.
3. Israeli society reflects a wide range of values, from ultra-Orthodox Jews who follow the Old Testament literally to secular liberals who view homosexuality as a basic human right. Same-sex unions are legally recognized as common-law relationships. Homosexuals can serve in the military, and single men can become parents through surrogacy. Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city, hosts the biggest queer festival in the Middle East and is known as its queer capital. While Israel advocates diversity in human rights, it also discriminates against Christians and Arab Israelis and is accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians. Let us pray that the eyes of those who have turned away from the truth will be opened to believe that Jesus is the Christ. May they die to worldly desires and self-righteousness, turn from their foolishness, and receive Jesus as Lord. Let us pray that they become a channel of blessing, carrying the good news of the gospel to all nations.
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