Why is there so much anti-Semitism in the world?
Anti-Semitism (hatred against Jews) is unique among the various hatreds present in the world. No hatred against any group of people can compare with anti-Semitism for a number of reasons. First is its longevity. Hatred for Jews has been around a very long time. The Babylonians, the Persians, the Assyrians, the Egyptians, the Hittites, and the Nazis have all attempted to destroy the Jewish people. Second is its universality. Jews are despised virtually everywhere in the world. History has shown that at various times over the last 1,700 years the Jews have been expelled from over 80 different countries. Third is its intensity. Anti-Semitism has always been expressed in a particularly virulent manner.Why has the world always hated the Jews? Why is hatred for this one group of people so much more pronounced, so much more violent than that against any other? Historians and experts have offered various theories, but all of them are flawed and miss the real reason for anti-Semitism. For example, the theory that Jews are hated because they killed Christ is completely without validity. It was the Romans, not the Jews, who killed Christ. Yet the Romans are not hated.
The real reason the world hates the Jews is explained by the apostle Paul. Speaking of the Jews, he says, "They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen" (Romans 9:4–5). The truth is that the world hates the Jews because the world hates God.
God used the Jews to bring forth His Word, the Law, and morality to a world of sin. It was through the Jews that God sent His Son to fulfill the Law and redeem mankind, offering salvation and freedom from sin. The message entrusted to the Jews ultimately transforms the world. Yet it is this very message that draws forth the wrath of those who would give their last ounce of strength to resist it. Those who desire to hold onto their sin cannot destroy God or His holy Law, so they attempt to destroy His messengers.
For the same reason, the world hates God's son, Jesus the Christ, born in a Jewish body to redeem the world of sin. His message reiterates the message given to the Jews — God is holy, man is sinful, and hell exists and is the final destination for all sinners. But the good news part of the message is that Christ came to pay the penalty for the sin of all who would come to Him by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). This message is hated by all who refuse to leave their sin.
Despite all efforts to destroy the Jews, God is not finished with Israel. Someday the nation of Israel will recognize Christ as their Savior and turn to Him (Romans 11:26), and this cannot come to pass if Israel no longer exists. God has always preserved at least a remnant of the Jews and will continue to do so until His final plan comes to fruition. No amount of anti-Semitism will thwart God's plan for the Jewish people.
Why is there so much animosity between Jews and Arabs / Muslims?
What is a biblical view of prejudice, descrimination, and racism?
What is the diaspora?
How could God allow something like the Holocaust? Why did God allow the Holocaust?
As God's chosen people, are Jews automatically saved?
Truth about Humanity
