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Jerusalem: A Biblical and Historical Case for the Jewish Capital
In his new book, New York Times bestselling author Jay Sekulow presents a political and historical rationale for the existence of Israel as a sovereign nation.
The State of Israel and its very right to exist is a lynchpin issue not only in the Middle-East, but is a critical issue to the world at large. Whether it is the blatant and stated desire of ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran to wipe Israel from the face of the earth, or the more subtle but equally insidious aim to delegitimize Israel's existence through efforts at UNESCO, the goal is the same-to get rid of Israel.
Here is the book that defends, Israel's right to exist as a sovereign nation. As Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, Jay Sekulow has fought with Israel hand-in-hand in some of Israel's most strategic, international battles. Now, he has pulled together the definitive and comprehensive look at Israel-one of the world's most controversial nations- and its importance to us as Americans and as a key focal point to the future of the world.
He looks at the legal case for its prominence, as well as the historical and political rationale for its existence as a sovereign nation and homeland for Jews today, and encourages readers to stand with him against the hatred, lies, and efforts to delegitimize one of the world's oldest nations.
The State of Israel and its very right to exist is a lynchpin issue not only in the Middle-East, but is a critical issue to the world at large. Whether it is the blatant and stated desire of ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran to wipe Israel from the face of the earth, or the more subtle but equally insidious aim to delegitimize Israel's existence through efforts at UNESCO, the goal is the same-to get rid of Israel.
Here is the book that defends, Israel's right to exist as a sovereign nation. As Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, Jay Sekulow has fought with Israel hand-in-hand in some of Israel's most strategic, international battles. Now, he has pulled together the definitive and comprehensive look at Israel-one of the world's most controversial nations- and its importance to us as Americans and as a key focal point to the future of the world.
He looks at the legal case for its prominence, as well as the historical and political rationale for its existence as a sovereign nation and homeland for Jews today, and encourages readers to stand with him against the hatred, lies, and efforts to delegitimize one of the world's oldest nations.
360 pages, Hardcover
Published June 12, 2018
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677 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2020
Yeah this book is going to be a big yikes for me. Like I knew this book was going to be biased, but I didn’t think it would be THAT biased.
So this is a book written by a Pro-Israel man spending the entire time arguing why the Israeli/Palestinian land belongs to the Jewish people, and while he did make some really good arguments and had LOTS of evidence to back it up, there were a few things that really turned me off this book.
The first thing that rubbed me the wrong way at the beginning of the book he said that Israel is not violating the international human rights law and humanitarian law of the Palestinians, and claims people only say that because they want to see the downfall of Israel. That’s not true. According to the Human Rights Watch (a very credible source, mind you):
“At least five categories of major violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law characterize the occupation: unlawful killings; forced displacement; abusive detention; the closure of the Gaza Strip and other unjustified restrictions on movement; and the development of settlements, along with the accompanying discriminatory policies that disadvantage Palestinians. “ (Link to article here)
There are multiple articles showing Israel has violated human rights. I would also recommend checking out the B’tselem (The Israel information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories), which has multiple in detail reports on violation of human rights. (Link here)
To clarify: I’m not saying the Israelis are the only guilty party, both Palestinians and Israelis have done terrible things to each other, but the author clearly wants to treat Palestinians as the only guilty party.
The next thing that bothered me was one of his arguments that the land belongs to Jews because “the bible said so” (though he did go in more detail). Now, I don’t want to invalidate people’s religion and that’s not what I’m doing, but the problem with this argument is that we can’t tell how reliable the bible is in historical context, so using it as proof that this land belongs to Jews is really sketchy. Some people say that there’s proof that the bible is accurate in historical context, others say it isn’t. There’s no clear proof on how accurate it is. If you’re going to argue that this land belongs to the Jews, make sure all of your evidence is reliable.
The author however just expects us to completely believe that the bible is historically accurate and run with it, and I don’t buy it. Due to these two things, I spent the entire book feeling skeptical on how much I could trust what this author was saying and I realized how heavily biased this book really was.
While there was a lot of good information in here, I think I’ll try something less heavily biased.
So this is a book written by a Pro-Israel man spending the entire time arguing why the Israeli/Palestinian land belongs to the Jewish people, and while he did make some really good arguments and had LOTS of evidence to back it up, there were a few things that really turned me off this book.
The first thing that rubbed me the wrong way at the beginning of the book he said that Israel is not violating the international human rights law and humanitarian law of the Palestinians, and claims people only say that because they want to see the downfall of Israel. That’s not true. According to the Human Rights Watch (a very credible source, mind you):
“At least five categories of major violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law characterize the occupation: unlawful killings; forced displacement; abusive detention; the closure of the Gaza Strip and other unjustified restrictions on movement; and the development of settlements, along with the accompanying discriminatory policies that disadvantage Palestinians. “ (Link to article here)
There are multiple articles showing Israel has violated human rights. I would also recommend checking out the B’tselem (The Israel information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories), which has multiple in detail reports on violation of human rights. (Link here)
To clarify: I’m not saying the Israelis are the only guilty party, both Palestinians and Israelis have done terrible things to each other, but the author clearly wants to treat Palestinians as the only guilty party.
The next thing that bothered me was one of his arguments that the land belongs to Jews because “the bible said so” (though he did go in more detail). Now, I don’t want to invalidate people’s religion and that’s not what I’m doing, but the problem with this argument is that we can’t tell how reliable the bible is in historical context, so using it as proof that this land belongs to Jews is really sketchy. Some people say that there’s proof that the bible is accurate in historical context, others say it isn’t. There’s no clear proof on how accurate it is. If you’re going to argue that this land belongs to the Jews, make sure all of your evidence is reliable.
The author however just expects us to completely believe that the bible is historically accurate and run with it, and I don’t buy it. Due to these two things, I spent the entire book feeling skeptical on how much I could trust what this author was saying and I realized how heavily biased this book really was.
While there was a lot of good information in here, I think I’ll try something less heavily biased.
June 8, 2019
Jay Sekulow lays out a compelling case in his, “Jerusalem, A Biblical and Historical Case for the Jewish Capital”. In this work he outlines the full history of not just the case for Jerusalem itself, but for Israel as a whole; focusing on the legal basis for the modern existence of the State and, as the title implies, the fixing of Jerusalem as its capital. Indeed, the very case made in this book is that which has been successfully tried in front of the International Court in the Hague and in the United Nations. Unless laws change, the points made my Sekulow here will continue to stand, and undoubtedly more of the world will recognize Israel’s right, granted to every other nation on the planet, to choose its own capital. While the Biblical or Talmudic case could be disputed by non-believers, the historical case is very strong.
September 5, 2018
This was an excellent book.
Jay accomplished a lot in one book.
Most notable, is that he presented the modern legal president to support the fact that Israel belongs to the Jewish People. He assessed issues of borders, e.g. West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, and concluded that these lands also belong to Israel. He points, most importantly in my view, to the British Mandate of Palestine in support of his assertion. He also points to international law (uti possidetis juris, as you possess under the law) as additional support. These are very compelling arguments that, in my view, should be taken into consideration by Israel in any Israeli - Palestinian peace talks.
One point that was not addressed by Jay or for that matter, by the British in their role as Mandatory, is what should happen to Arab Palestinians living in the West Bank, for example. One could infer that because this point was not addressed that it was ignored. But I disagree.
The British Mandate was clear, land to the East of the Jordan river belong to the political entity Jordan, and are for Arab Palestinians to live upon. Land to the West of the Jordan river belong to the political entity Israel, and are for the Jewish people to live upon. From this, Arab Palestinians living in the West Bank could either remain, and be under Israeli rule, or they could leave, and live in Jordan, under Jordanian rule. Jews who lived east of the Jordan river, actually left Arab Palestine and relocated to Israel during the time when the British vacated their role as Mandatory (1948). So why didn’t the Arab Palestinians living in Israel leave and move to Jordan ? It’s fairly obvious.
The UN Partition of Israel was never accepted by the Arabs. They rejected it and proceeded with war. As a result, the UN Partition of Israel has no legal force. There is no political entity in Israel for Palestinian Arabs. The British Mandate continues to be in force.
The biblical and archeological sections of the book were great reading too. A great history lesson over a four thousand year period.
Awesome job Jay and ACLJ !
Jay accomplished a lot in one book.
Most notable, is that he presented the modern legal president to support the fact that Israel belongs to the Jewish People. He assessed issues of borders, e.g. West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, and concluded that these lands also belong to Israel. He points, most importantly in my view, to the British Mandate of Palestine in support of his assertion. He also points to international law (uti possidetis juris, as you possess under the law) as additional support. These are very compelling arguments that, in my view, should be taken into consideration by Israel in any Israeli - Palestinian peace talks.
One point that was not addressed by Jay or for that matter, by the British in their role as Mandatory, is what should happen to Arab Palestinians living in the West Bank, for example. One could infer that because this point was not addressed that it was ignored. But I disagree.
The British Mandate was clear, land to the East of the Jordan river belong to the political entity Jordan, and are for Arab Palestinians to live upon. Land to the West of the Jordan river belong to the political entity Israel, and are for the Jewish people to live upon. From this, Arab Palestinians living in the West Bank could either remain, and be under Israeli rule, or they could leave, and live in Jordan, under Jordanian rule. Jews who lived east of the Jordan river, actually left Arab Palestine and relocated to Israel during the time when the British vacated their role as Mandatory (1948). So why didn’t the Arab Palestinians living in Israel leave and move to Jordan ? It’s fairly obvious.
The UN Partition of Israel was never accepted by the Arabs. They rejected it and proceeded with war. As a result, the UN Partition of Israel has no legal force. There is no political entity in Israel for Palestinian Arabs. The British Mandate continues to be in force.
The biblical and archeological sections of the book were great reading too. A great history lesson over a four thousand year period.
Awesome job Jay and ACLJ !
October 24, 2021
The recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is one of the few Trump policies that I agree with, and Jay Sekulow’s point that no other nation has been denied the right to decide its own capital resounded. It was interesting to read about how international law supports that the borders of Israel include Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. This is an argument I have never come across before so it was a refreshing perspective. Sekulow’s analysis of the disgraceful and racist BDS campaign and why it should be challenged whenever possible was also an important piece to read. The biblical evidence side of things didn’t appeal to me however and I skipped through this section - the author referring to scripture as “credible evidence” especially earned a mega side-eye.
June 6, 2021
Sekulow approaches the issues concerning the conflicting claims on the Holy Land, more specifically the city of Jerusalem from the perspective of a prosecuting and defense attorney. Framing his rationale as a series of legal challenges Sekulow establishes a legal foundation for the Jewish people to posses and own the land based on the Scriptures. Citing the Mosaic narrative and also the Quran Sekulow affirms both the Hebrew and Islamic writings declare the land belongs to the Hebrew people.
Then, pressing the case, Sekulow reviews the role and the succession of resolutions and decisions of the United Nations in affirming the land belongs to the Jewish people.
In contrast to this he notes the relentless attempts of others to displace the Jewish people from the land and the city of Jerusalem involves BDS, boycotts, divesture and sanctions. In addition to this Sekulow involves lawfare, a relentless attempt to litigate the issue in the courts.
In the end, this comes down to making a choice. It is the choice to live what you profess to believe or not. It seems as though many who affirm belief in the Scriptures and Quran are willing to set aside the teaching of their holy writings in the pursuit of their own agendas.
Then, pressing the case, Sekulow reviews the role and the succession of resolutions and decisions of the United Nations in affirming the land belongs to the Jewish people.
In contrast to this he notes the relentless attempts of others to displace the Jewish people from the land and the city of Jerusalem involves BDS, boycotts, divesture and sanctions. In addition to this Sekulow involves lawfare, a relentless attempt to litigate the issue in the courts.
In the end, this comes down to making a choice. It is the choice to live what you profess to believe or not. It seems as though many who affirm belief in the Scriptures and Quran are willing to set aside the teaching of their holy writings in the pursuit of their own agendas.
August 1, 2025
Even though this book was written back in 2018 it is still very relevant as you take in the news each day about life in the Middle East and how Israel as a country and people will survive, which they will by the way. The media, the political leaders and their pundits, the education elites from this country and all over the world simply have it wrong when it comes to how they portray the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. If you do nothing else with this book, you should at least read his closing arguments in chapter 16 which gives you a summary of all of his major points in the first 15 chapters of which there are many. All point to why Jerusalem should be the Jewish capital and why the Jews have the right to live in this land once promised to them by God. I bookmarked so many sections of the book that there are too many to refer to here in my review. Suffice to say I will refer back to this book to back up my belief in Israel as a Jewish nation that should exist and survive and be left in peace despite all the rhetoric to the contrary. Despite John Kerry and Obama administration's viewpoint back in 2016, Israel can be both a Jewish and democratic nation. Finally, I would encourage anyone to check out the American Center of Law and Justice.
July 3, 2025
This is a must-read for anyone who has any doubts about the legitimacy of Israel. Jay Sekulow is a lawyer and also is chief counsel for the ACLJ. In this book, he lists all the reasons why Israel has a legitimate right to the land it inhabits, from Biblical, archeological and legal sources. It is interesting to know that even the Koran acknowledges that God gave the land to the Hebrews. Jews have lived in the land from the time of Abraham, whereas other conquerors have come and gone.
He also litigates against the BDS movement and explains how their tactics and aims are only to get rid of Israel altogether.
It is a well-written logical book, written from a legal view to make the case for Israel.
He also litigates against the BDS movement and explains how their tactics and aims are only to get rid of Israel altogether.
It is a well-written logical book, written from a legal view to make the case for Israel.
November 2, 2019
It's clear from reading this book that Jay Sekulow is not a Messianic Jew ( a culturally Jewish person whose accepted Christ as the Messiah). There was little in this book that I didn't already know so my mind hasn't been changed but I do believe that Israel belongs to the Jewish people and every Christian should be aware and active about the welfare of our Lord's people.
February 1, 2019
Very good book and interesting read! Definitely recommend it.
September 28, 2020
Wow
So much I did not know. Cannot understand why people of the Jewish faith still vote for democrats, in the USA
So much I did not know. Cannot understand why people of the Jewish faith still vote for democrats, in the USA
June 26, 2018
Written by a lawyer as though he was trying a case. Learned more about Middle East history from this book than I learned from a 15 week Middle East history class. Author saw things about the Abrahamic Promise that only a lawyer would see and I found that really interesting and informative.
June 28, 2019
I thought I knew a lot of history here, but am learning so much more than I anticipated. While this is a legalistic approach, formed in the narrative of law, it is also very heartwarming, woven with a love of truth, the Jewish people, and their eternal rights given to them by God. In a nonjudgmental way.
I believe Jay Sekulow is one of the most important men of our time, fighting for religious freedoms everywhere.
I believe Jay Sekulow is one of the most important men of our time, fighting for religious freedoms everywhere.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews