Why Hate Jews?

God gave us important reasons not to. First, He chose the Jews “out of all peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6). Second, God told Abraham, father of the Jews, that “Whoever curses you, I will curse.” On the other hand, “I will bless those who bless you” (Genesis 12:3). As descendants of Abraham, Jews enjoy God’s strong favor and protection. 

In this same passage, God told Abraham that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you,” creating the potential for Gentiles to become blessed. The Jewish prophet Zechariah spoke of a day when “many nations will be joined with the Lord…and will become my (the Lord’s) people” (Zechariah 2:11). The Apostle Paul proclaimed that Jesus broke the barrier between Gentiles and Jews, making them “one new man out of two, thus making peace” (Ephesians 2:15).

In what sense did Christian Gentiles and Jews become “one new man?” It wasn’t in a biological or ethnic sense; differences remain between the two groups today. The connection is spiritual, as both worship the one true God and honor many of the same biblical figures.

Antisemites, who call themselves Christians, fail to understand this important connection. As a result, their hatred is self-defeating. More importantly, their hatred places them in stark opposition to God and His holy word, wherein He made Jews the first, human objects of His love and protection. All Jew-haters should beware of God’s promised response.