Additional information
by John B. Metzger (Author), Joni Prinjinski (Editor), Jesse Gonzales (Cover Design by)
Who in the world would want to poke the God of the universe in the eye? Ouch, that would hurt! Zechariah says, "...for he that touches you touches the apple [pupil] of His eye. God loves His people Israel and calls them the apple of His eye, a term of endearment, meaning that He loves them and protects them.
Does God mind if we poke His eye? He says that He does. When anyone harms His people Israel, He will harm them in kind. When anyone blesses His people Israel, He will bless them in return. He made that promise 4,000 years ago, and He has been faithful to keep it, from then until today.
Genesis 12:3: I will bless them that bless you and curse him that curses you.
This promise is part of God's eternal covenant with Abraham. Many people have forgotten this covenant or think that it is no longer in effect; but the Bible and human history show otherwise, as John Metzger points out in detail, giving dozens of accounts of blessings and curses from the Bible, inter-testament times, and recent history that prove this point. It does matter if we poke God in the eye! With discernment on what God's Word is saying, we can receive God's rich blessings instead of His cursings!
The first part of John Metzger's book shows how false teachings open the door to anti-Semitism. Obviously, one huge contribution that churches can make to defeat anti-Semitism is to correctly interpret and teach the Word of God, which points to God's love and plans for the Jewish people. Metzger makes a case for why returning to a literal rather than allegorical approach to Scripture is necessary to understand precisely what God intends. The second part of the book provides insight into many familiar Bible stories of heroes, wars, enemies, and the survival of the Jewish people. The purpose of these historical accounts is to trace God's faithfulness to preserve the Jewish people and bless those who stand with them. Metzger also provides hundreds of Scripture references to the Land of Israel belonging to God and to Israel.
For any student of the Bible, John Metzger's series of books on what the Bible teaches about Israel and the Jewish people provide needed insight and direction for reforming theological error. Knowing what God has intended allows us to please Him in our words and deeds. We can take the lead in opposing anti-Semitism with God's approval and help.
