“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
   the purposes of His heart through all generations.
 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
   the people He chose for His inheritance.”— Psalm 33:11–12

We tend to think of an inheritance as the legal transmission of property after death, but in a broader sense an inheritance is a possession — perhaps a treasured heirloom that is priceless to the one who possesses it, even if no one else can see its value. It may be tattered, torn, faded, and practically worthless, but it is valued.

From the beginning, God called Israel His “treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5). Although the whole earth is His, God chose one nation as His inheritance: “But as for you, the Lord took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of His inheritance, as you now are” (Deuteronomy 4:20).

Like anyone holding a treasured possession, God has always been very protective of His inheritance, Israel. The Lord spoke though the prophet Joel, saying, “I will gather all nations . . . I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land” (Joel 3:2).

Even though God judges the nations for their treatment of Israel, His love and protection does not mean that Israel is immune from war. At times, God also “gave His people over to the sword; He was very angry with His inheritance” (Psalm 78:62). But, throughout history, God has never allowed Israel to be destroyed by her enemies.

Indeed, we have seen evidence of this throughout history. The people of Israel have been war-torn, exiled, scattered around the globe, faced with almost certain annihilation, and seemingly forgotten. Yet, she as a people, as a nation, and as God’s treasured possession, has persevered. Despite all the threats she has faced and continues to face, God has seen fit to restore her.

Perhaps you have a treasured possession — perhaps something you inherited from a family member. Whenever you look at it, remember that Israel is God’s treasured possession. Let it be a reminder to value that which God values and to pray for God’s continued protection of His treasured possession — Israel.