Isaiah 62 Prayers for Israel: February 2025
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me … inasmuch as you did to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:35–36, 40)
Dear Prayer Partners,
All of Israel is wrestling right now with the release of the hostages in Gaza at such a steep price—namely, the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian terrorists, many with blood on their hands and the desire to kill again. Many arguments for and against the deal have been raised. It turns out this debate has gone on within Jewish communities for centuries. Indeed, the commandment to redeem captives has been discussed extensively in halakhic literature, reflecting the prevalence of such kidnappings in Jewish history.
The primary position was articulated by Maimonides, the twelfth-century Sephardic scholar, who said: “There is no greater commandment than redeeming captives.” He contended that “redeeming captives takes precedence over feeding the poor and clothing them, since the captives are included among the hungry, thirsty, and naked and in danger of losing their lives. And one who averts his eyes from redeeming them transgresses the commandments ‘Do not harden your heart or shut your hand’ (Deuteronomy 15:7) and ‘Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor’ (Leviticus 19:16) and nullifies the commandment ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18) and many similar precepts.”
But there is one major exception, as explained in the Talmud: “One does not ransom captives for more than their value because of Tikkun Olam (for the good order of the world).” Otherwise, the kidnappers would be encouraged to continue abducting people because it pays.
The debate in Jewish tradition revolves around balancing these two contradictory principles. When does one pay more than fair value? As usual, the Jewish approach does not provide one authoritative answer. It just shows the pros and cons, and one must decide on their own.
In the Bible, stories of the rescue of hostages abound. In Genesis 14, Abram rescued Lot from his abductors. In 1 Samuel 30, David rescued his wives and the entire encampment from the Amalekites. And in the Exodus from Egypt, God miraculously delivered the whole nation from slavery.
The current deal is not a military victory, and the release of the captives involves huge risks in having to free hardened terrorists who will likely attack again. But October 7 was unique and involves rescuing hundreds of captives. This is not a matter of weighing the value of one or two individuals versus the risks to the community. Both courses of action affect the whole community. The hostages also are in grave danger.
For Christians, the advice of Maimonides sounds similar to the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35. Jesus considers each “prisoner” a brother or sister, and those who contend over their fate do it for Him.
Let us pray for Israeli society as it grapples with this very difficult dilemma. Ask for all the hostages to come home safely, even as the Lord shields the people of Israel from further harm by its ruthless enemies.
Blessings from Jerusalem!
Dr. Mojmir Kallus
Vice President for International Affairs
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
February 2025 Prayers for Israel
The next day of prayer and fasting in our Isaiah 62 Global Prayer Campaign is Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Also, please join our daily Global Prayer Gathering at 9:30 a.m. (ET), 8:30 a.m. (CT), or 6:30 a.m. (PT) to pray for the nation of Israel. Go to: on.icej.org/ICEJGlobalPrayer. Finally, contact us with your prayer requests at: prayer@icejusa.org
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL
1. THE SOUTHERN FRONT
Thank the Lord that more Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Islamic Jihad are finally being freed from cruel captivity in Gaza. The Hamas terror militia is also seriously weakened, but it is trying to make a show of strength by coming out of hiding in full uniform and brandishing arms. Pray that every Israeli hostage will be returned, whether alive or deceased, so that their families can reunite and find closure and the whole nation can begin to heal from the deep wounds of October 7. Pray that Israel makes the right decisions in the Palestinian prisoners to be released and where they are sent, so that they are not able to endanger Israel. Pray that the negotiations regarding phases 2 and 3 of the ceasefire and hostage release deal will work in Israel’s favour to prevent Hamas from rearming, rebuilding and maintaining its grip on Gaza. Pray that efforts to force Hamas out of Gaza will succeed. Pray for a workable plan to emerge between Israel and the Trump administration on the future of Gaza without Hamas and even without the Palestinian Authority. Pray that any Palestinians in Gaza who want to leave for another country voluntarily will be allowed to do so. Pray that the IDF will be able to maintain a security presence inside Gaza to protect the Israeli people from any more attacks from Gaza. Pray that Hamas will lose all influence in Gaza.
2. THE NORTHERN FRONT
The ceasefire in northern Israel has held so far. However, it had to be extended by several weeks as the IDF is still operating inside south Lebanon to find and destroy more Hezbollah weapons, tunnels, and outposts. The extension was needed because the Lebanese army had not yet fully taken control of southern Lebanon, and the Hezbollah terror militia had not withdrawn above the Litani river, as required by the truce terms. Pray that Hezbollah will be forced to not only withdraw from the border area but that it also would be disarmed. Pray that the Christian and Sunni Arab communities in Lebanon will be able to sideline Hezbollah in the country’s decision-making process. Pray that they also will pursue normalization of relations with Israel. Pray that the United States, France, and Sunni Arab states will work together to disband Hezbollah and free Lebanon from Iran’s destructive influence. Also pray that the new leadership in Syria will remain focused on fixing the many problems and divisions in their own country and will decide to live at peace with Israel.
3. THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
Please pray that Israel and the new Trump administration will coalesce around a common agenda to strengthen Israel’s position in the region and bring about more normalization agreements with other Arab and Islamic countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Pray that Israel and the United States will be able to stop Iran in its tracks from developing nuclear weapons to threaten Israel. Pray that the new US government will adopt tough policies toward Iran to thwart its nuclear ambitions and break up its regional network of proxy militias armed with missiles and drones. Pray that Iran will not be able to harm Israel or Jews abroad. Pray that the radical Islamic regime in Tehran will be driven from power by its own people.
4. THE HOME FRONT
Please pray that Israel will be able to secure a resounding victory over its enemies, recover and rebuild quickly, and actively pursue peace with its other Arab neighbors. Pray that the surrounding Arab countries will be willing and even eager to live at peace with Israel. Pray for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit in Israel.
Join our daily Global Prayer Gathering at 9:30 a.m. (ET), 8:30 a.m. (CT), and 6:30 a.m. (PT) at: www.icejusa.org/global-prayer