Since the terrorist attack on Israel October 7, I have been praying for God to intervene. My heart goes out to all those who have suffered such trauma and loss. 200 were taken as hostages. We know Hamas has even used their own people as human shields. My heart goes out to the suffering residents of Gaza too.
Emotions are high. Antisemitic protests have occurred in several nations, including the United States. Israel’s actions to destroy Hamas and hopefully free the hostages have further angered some people.
The roots of this conflict run deep. It reminds me of Ezekiel 25:15-17. God said the Philistines attacked with a vengeful heart to destroy because of the “old hatred.”
Are the Jews the Occupiers?
In Genesis 15:18, God made a covenant with Abram and his descendants to give them this land. Israel possessed the land under Joshua’s leadership. And David took the city of Jerusalem and made it Israel’s capital 3,000 years ago.
Because of continued rebellion to God, Israel was defeated and went into exile for almost 2,000 years. But in 1922, the “Mandate for Palestine” was approved by the Council of the League of Nations. This was a legal process that led to the official rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948 after the atrocities of the Holocaust.
The so-called West Bank did not return to Israel until the Six Day War in 1967.
Why wasn’t a Palestinian state declared in that territory during the 19 years between 1948 and 1967?
Protesters who declare, “From the River to the Sea” and, “Gas the Jews” show that this is more than a land dispute. I am not saying Israel does everything correctly. But how can there be peace with those who call for Israel’s extinction?
Our church supports both Arab and Israeli brothers and sisters in the land. I love them and pray for them.
God originally chose Abram to father a nation through whom all families of the earth could be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). The blessing of forgiveness of sins and peace with God comes through believing in Jesus as Lord and Messiah (Galatians 3:13, 14). Jesus has broken down the wall of division between us through his cross, so we can be united in Him (Ephesians 2:13, 14). He is our peace.
“I intercede for the sake of my family and friends who dwell there, that they may all live in peace” (Psalm 122:8 TPT).