Why Is Israel Called the Holy Land?
Why Is Israel Called the Holy Land? Israel is called holy because God chose it as the specific land for His covenant people, the stage for biblical history, and the setting for Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Key verse: Zechariah 2:12 (KJV)
Israel is called holy because God chose it as the specific land for His covenant people, the stage for biblical history, and the setting for Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Israel is called holy because God chose it as the specific land for His covenant people, the stage for biblical history, and the setting for Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
"The LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again." — Zechariah 2:12 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
God designated the land of Canaan as holy through His covenant with Abraham: 'Unto thy seed will I give this land' (Genesis 12:7). Zechariah 2:12 calls it 'the holy land.' The land is holy not because of inherent qualities but because of God's presence and purposes there. Jerusalem became the site of the temple — 'the place which the LORD your God shall choose' (Deuteronomy 12:5). Jesus was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, ministered throughout Galilee and Judea, was crucified and rose again in Jerusalem. The land witnessed patriarchs, prophets, kings, and the Messiah. Biblical prophecy indicates future significance: Zechariah 14 describes Christ's return to the Mount of Olives, and Ezekiel 37-48 envisions restoration. Romans 11:26 declares, 'All Israel shall be saved.' Whether one holds to a literal or spiritual fulfillment, the land remains central to God's redemptive narrative. Its history validates Scripture's reliability — archaeological discoveries continually confirm biblical accounts.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Death?
Biblical perspective on death, the afterlife, and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Key Scripture References
"The LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again."
"Unto thy seed will I give this land."
"A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Promised Land?
The Promised Land is Canaan — the territory God promised to Abraham and his descendants, which Israel entered under Joshua after 40 years in the wilderness.
What Was the Promised Land?
The Promised Land (Canaan) was the territory God pledged to Abraham and his descendants — a land 'flowing with milk and honey' that became Israel's inheritance and a picture of God's faithfulness.
What Is the New Jerusalem?
The New Jerusalem is the eternal city of God described in Revelation 21-22 — breathtakingly beautiful, descending from heaven, where God dwells with His people forever.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Zechariah. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Zechariah on day 262 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Why Is Israel Called the Holy Land?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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