The War in Israel and God’s Word
5784 B”H
The Nation of Israel is the only Jewish state
When I was in undergrad, “just war theory” was a hot topic among my overwhelmingly liberal, pacifist- agenda-pushing professors. In fact, one of my first theology professors spent many years living in Palestine unfairly decrying Israel’s policies. He always condemned Israel as an occupier and he refused to give a balanced perspective of the Middle East conflict. This professor claimed that his “‘Christian’ convictions” brought him to conclude he must side with the “oppressed” as he vehemently opposed Zionism and all things related to the nation of Israel.
True Christian conviction must be Biblically sound.
The Bible is very clear that the nation of Israel and those who love it will be be blessed.
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “They shall again use this speech in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I bring back their captivity: ‘The LORD bless you, O home of justice, and mountain of holiness!’” Jeremiah 31:23, NKJV
Bethlehem of Judea and modern Palestine
Bethlehem is located in Judea, but it has been governed by the Palestinian authority for many years now.
Because of this, people like my first college professors like to insist that Jesus (Yeshua) was a poor, “Palestinian” Jew.
They reach a fallacious conclusion that because Jesus was born in modern-day Palestine, we as American Christians “must” therefore support the leftist pro-Palestine agenda.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea (Judah).
The modern Palestinian agenda has nothing to do with Him.
The West Bank is actually Judea and Samaria.
Accountability for universities
Institutions of higher learning should promote Biblical principles and the ideals of democracy, including support for Israel, the only Jewish state.
The Jewish nation as a whole has endured oppression time and time again and deserve a safe homeland free of radical Islamic terrorism.
Israel is engaged in justified war. The beautiful, prosperous nation of Israel was unfairly targeted by hate-filled organized terrorists who are unwilling to compromise and are set on destroying Israel.
We must pray, as David did, for God’s people in Israel:
“Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;
Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.” Psalm 6:10
The Scriptures are clear that the nation of Israel will not only exist, but will thrive!
Universities need to be held accountable when they promote a false tolerance at the expense of Israel. The Holocaust happened, it was real, and cannot legitimately be denied. Raping and pillaging innocent civilians in Israel cannot be justified, under any circumstance. Universities should be held accountable for any anti-Semitic posture they are taking because it influences our future American leaders.
The recent news that some Harvard students signed an anti-Israel statement as part of the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Group didn’t surprise me at all. These students have been taught to believe lies about Israel, propagated by far too many leaders in American higher education.
What did surprise me has been some of the backlash and I am grateful that people are holding these Harvard students accountable. Companies want to know who these students are so that they don’t end up hiring these kids. It is harsh, but it is justified, and necessary given the current climate.
Personally, I don’t think it was right to post the students’ photos and names on billboards, but I do appreciate our nation overwhelmingly supporting Israel despite the abundance of anti-semitic rhetoric that is pervasive in most American universities today.
Our nation has long stood with Israel, and that is a friendship worth keeping. Universities would do well to re-evaluate the way that the Israel/Hamas conflict is presented to encourage unwavering support for Israel.
What does the Bible say about the current conflict?
Gaza City is one of 5 formerly Philistine cities
Gaza City has a long history.
It was one of the five formerly Philistine cities which included Gaza, Ashqelon (Ashkelon), Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath.
Even our English term “Palestinian” comes from the root words for Philistia and the Greek, palaistinei.
The Philistine and Edomite partnership
One prophecy that really stands out to me is found in Amos. Philistine Gaza had partnered with the descendants of Esau (the Edomites) to turn in Jews to them:
“For three offenses of Gaza, and for four,
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because they led into exile an entire population
So I will send fire on the wall of Gaza
And it will consume her citadels.'” Amos 1:6-7, NASB
These offenses will not go unpunished. The God of Israel will not allow the Philistine goliaths of the world to conquer His chosen people. Gaza has remained unrepentant and hostile toward Israel, and the Word of God is very clear that the wall of Gaza will be burned.
Likewise, a prophecy in the book of Obadiah speaks against the treasonous Edomites:
The Day of the LORD is near
Deliverance will come and Israel will triumph
Obadiah’s prophecy against Edom ends with hope for Israel’s future:
A moment to demonstrate love
The war that Hamas started when they attacked Israel is a decisive moment in history.
It has been so heartbreaking to know that so many innocent lives have been taken and in such horrific manners.
Being pro-Israel does not mean anti-Arab. Let it be known that there is plenty of room in the household of God for people of every ethnic background – every tribe and tongue – to repent of his or her sin and be welcomed with open arms into the Kingdom of God.
There is a stark difference between the terrorizing, hate-filled message of radical Islam and the message of love, forgiveness, and acceptance offered by the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Yeshua haMashiach).
This is a moment in which God’s people – believers around the world – need to stand with Israel while at the same time demonstrating fierce love.
Pray for the Palestinian people who are being used and abused by terrorists.
Pray for the Palestinian people who have been deceived into accepting lies and hatred.
Pray for unbelieving Jews to recognize the Eternal Savior who has come to rule and reign.
Pray for all of the hurting families (on both sides) who have lost dear loved ones. Pray for Israel’s hostages to be rescued. Pray for all the little children who are witnessing such horror. Pray for nations to support Israel.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Please leave a comment about how you and your family are personally praying for Israel!
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you.'” Psalm 122:6