Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem  

King David in the Psalms of Accent gives a petition to “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem”. The prayer and the Psalms to follow were sung by pilgrims as they made their way up to God’s chosen city. The text reflects the Abrahamic promises and the future Messianic fulfillment of God’s program. The peace David references here is real and both geo-political and personal. (Ps. 120-134)

Jerusalem’s Obstacles to Peace

While the nation of Israel today is once again defined with real geographical borders, Jerusalem’s need for peace is unchanged. The obstacles to peace are blatant. In its current context, the old city is split into quarters: Christian, Armenian, Muslim, and Jewish. And the place where the temple once stood is under Muslim administration. Real geo-political peace appears impossible given the opposing claims by the different residents and current governmental agreements over this real estate.

Israel’s Obstacles to Peace

Stepping back from Jerusalem proper to view Israel in its broader context we see the tenuous ceasefire between Hamas and the government. This won’t last. For Israel, the attacks are still fresh from both Iran in the east and the Houthis in the south. In the north Hezbollah is temporarily degraded but Syria’s transitional government is a new question. Even now, at the time of writing, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) has had to switch focus from Gaza to combat rising terror levels from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria).

So, the Psalmist’s prayer for peace is still very applicable today. There is no peace within its walls. But there will be. The promise of lasting peace is clear. (Ps. 121:1-8, 130:7-8, 136:1-26)

Ultimate Peace

God’s plan drips with his affection for Israel and his covenant does not expire. His salvation, promised through David’s throne, is forever. (Ps. 89:1-37)

God’s home will be here in this city and among his people. And there will be peace under his protection forever. This will be realized when all is set right, and Messiah Yeshua of the house of David is on his throne, in his city and with his people. All enemies, including the evil one will be conclusively defeated. On that day all tears, death, sorrow, crying and pain will be gone forever. So, praying “come Lord Yeshua” is praying for the ultimate fulfillment of this Davidic petition, both geo-political and personal. (Rev. 21)

Peace now

The people of Israel are quite literally terrorized from every direction. While ultimate peace will come when the Prince of Peace returns to dwell with his people forever, the peace of God is also on offer now. This is a gift from Messiah Yeshua while we await his return. He says, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27-28). The scripture tells us that this peace happens when we pray and that it defies all logic. (Php. 4:6-7) Who else is in more need of this supernatural peace than His people beset on all sides.

Responsibility of believers

Until the Lord returns believers are to pray for the salvation of the people of Israel. (Rom. 10) This is something we can do. Moreover, we are to be Yeshua’s witness in Jerusalem first and then Judea and Samaria and then the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) God is not done with Israel. What role will you play?

Israel Today Ministries feeds children and Holocaust survivors in Israel.  Thank you for your prayers and partnership as God enables you!

May God, bless you,

Scott Johnson

• Scott Johnson is a Senior Middle East Analyst, who lived and worked in the Middle East, and has degrees from Moody Bible Institute and the University of London.