I read an online article by someone who says having a standing army is a violation of Israel’s Old Covenant relationship with God and means they don’t have any right to the Church’s support. I think he’s missed a big part of the point point and probably is also using the Bible in the direction he wants his opinion to flow. I might be totally wrong. What do you think?
The author is an advocate of reform theology which doesn’t recognize Israel’s right to exist. You’re correct in saying that he’s using the Bible to support his opinion.
Ezekiel 37:1-12 indicates Israel would first be gathered in unbelief, their current national state. Following the battle of Ezekiel 38-39, which God will win for them, they will awaken to their relationship with Him (Ezekiel 39:22). At that point they will build a temple and reinstate the Old Covenant for the completion of its last 7 years, which we call Daniel’s 70th Week.
Evangelical Christians see Israel’s return to the world stage as the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy and support Israel’s existence on that basis.