The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply rooted and complex issue with historical, political, and religious dimensions. The Bible, the Torah, and the Quran contain passages that provide insight into themes of land, territory, justice, and the consequences of disobedience or unjust actions. These passages often speak to the themes of covenant faithfulness, justice, and the repercussions of violating divine commands, particularly in relation to the land.
All three scriptures emphasize repentance, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace, providing a framework for addressing and resolving conflicts in a manner that honors God and upholds human dignity. By highlighting these scriptural passages and principles, one can argue against any justification for violence and the eradication of another people group, advocating instead for justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Torah Insights
Deuteronomy’s Blessings and Curses
Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15
Verses 1-2:
“It will be that if you hearken to the voice of HASHEM, your God, to observe, to perform all of His commandments that I command you this day, then HASHEM, your God, will make you supreme over all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you hearken to the voice of HASHEM, your God.”
Verse 15:
“But it will be that if you do not hearken to the voice of HASHEM, your God, to observe, to perform all of His commandments and decrees that I command you this day, then all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.” (Stone Edition Tanach, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15)
Explanation: This passage emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands as a condition for receiving blessings, including prosperity and peace. Conversely, disobedience leads to curses and suffering. The principle here is clear: faithfulness to God’s covenant brings blessings, while disobedience leads to severe consequences.
Deuteronomy 28:63-64
Verses 63-64:
“It will be that just as HASHEM rejoiced over you to benefit you and multiply you, so HASHEM will cause them to rejoice over you to make you perish and to destroy you; and you will be torn from upon the ground to which you come to possess it. HASHEM will scatter you among all the peoples, from the end of the earth to the end of the earth; and there you will serve other gods whom you did not know – you or your forefathers – of wood and stone.” (Stone Edition Tanach, Deuteronomy 28:63-64)
Explanation: These verses reinforce the idea that God’s favor is conditional. If the people turn away from God’s commands, they will be uprooted from their land and scattered among the nations. This theme of exile as a consequence of disobedience is recurrent in the Torah.
Leviticus on the Land
Leviticus 25:23
Verse 23:
“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is Mine; for you are sojourners and residents with Me.” (Stone Edition Tanach, Leviticus 25:23)
Explanation: This verse underscores that the land ultimately belongs to God. The people are merely temporary residents, and this perspective is crucial in understanding the divine mandate for justice and stewardship.
Leviticus 26:14-17, 33
Verses 14-15:
“But if you will not listen to Me and will not perform all of these commandments; if you consider My decrees loathsome, and if your being rejects My ordinances, so as not to perform all My commandments, so that you annul My covenant – then I will do the same to you; I will assign upon you panic, swelling lesions, and burning fever, which cause eyes to long and souls to suffer; you will sow your seeds in vain, for your enemies will eat it.”
Verse 17:
“I will set My face against you; you will be struck down before your enemies; those who hate you will subjugate you – you will flee with no one pursuing you.”
Verse 33:
“You, I will scatter among the nations; I will unsheathe the sword after you; your land will be desolate and your cities will be a ruin.” (Stone Edition Tanach, Leviticus 26:14-17, 33)
Explanation: These verses outline the consequences of rejecting God’s laws, including terror, disease, and defeat by enemies. The passage also mentions scattering among the nations as a punishment for covenant unfaithfulness. The ultimate consequence of continued disobedience is exile, signifying not just a loss of land but also a breakdown of community and identity.
Jeremiah’s Warning
Jeremiah 7:3-7
Verses 3-7:
“Thus said HASHEM, Master of Legions, God of Israel: Improve your ways and your deeds, and I will permit you to dwell in this place. Do not trust in false statements, saying, ‘The temple of HASHEM, the temple of HASHEM, the temple of HASHEM are they.’
But if you truly improve your ways and your deeds; if you will perform justice between a man and his fellow; if you will not oppress the stranger, the orphan, and the widow; if you will not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you will not follow other gods to your own harm; then I will permit you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your forefathers forever and ever.” (Stone Edition Tanach, Jeremiah 7:3-7)
Explanation: The prophet Jeremiah calls for genuine repentance and just actions, emphasizing that trust in mere religious rituals without a corresponding righteous life is futile. True reformation involves justice for the oppressed and avoidance of idolatry.
Ezekiel on Injustice
Ezekiel 22:29-31
Verses 29-31:
“The people of the land have practiced fraud and committed robbery; they have wronged the poor and the needy, and have oppressed the stranger without justice. I sought a man among them who could build the wall and stand in the breach before Me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found none. So I have poured out My fury upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My anger; I have repaid their way upon their heads – the word of the Lord HASHEM/ELOHIM.” (Stone Edition Tanach, Ezekiel 22:29-31)
Explanation: Ezekiel condemns the social injustices of his time, including extortion, robbery, and oppression of the needy. The lack of someone to intercede on behalf of the land results in God’s wrath, highlighting the importance of justice and righteousness.
New Testament Perspectives
Jesus’ Prophecy of Jerusalem’s Destruction
Luke 19:41-44
Verses 41-44:
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.'” (New International Version, Luke 19:41-44)
Explanation: Jesus laments over Jerusalem, predicting its destruction due to the people’s failure to recognize God’s visitation. This passage illustrates the consequences of rejecting God’s messengers and the peace they bring.
Jesus’ Teaching on the Kingdom of God
Matthew 21:43
Verse 43:
“Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (New International Version, Matthew 21:43)
Explanation: Jesus warns that the kingdom of God will be taken from those who do not produce its fruits and given to others who will. This passage indicates that God’s favor is contingent upon bearing righteous fruits, not merely on heritage or lineage.
Romans 12:17-21
Verses 17-21:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (New International Version, Romans 12:17-21)
Explanation: This passage underscores the importance of living at peace with others, refraining from revenge, and overcoming evil with good. It highlights the New Testament’s emphasis on love, forgiveness, and reconciliation as key components of righteous living.
James 2:14-17
Verses 14-17:
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (New International Version, James 2:14-17)
Explanation: This passage emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through actions, particularly in caring for those in need. It underscores the biblical principle that justice and mercy are integral to living out one’s faith.
Galatians 5:14
Verse 14:
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (New International Version, Galatians 5:14)
Explanation: This verse highlights the central New Testament ethic of love, emphasizing that loving one’s neighbor fulfills the law. It underscores the importance of compassion and justice in interpersonal relationships.
Quranic Perspectives on Land, Territory, and Justice
The Concept of Stewardship
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30)
Verse 30:
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.’ They said, ‘Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?’ Allah said, ‘Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'” (The Noble Quran, Translation by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:30)
Explanation: This verse introduces the concept of humans as stewards (khalifah) on earth. It emphasizes the responsibility of humans to maintain justice and righteousness, avoiding corruption and bloodshed.
Justice and Mercy
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8)
Verse 8:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (The Noble Quran, Translation by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8)
Explanation: This verse calls for steadfastness in justice, even towards those one may dislike. It underscores that justice is a core principle of righteousness and is closely linked to piety and fear of Allah.
Consequences of Disobedience
Surah Al-An’am (6:65)
Verse 65:
“Say, ‘He is the [one] able to send upon you affliction from above you or from beneath your feet or to confuse you [so you become] sects and make you taste the violence of one another.’ Look how We diversify the signs that they might understand.” (The Noble Quran, Translation by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Surah Al-An’am 6:65)
Explanation: This verse highlights the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands, including afflictions and internal strife. It serves as a warning to maintain unity and adhere to divine guidance.
The Land and Its People
Surah Al-A’raf (7:96)
Verse 96:
“And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.” (The Noble Quran, Translation by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Surah Al-A’raf 7:96)
Explanation: This verse connects the prosperity of the land with the faith and righteousness of its people. It indicates that divine blessings are contingent upon the people’s belief and piety.
Surah Hud (11:117)
Verse 117:
“And your Lord would not have destroyed the cities unjustly while their people were reformers.” (The Noble Quran, Translation by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Surah Hud 11:117)
Explanation: This verse emphasizes that God does not destroy communities unjustly if their people are striving for reform. It highlights the importance of justice and righteousness in maintaining divine favor.
Surah Al-Nisa (4:135)
Verse 135:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.” (The Noble Quran, Translation by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Surah Al-Nisa 4:135)
Explanation: This verse calls for unwavering commitment to justice, even if it is against one’s own interests or those of loved ones. It underscores the importance of impartiality and integrity in upholding justice.
Principles and Consequences
Covenant Faithfulness
Both the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran emphasize the conditional nature of divine blessings. Faithfulness to God’s covenant and adherence to His commands bring prosperity and peace, while disobedience leads to severe consequences, including exile and loss of the land.
Justice and Righteousness
Justice and righteous behavior are repeatedly emphasized in all three scriptures. Failure to uphold these principles leads to divine judgment and loss of blessings. This theme underscores the need for ethical conduct in maintaining divine favor.
Prophetic Warnings
The Bible, the Torah, and the Quran contain prophetic warnings against oppression, idolatry, and shedding innocent blood. These warnings serve to call people back to righteous living and adherence to divine commands, illustrating the enduring relevance of these principles.
Explanation of God’s Rules and the Need for Obedience
To fully understand the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness, it is essential to recognize what God’s rules encompass in the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran. These rules can be broadly categorized into moral, ceremonial, and civil laws:
Moral Laws
Ten Commandments (Bible/Torah): Found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:4-21, these include prohibitions against idolatry, theft, murder, adultery, false testimony, and coveting, as well as commands to honor parents and observe the Sabbath.
Great Commandments (Bible): Jesus summarized the law in Matthew 22:37-40, emphasizing love for God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind, and love for one’s neighbor as oneself.
Principles of Justice (Quran): Emphasized in various verses such as Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8), which calls for justice and fairness even towards those one may dislike.
Ceremonial Laws
Bible/Torah: These laws pertain to Israel’s worship and rituals, including sacrifices, festivals, and dietary restrictions. They illustrate principles of holiness, purity, and devotion to God.
Quran: Similar principles are found in the rules governing prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and dietary laws, which emphasize purity, devotion, and community.
Civil Laws
Bible/Torah: These laws govern the social and political aspects of Israelite life, including justice, property rights, and treatment of foreigners and the vulnerable.
Quran: Civil laws in the Quran address justice, family life, inheritance, and the treatment of orphans and the poor, reflecting God’s concern for justice and equitable treatment within society.
Application to Modern Context
While the biblical, Torah, and Quranic texts address ancient communities and their covenant relationships with God, the principles of justice, mercy, and the consequences of disobedience can be applied to any nation or people group. Extremist ideologies that justify violence and the eradication of another nation are fundamentally opposed to the call for justice, mercy, and the sanctity of human life found in all three scriptures.
All three scriptures emphasize repentance, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace, providing a framework for addressing and resolving conflicts in a manner that honors God and upholds human dignity. By highlighting these scriptural passages and principles, one can argue against any justification for violence and the eradication of another people group, advocating instead for justice, peace, and reconciliation.
In conclusion, the perspectives on land, territory, and justice from the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran call for covenant faithfulness, righteous living, and just treatment of others. These principles are timeless and offer valuable guidance for resolving conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in a manner that seeks peace and justice for all involved.
References
Tor ah: The Stone Edition Tanach (Artscroll)
- Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15
- Deuteronomy 28:63-64
- Leviticus 25:23
- Leviticus 26:14-17, 33
- Jeremiah 7:3-7
- Ezekiel 22:29-31
Bible: New International Version (NIV)
- Luke 19:41-44
- Matthew 21:43
- Romans 12:17-21
- James 2:14-17
- Galatians 5:14
Quran: The Noble Quran, Translation by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan
- Surah Al-Baqarah 2:30
- Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8
- Surah Al-An’am 6:65
- Surah Al-A’raf 7:96
- Surah Hud 11:117
- Surah Al-Nisa 4:135
