Bizarre, Constitutional Law, Politics, Religion

States Pass Resolution Declaring Israel As A Land Ordained By God

170px-rembrandt_harmensz-_van_rijn_079-1In states from Texas to Oklahoma to Iowa, legislators have introduced resolutions that appear to proclaim Israel as a nation ordained by God. Most recently, the Texas enrolled SR 694 — a resolution introduced by Republican Senator Ken Paxton of McKinney, Texas and entitled “Commending Israel for its relationship with the United States.” It is not the title but the first sentence that is surprising: “WHEREAS, Israel has been granted her lands as recorded in the Old Testament.” That sounds a lot like saying that the nation of Israel is ordained by God and that religious claim is being ratified by the Texas legislature.


The first proclaimed fact in many of these bills introduced across the country is a whooper for those concerns about the wall of separation between church and state: “Israel has been granted her lands under and through the oldest recorded deed, as recorded in the Old Testament, a tome of scripture held sacred and revered by Jews and Christians, alike, as presenting the acts and words of God.”

The language has been duplicated and introduced in states across the country. It is rare for states with no foreign policy functions to hold forth on international matters of this kind. However, one could certainly understand the desire to affirm the close alliance between the United States and Israel. However, that can be express in a variety of ways referring to the countries and their history. There was a clear desire to have an expression of faith in the legislation — a faith-based claim that is not shared by many non-Christian and Jews including atheists and agnostics.

Do you consider this type of language appropriate?

7350132Ken Paxton is a graduate of Virginia Law School. His campaign literature states that he “is an active charter member of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, where he has participated in various leadership roles.”

Here is the language of the Texas bill:

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 694

WHEREAS, Israel has been granted her lands as recorded in the Old Testament; and

WHEREAS, The presence of the Jewish people in Israel has remained constant throughout the past 4,000 years of history; and

WHEREAS, The basis for the establishment of the modern State of Israel was a binding resolution under international law, which was unanimously adopted by the League of Nations in 1922 and subsequently affirmed by both houses of the United States Congress; and

WHEREAS, This resolution affirmed the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in the historical region of the Land of Israel; and

WHEREAS, Israel declared its independence and self-governance on May 14, 1948, with the goal of reestablishing its lands as a homeland for the Jewish people; and

WHEREAS, The United States, having been the first country to recognize Israel as an independent nation and as Israel’s principal ally, has enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship with Israel and her people; and

WHEREAS, Israel is a great friend and ally of the United States in the Middle East; and

WHEREAS,
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Israel for its cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and with the State of Texas and support Israel in its right of self-governance and self-defense.

71 thoughts on “States Pass Resolution Declaring Israel As A Land Ordained By God”

  2. Pingback: Israel’s hasbara in New Mexico Legislature | لماذا غزة؟ Why Gaza?

  3. Presumably if anyone believes that Isreal is entitled to that huge expanse from the River of Egypt to the Euphates as a gift by God (e.g. Genesis 15:18), then thy will live by:

    Deuteronomy 22

    20 But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:

    21 Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

    22 If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman</b<: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.

    23 If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;

    24 Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

    ……. or is the Bible a la carte?

  5. Gene: “You raise another point tangentially: Is the Lord of Israel subject to the Rule Against Perpetuities?”

    He sure as hell violated the rule against restraint on alienation.

  6. Bob Kauten = Frankly = Ultrasubcretinous Megamoron.

    Although your brand of stupidity is near ineffable, I believe that my equation has, nonetheless, ineluctably captured the underlying axiom that applies in your case.

    PS: You can ask your parents to explain this post to you, as I’m sure it’s beyond your comprehension, unless, of course, you’ve inherited your limitations from them.

  8. A few years ago both houses of the Oklahoma legislature declared that “there is one God of the universe.” It passed unanimously (although a few didn’t vote). I believe the governor at the time signed as well. I don’t remember what prompted it now but I want to say it had to do with science textbooks. Happens more often than you’d think.

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