I recently read an article which included the phrase "... significance of the Balfour Declaration to Israel and Jewish communities ...".

I reacted to that - the article omitted to mention another group to whom the declaration is also significant - i.e. Christians.

You see, if God cannot be trusted to keep His promises to the Jews then for a wild pagan gentile like myself there is no hope...
If God cannot be trusted then there simply is no Good News!
For a simple discussion on God's character see The Bait of Satan.

But, you say "what about the national and international intrigues and manipulations which set the scene for the Balfour Declaration"? True, but have you not read about Cyrus the Great and the decree he issued for the rebuilding of Jerusalem?

Some argue that Cyrus issued decrees so several displaced cultural groups could return to their homelands. No obvious Biblical hint of that but then the Biblical record concentrates on events relevant to Israel and the coming of the Messiah. But if true shows how God was working in the general political climate of the time to provide an opportunity for the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

The book of Nehemiah gives the inside testimony of someone with access to King Artaxerxes. My guess is that the event of Nehemiah 2:1-9 would have been in the King's private apartment as there is no mention of it being a special event or other dignatories, except for the queen, being present. No words spoken by the queen are recorded, but I wonder what looks were exchanged or what earlier private conversation she might have had with the King! The queen - who was she? How does King Xerxes' queen Esther fit in? Could it even have been Esther? Family connections?

Then we have the opposition to rebuilding Jerusalem recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Oh, doesn't that sound familiar.

Lots of unknowns and my ignorance is showing.
But I don't care I know God is at work in the affairs of men.
In Isaiah 45 we read "This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, ... though you do not acknowledge me ...".

In 1 Timothy 2 we are told to pray for "Kings and all in authority".
Note the word all - it includes those who do not acknowledge the Lord.
It does not go on to say pray for revolution - it says pray so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.