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Chapter 9: What is God’s Point of View concerning the Ongoing Wars between Israel and Gaza (Hamas), as well as the Present-Day Conflicts between Israel and Lebanon (Hezbollah)?
First of all, War was never Part of God’s Plan for man: Scripture reveals that war was never God’s plan for mankind, but became a necessity because of Israel’s enemies – and Israel has many enemies. To understand why God allowed the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, and Gaza and Israel we need only search the Scriptures regarding Israel’s relationship with the ancient Philistines and ancient Lebanon, because therein lies the answer as to why God allowed the conflict between Israel and Lebanon and Israel and Gaza to be fought in our own lifetime. The Scriptures, specifically Judges 3:1-6, Joel 3, Ezekiel 25:15-17, Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27 and Ezekiel 28 are six very specific Scriptures that are key to understanding God’s point of view concerning the ongoing wars between Israel and two of their enemies who are constantly attacking Israel: Gaza (Hamas) and Lebanon (Hezbollah).
These Scriptures reveal why both Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Hamas (Gaza) continues to this day to threaten Israel and both nations will do so until Christ returns, who tells us that these wars and other wars, like that happening between Russia and Ukraine, must happen before He returns – that nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (Matthew 24:4-8) and that these wars are only the first of the sorrows to come. And, like Hamas, it is only a matter of time before Hezbollah makes good their threat and crosses over Israel’s border to wage war. It’s because of the above mentioned Scriptures that I realize the reality of the possibility of more conflicts between Israel and Lebanon, even in my own lifetime and the lifetime of my sons and daughters.
However, in Matthew 24:6 Christ tells us not to be troubled or alarmed by these wars because in God’s perfect timing the sorrows of war will usher in a new creation.
What! How is it possible not to be troubled by such sorrow and unimaginable suffering that war brings?
What! Doesn’t God feel the same sorrow and pain that we feel caused by these wars?
Yes, it’s possible for those of us who fix our hearts upon God and trust in what He reveals to us in His Word concerning why He allows wars to happen. And, when we keep our eye upon God and His will we will not panic and give way to fear because of all the wars raging around us.
We should not be so bold as to question God regarding the war between Gaza and Israel. However, we may be bold enough to ask God for wisdom and understanding regarding wars from His viewpoint; however, we dare not ask God in a way that challenges God’s wisdom or His purposes as the Apostle Peter did when he reprimanded Jesus for speaking of His death declaring, “God Forbid” that will never be – because God’s Word tells us that wars must happen. Matthew 16:21-23
The answer to our questions are found in the above mentioned Scriptures and is a warning to those nations like Gaza and Lebanon who are a Thorn in Israel’s side. These same Scriptures are also a warning to those nations that come to the aid of Israel’s Enemies and dare suggest that a Two-State Solution is the only solution for peace in the region because that would require Israel to give all of East Jerusalem to the Palestinians.
What! Surely any Nation that would ask Israel to give the Palestinians land that God gave to Israel must be out of their minds!
Woe to Gaza and Lebanon: Scripture has a great deal to say concerning the attacks of Gaza (Hamas) and Lebanon (Hezbollah) on Israel. Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 reveals that there is nothing new under the sun and that history merely repeats itself, and so it is with the present-day war between Israel and their enemies. The conflicts and wars between Israel and Gaza and between Israel and Lebanon have been ongoing since Biblical Times and will continue until Christ returns. And, as you read this particular chapter, anyone who has ears to hear and eyes to see, it will become evident that the present-day wars and conflicts between Israel and their enemies Hezbollah and Hamas is just a continuation of their ancestor’s hatred for Israel that began during Biblical times and that God will judge these two nations for their hatred and long-standing contempt for their neighbor Israel. Scripture also reveals that God can and will use these conflicts and wars for a higher purpose that not all men perceive – at least those men and nations who only see things through a worldly mindset and who could care less about what the Scriptures reveal concerning God’s Point of View concerning these ongoing conflicts. However, regardless of man’s perception concerning these conflicts and wars, the following Scriptures concerning Gaza (Hamas) and Lebanon (Hezbollah) will surely continue to come to pass – as this is God’s Will!
Again, Judges 3:1-6, Joel 3, Ezekiel 25:15-17, Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27 and Ezekiel 28 are six very specific Scriptures that are key to understanding God’s point of view concerning the ongoing wars between Israel and their enemies: Gaza (Hamas) and Lebanon (Hezbollah).
And, after reading Judges 3:1-6, Ezekiel 25:15-17, Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27; Ezekiel 28 and Joel 3 would anyone dare ask God how He could have let these wars between Israel and Gaza and Israel and Lebanon happen – when God says they must happen? Surely not!
An Overview of the Six Scriptures concerning God’s View of the Wars between Israel and the Iranian-backed terrorist organizations of Hezbollah and Hamas
The following is an overview of the above mentioned Scriptures:
Just as the ancient Lebanese hired Mercenaries from Persia (modern-day Iran) to serve in their military – Lebanon has allowed Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist organization who are not part of Lebanon’s regular army, to serve as Mercenaries on behalf of Lebanon and allowed Hezbollah to set up their stronghold in Lebanon. Because of Iran’s financial backing Hezbollah is a much stronger military than the Lebanese Army and could overcome both Lebanon and Lebanon’s official military if they wanted to.
The following is a more in-depth understanding of the above mentioned Scriptures.
Joel 3:1-4 Warnings Concerning: Lebanon, Gaza, England, France, and the International Community (including the United States) proposing a Two-State Solution
Joel 3:4 specifically mentions Tyre and Sidon in present-day Lebanon and all the five city-states of the Philistines (which includes modern-day Gaza) as nations that God will judge for their unprovoked attacks against Israel – for their attacks on Israel were and are attacks on God. Joel 3 also reveals that God will judge those nations like France and England who at the end of World War 1 encroached on land God gave to the Israelites – then after redrawing the Borders of the Promised Land, they divided up God’s Land for themselves.
God’s Point of View concerning the Ongoing Wars between Israel and Gaza (Hamas) as well as the Present-day Conflicts between Israel and Lebanon (Hezbollah) is rejected by nations like France and England and men like Sykes and Picot because so many nations and men see Boundaries, Borders, Land, and Wars merely from a Human Point of View that benefits their own personal desires even when it is at the determent of others, like those in the Middle East that still suffers from the effects of the “Sykes-Picot Agreement” between England and France who redrew the borders in the Middle East. These nations and men do not have the mindset of God – they only have the mindset of man, which is not according to God’s Will. Matthew 16:21-23
Joel 3:2 and England and France: Joel 3:2 reveals that just as God judged Lebanon and Gaza for encroaching upon His land that He will judge the gentile nations like England and France who Encroached on Land God gave to Israel at the end of World War I, and took it upon themselves to redraw the Borders in the Middle East dividing God’s Land among their two nations. And, to this day the Sykes-Picot Agreement between England and France is one of the Root Causes for the Ongoing Unrest in the Middle East and the Unrest along Israel’s Borders. Back to Joel 3 and Lebanon and Gaza.
Joel 3:4 and Lebanon and Gaza: To begin, Joel 3:2 speaks of those who encroached on God’s land that He gave to Israel and divided it up. Verse 4 identifies Tyre and Sidon (modern-day Lebanon) and the five city-states of Philistia (Gaza is one of the five city-states of Philistia) as those who were hostile to Israel and encroached upon land God gave to Israel.
Joel 3 1“For behold, in those [climactic] days and at that time, When I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
2 I will gather together all the [Gentile] nations [that were hostile to My people] And bring them down into the Valley of Jehoshaphat (the Lord has judged). And there I will deal with them and enter into judgment with them there For [their treatment of] My people, My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations, And [because] they have encroached on My land and divided it up.
3 “They have also cast lots for My people, And have traded a boy for a prostitute And have sold a girl for wine that they may drink.
4 Moreover, what are you to Me, O Tyre and Sidon and all the [five small] regions of Philistia? Will you pay Me back for something [I have supposedly done to you]? Even if you do pay Me back, I will swiftly and speedily return your deed [of retaliation] on your own head. 5 Because you have taken My silver and My gold and have carried My precious treasures to your temples and palaces, 6 and have sold the children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem to the Greeks, so that you may send them far away from their territory, 7 behold, I am going to stir them up from the place where you have sold them [and return them to their land], and I shall return your action [of retaliation] on your own head. 8 Also I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation,” for the Lord has spoken. Amplified Bible
Woe to the Man and Nation, including the United States of America, that does not have the mindset of God concerning the Wars between Israel and the nations that share a border with Israel. Woe to the Nations, including the United States of America, that are trying to force Israel into giving East Jerusalem to Gaza and the Palestinians as their capital simply because Man seeks the Honor of Men. Woe to the Gentile nations and men who believe they know what is best for the Nation of Israel.
Woe to the International Community, including the United States of America, that tries to convince Israel that the only way there will be peace in the Middle East is a Two-State Solution – that Israel must give all of East Jerusalem to Gaza and the Palestinians as their capital simply because the International Community believes they know what is best for Israel.
Like the United States, both France and England support a two-state solution to the ongoing decades-old disaster in the Middle East, whereby the Israelis and Palestinians would negotiate an end to the conflict through the creation of a new independent nation of Palestine to exist alongside Israel. What! Israel would never have peace if they listened to man and gave Jerusalem to the Palestinians.
What! Give all of Jerusalem to the Palestinians. What! Give Jerusalem land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants to the Palestinians? We know from Judges 3 that the present-day war between Israel and Gaza is because their ancestors did not drive the Philistines (modern-day Gaza) out of the Promised Land – so why in the world would they give Gaza and the Palestinians more of the Promised Land – surely they don’t know what they are doing? Or, surely they just don’t care.
Scripture tells us Woe to the Nations who suggest that the solution to these wars is for Israel to give Gaza all of East Jerusalem –land God promised to Abraham and his descendants.
The Mindset of Man for a Two-State Solution is Madness. Does the International Community forget or just choose to forget that Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 was unprovoked, and the brutality of Hamas attack is unspeakable – the worst can of evil – the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust? To add insult to injury – the International Community, including the United States of America, is trying to convince Israel’s Government, as they have for decades, that the only way to have peace with Hamas and the Middle East is a Two-State Solution. Does the International Community really believe that Israel’s government should award Hamas for their evil and give Jerusalem to Hamas as their Capital?
What? What nation dares suggest that Israel should reward Hamas for their unprovoked attacks and give the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants to the Palestinians who have always been hostile (Joel 3:2) to God’s people and who initiated the “unspeakable and unimaginable” attack on Israel on October 7, 2023? What? To give Gaza – in essence, Hamas – East Jerusalem is unthinkable to anyone who understands war from God’s perspective concerning Gaza and how God views anyone who divides up the land God gave to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants.
Joel 3:2 2 I will gather together all the [Gentile] nations [that were hostile to My people] And bring them down into the Valley of Jehoshaphat (the Lord has judged). And there I will deal with them and enter into judgment with them there For [their treatment of] My people, My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations, And [because] they have encroached on My land and divided it up. Amplified Bible
Ecclesiastes tells us that there is nothing new under the sun and that History only repeats itself. Once again today, France is involved with negotiations regarding an end to the war between Israel and Hamas – suggesting a Two-State solution.
Woe to France and England who Encroached on Land that God gave to the Israelites and Divided Portions of the Promised Land between France and England at the end of World I. The Sykes-Picot Agreement made between France and England even before World War I ended divided the land in the Middle East including portions of the Promised Land between themselves after World War I ended.
Woe to Tyre, Sidon and the Philistines who Encroached on Land that God gave to Israel: Since the beginning of time, like France and England, many nations have entered into the borders of Israel and divided among themselves the lands they overran – lands that God gave to Israel. During Biblical times while the Israelites were in captivity, much of their land was seized and occupied by other nations including the Philistines (Gaza) and Tyre and Sidon, present-day Lebanon, that bordered Israel (Joel 3:4-6). Now, to add insult to injury, the international community, including the Biden Administration, believes that Israel should give East Jerusalem, land God to the Israelites, to the Philistine city-state of Gaza and Hamas.
Joel 3:4-6 4 “What do you have against Me, Tyre and Sidon and you cities of Philistia? Are you trying to take revenge on Me? If you are, then watch out! I will strike swiftly and pay you back for everything you have done. 5 You have taken My silver and gold and all My precious treasures, and have carried them off to your pagan temples. 6 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, so they could take them far from their homeland. NLT
Joel 3:4-6 4 Moreover, what are you to Me, O Tyre and Sidon and all the [five small] regions of Philistia? Will you pay Me back for something [I have supposedly done to you]? Even if you do pay Me back, I will swiftly and speedily return your deed [of retaliation] on your own head. 5 Because you have taken My silver and My gold and have carried My precious treasures to your temples and palaces, 6 and have sold the children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem to the Greeks, so that you may send them far away from their territory, 7 behold, I am going to stir them up from the place where you have sold them [and return them to their land], and I shall return your action [of retaliation] on your own head. 8 Also I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a distant nation,” for the Lord has spoken. Amplified Bible
Woe to Tyre and Sidon and the City-states of the Philistines: Tyre and Sidon, as well as all the Philistines along the coasts of Palestine who share a border with Israel – they are the neighboring nations that first and foremost shall be reckoned with. These nations that shared a border with Israel in particular have been the most troublesome neighbors to Israel and the God of Israel (Joel 3:4). And, whoever touches Israel touches the apple of God’s eye.
The northern seaboard of the Phoenicians, including the famous cities of Tyre and Sidon, also the southern seacoast and plains of the Philistines, with their five principalities, are two of the nations notorious for injuring and oppressing the people of God.
Which begs the question: Does anyone still dare to ask God why He allows Israel to defend themselves against Gaza (Hamas) and Lebanon (Hezbollah)?
Woe to the Self-Proclaimed Peacemakers: Woe, to the International Community, including America, who would even dare suggest that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel should give all of or even part of East Jerusalem to the Palestinians. The International Community, including America, should take heed of the warning in Joel 3:2 for even suggesting or demanding that Israel give up any portion of the Promised Land to their enemies!
The following is an excerpt from a Fox News article posted online February 15, 2024:
“President Biden has made it clear that he wants the Israel-Hamas war to end with a two-state solution for Palestinians, but Israel is proving unwilling.
Biden first pushed for a two-state solution in a November 2023 opinion article in the Washington Post, arguing, "The Palestinian people deserve a state of their own and a future free from Hamas."
Israel has made repeated efforts to negotiate a peace deal and two-state solution with Palestinian and Arab leaders over the past 75 years, but each offer has been rejected.
"I do not think a two-state solution is possible, and, even if possible, it is not advisable. For more than 50 years, hundreds of self-proclaimed ‘peacemakers,’ led by the United States, have attempted to coerce Israel and the Palestinians into a two-state solution," former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman told Fox News Digital last month.
There has been friction between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu over how the war against Hamas should be prosecuted and how it should end.” End of Excerpt
As for me, like Debra, a Mother of Israel who led the men into war, my heart is with the Commanders of Israel and all those who have volunteered to join the IDF and defend the Borders of Israel! Judges 5:9
Judges 5:9 9 My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with those who volunteered for war. Praise the LORD! NLT
Like Deborah, a Mother of Israel, my heart is with the Lawmakers of Israel who have been willing to go to war to defend themselves against the unprovoked and unspeakable evils that Hamas committed against the Israelis on Israeli soil. My heart is with the Israeli Lawmakers who are willing to stand up to the International Community, including the United States, that is trying to dictate to the Lawmakers of Israel how Israel should defend themselves. Only Israel knows what is best for Israel and what they need to do to defend Israel.
We should not be so bold as to question God regarding the war between Gaza and Israel. However, we may be bold enough to ask God for wisdom and understanding regarding wars from His viewpoint; however, we dare not ask God in a way that challenges God’s wisdom or His purposes as the Apostle Peter did when he reprimanded Jesus for speaking of his death declaring, “God Forbid” that will never be. Matthew 16:21-23
The Lord has never needed advice from man! After reading the above mentioned Scripture from Judges, Ezekiel and Joel, would anyone dare ask God how He could have let these wars between Israel and Gaza or the conflicts between Israel and Lebanon happen or say to God, “God Forbid?” Surely not!
Because of their worldly mindset like unbelievers, the worldly Christians don’t understand that Wars must take place until Christ comes back – Matthew 16:21-23, Matthew 24:6-8
Jesus told His Disciples that wars must take place until the end of time – Matthew 24:6-8
Matthew 24:6-8 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. NLT
Given the above mentioned Scriptures along with Matthew 24:6-8 do we dare question God regarding war?
Man thinks those things should not be done which God desires to be done and what God desires is always the Righteous Way and is always for a Higher Kingdom Purpose. The Leaders of Nations and men who seek man’s approval and honor will judge this matter of war according to men who only see things merely from a human point of view and not from God’s Point of View.
And, so it is with the Present-day War between Israel and Hamas and the Present-day Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah who have come to the aid of Hamas.
Do we dare ask God how He could have let Hamas, Iran’s Proxy in Gaza attack Israel on October 7, 2023, the worst attack on Israel since the Holocaust killing over a thousand Israelis and taking over 200 people hostage from the borders of Israel over into Gaza? Or do we dare ask God why He allowed Israel to defend the Nation of Israel and respond back to Hamas’ attack on Israel and cross over the Border that Israel shares with Gaza and kill approximately 30,000 people in their pursuit to bring the leaders of Hamas to justice?
Or do we dare ask God how He could have let the war between Israel and Lebanon that lasted from the 1980s to 2000 have happened and last for so long – a war that continues to this day even though it officially ended in May 2000 when the Israeli Defense Forces left the Security Zone in Lebanon? Do we dare ask God why He is allowing Hezbollah, Iran’s Proxy in Lebanon to come to the aid of Hamas and attack Israel along the border Lebanon shares with Israel in the north when 80,000 Israelis living along the Border have been evacuated since October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel in the south because of Hezbollah’s cross-border missiles aimed at the border towns in the north?
Do we dare ask God why He allowed the 1948 Arab-Israeli War when Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Transjordan and Iraq declared war on the new state of Israel? And, so it was with Lebanon, the present-day conflict between Israel and Lebanon goes all the way back to May 14, 1948 when Israel declared its independence and the Nation of Israel as we know it today was born.
So many lives have been lost and continue to be lost on the battlefield because of these wars between Israel and their enemies.
Do we dare say “God Forbid?” Does God not care about the suffering that war brings as much as we do?
Do we dare ask God who is the God of the armies of Israel how He could have let these wars happen? Do we dare say “God Forbid?”
1 Samuel 17:45 45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. NLT
Jeremiah 51:5 5 For the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has not abandoned Israel and Judah. He is still their God, even though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.” NLT
Jeremiah 29:4 4 This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: NLT
Again, to understand God’s Point of View concerning Wars between Israel and Gaza as well as War between Israel and Lebanon from a Biblical Perspective, we need to go to Judges 3:1-6; Ezekiel 25:15-17, Ezekiel 26:1-3, Ezekiel 27, Ezekiel 28 and Joel 3 and let Scripture speak: The Philistines in Judges 3:3 includes Present-day Gaza. And, the Sidonians in Judges 3:3 which was synonymous with wickedness includes modern-day Sidon which is located in present-day Lebanon. And, Sidon as well as Tyre, Sidon’s sister city, are both mentioned in Ezekiel 28.
We know that Lebanon and the Philistines were among the nations God left to teach the Israelis who never knew war – to know war because God knew that the offspring of Tyre, Sidon and the ancient Philistines will always be a thorn in Israel’s side – they will always attack Israel.
The Cherethims in Ezekiel 25:16 were mercenaries – warriors hired by the Philistines to murder the Israelis. More to the point, Hamas is nothing more than Mercenaries hired by the Philistines in Gaza to destroy the Israelis because of their bitter revenge and long-standing contempt. Are the Leaders of Hamas paid? It is a well-known fact that Hamas, who has been the de facto governing body in the Gaza Strip since 2007, is funded in part by the Iranian Regime, especially for weaponry, and without the funding of Iran, Hamas would not have had the resources to recruit the men who invaded and attacked Israel on October 7 2023. Yes, the leaders of Hamas and their soldiers are paid mercenaries who carry out the goals of both Iran and the ancestors of the ancient Philistines: to destroy Israel.
Like Hamas, Hezbollah are also Mercenaries. Ezekiel 27:10 reveals that Sidon and Tyre in modern-day Lebanon hired men from Persia (modern-day Iran) as mercenaries to fight their wars with other nations.
After reading the following Scriptures would anyone dare ask God how He could have let these wars between Israel and Gaza and Israel and Lebanon happen? Surely not!
Judges 3:1-6 1 These are the nations that the LORD left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. 2 He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle. 3 These are the nations: the Philistines (those living under the five Philistine rulers), all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. 4 These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the LORD had given to their ancestors through Moses. 5 So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, 6 and they intermarried with them. Israelite sons married their daughters, and Israelite daughters were given in marriage to their sons. And the Israelites served their gods. NLT
Ezekiel 25:15-17 15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; 16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. 17 And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them. KJV
Ezekiel 25:15-17 15 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The people of Philistia have acted against Judah out of bitter revenge and long-standing contempt. 16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will raise my fist of judgment against the land of the Philistines. I will wipe out the Kerethites and utterly destroy the people who live by the sea. 17 I will execute terrible vengeance against them to punish them for what they have done. And when I have inflicted my revenge, they will know that I am the LORD.” NLT
Ezekiel 26:1-3 1 And it came to pass in the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 "Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, 'Aha! She is broken who was the gateway of the peoples; now she is turned over to me; I shall be filled; she is laid waste.' 3 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: 'Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. NKJV
Ezekiel 28:1-10 1 Then this message came to me from the LORD: 2 “Son of man, give the prince of Tyre this message from the Sovereign LORD: “In your great pride you claim, ‘I am a god! I sit on a divine throne in the heart of the sea.’ But you are only a man and not a god, though you boast that you are a god. 3 You regard yourself as wiser than Daniel and think no secret is hidden from you. 4 With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth— gold and silver for your treasuries. 5 Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud. 6 “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you think you are as wise as a god, 7 I will now bring against you a foreign army, the terror of the nations. They will draw their swords against your marvelous wisdom and defile your splendor! 8 They will bring you down to the pit, and you will die in the heart of the sea, pierced with many wounds. 9 Will you then boast, ‘I am a god!’ to those who kill you? To them you will be no god but merely a man! 10 You will die like an outcast at the hands of foreigners. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” NLT
Joel 3:4-6 What do you have against Me, Tyre and Sidon and you cities of Philistia? Are you trying to take revenge on Me? If you are, then watch out! I will strike swiftly and pay you back for everything you have done. 5 You have taken my silver and gold and all my precious treasures, and have carried them off to your pagan temples. 6 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, so they could take them far from their homeland. NLT
To this day the offspring of the ancient Philistines and Sidonians are thorns in Israel’s side because their ancestors did not drive them out of the lands of the Philistines and Sidonians that God gave to them. Instead of driving them out, they let them stay and lived among them – hence they remain a thorn in Israel’s side to this day.
Hence, Hamas’ latest attack of October 7, 2023 on Israel
Hence, the “Sidonian Conflict” between Israel and Lebanon during the 1982 Israeli campaign to eradicate the Palestine Liberation Organization, a Terrorist Organization who had a stronghold in Lebanon. In these battles the Israeli Defense Forces were able to eliminate PLO forces in both Sidon and Tyre.
Hence, Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks that began on October 7, 2023 when they came to the aid of Hamas.
Again, after reading these Scriptures would anyone dare ask God how He could have let these wars between Israel and Gaza and Israel and Lebanon happen? Surely not! After reading these Scriptures it’s understandable how Iran has been able to recruit Hezbollah and Hamas as proxies of Iran because their goals are like the goals of Iran: to destroy Israel. And, it’s understandable why Hezbollah has come to the aid of Hamas after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Hezbollah has come to the aid of Hamas who, like Hezbollah, are Mercenary Armies that are Proxies of Iran: Surely the Lord knows that the Israelis have made it clear to both Hezbollah and the International Community that if need be Israel will wage a war in Lebanon if Hezbollah continues to come to the aid of Hamas with their cross-border attacks on Israel’s Border towns. However, from the Scriptures above, surely we understand why God is allowing these conflicts.
Metulla the Israeli Town that Butts up to the Border Israel shares with Lebanon has been declared “a closed military zone: Since October 7, 2024 in support of Hamas, Hezbollah the Iranian-backed Terrorist Organization have continually attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a daily basis. In response, to defend their border communities along the northern border, the Israeli Defense Forces have been forced to retaliate with cross-border fire. Approximately 80,000 Israelis have been evacuated from the Border towns and will be unable to return to their homes until Israel secures the borders with Lebanon. On October 8, 2023 the day after Hamas attacked Israel in the south – I was evacuated away from the Border town of Metulla to the Selina Hotel by the Sea of Galilee.
The Israeli Government has made it clear that it cannot and will not tolerate the threat of Hezbollah along the border Israel shares with Lebanon any longer given their threats to carry out an attack similar to the massacre committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The Israeli Government has warned the International Community that if the International Community fails in their so-called “International Diplomacy” to force Hezbollah to move away from the border that Israel shares with Lebanon that Israel will be forced to initiate an Israeli offensive. If need be, Israel will go to war.
Man’s View of War is from Man’s Perspective and is Opposed to God’s Will regarding Wars: All too often people, including Christians, view “wars with a spiritual aspect” from a human point of view and not from God’s point of view, which He reveals to us all throughout Scripture. And, the only viewpoint that matters is the viewpoint of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the Lord invincible in battle, the King of Glory, who in His role as the Lord of Heaven’s Armies enters through the ancient gates. (Psalm 24:7-10)
The Lord sees the whole picture – man does not – and that is only one reason man should not question God their creator for the Lord has no equal!
Isaiah 40:12-14 12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? 13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give Him advice or teach Him? 14 Has the LORD ever needed anyone’s advice? Does He need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach Him what is right or show Him the path of justice? NLT
Needless to say, we need to be mindful of what Scripture reveals about who God is and God’s Point of View concerning Wars, because if we are not mindful of the things of God but only the things of men, then we may find ourselves saying, surely not God or “God Forbid,” wars must not be, when God’s Word says surely wars must be. (Judges 3:1-6; Matthew 24:6-14) Far be it from us to argue or disagree with God our creator. (Romans 9:20)
Romans 9:20 20 No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” NLT
Wars with Lebanon: Yet, so often many still ask if we should not say to God, Surely all the pain and suffering endured by those living in northern Israel and southern Lebanon at the hands of the PLO and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah as well as the IDF who initiated “Peace for the Galilee” in their defense of the Galilee from the attacks of their enemies during the Lebanon Conflict should not have happened. Would we not want Christ to dread the suffering of the Israelis, the SLA Christian Militia, and all the many others living on both sides of the border Israel shares with Lebanon because of the cruelty of the PLO and Hezbollah, as much as we do?
Wars with Gaza: And, so it is with Gaza and Hamas. “Operation Swords of Iron” is Israel’s military response into Gaza, following Hamas’ deadly and unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Yet, so many people, including the leaders of many nations, ignore what God’s Word teaches about Israel’s Wars with Gaza and the Five City-States of the Philistines. The International Community would have us believe that Hamas and the people of Gaza are the victims and that the Israelis are the ones responsible for the present-day war.
Again, from a Biblical Perspective, what is God’s Point of View concerning the Wars between Israel and Gaza and the Wars between Israel and Lebanon? We know from Judges 3:1-6 that God wanted to teach the younger generations who had never experienced war to be Warriors because God knew, and history bears witness, that the offspring of the ancient Canaanites, like their forefathers, would hate the Israelis, making it necessary for all future generations of Israelis to know war. If we consider Judges 3:1-6, then we know that God has and will continue to use the “Lebanon Conflict” (Sidonian Conflict) and all future attacks by Hezbollah from within the borders of Lebanon (Judges 3:3) to prove and teach the younger generation of Israelites about war. And, so it is with Gaza and their army “Hamas.”
Wars from a Biblical Perspective is the only Perspective that Matters: Judges 3:1-6 and Ezekiel 25:15-17 reveals God’s Point of View and His Mindset from a Biblical Perspective concerning the ongoing wars between Gaza and their Army “Hamas,” made up of Mercenaries, who have attacked Israel because of Gaza’s hatred for Israel. Judges 3:1-6 also identifies the Sidonians, who like the Philistines, were left to teach the Israelites war. The inhabitants of ancient Sidon, a seaport on the Mediterranean Sea, is a well-known city located in modern-day Lebanon.
Judges 3:1-6 1 These are the nations that the LORD left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. 2 He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle. 3 These are the nations: the Philistines (those living under the five Philistine rulers), all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. 4 These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the LORD had given to their ancestors through Moses. 5 So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, 6 and they intermarried with them. Israelite sons married their daughters, and Israelite daughters were given in marriage to their sons. And the Israelites served their gods. NLT
Ezekiel 25:15-17 15 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The people of Philistia have acted against Judah out of bitter revenge and long-standing contempt. 16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will raise my fist of judgment against the land of the Philistines. I will wipe out the Kerethites and utterly destroy the people who live by the sea. 17 I will execute terrible vengeance against them to punish them for what they have done. And when I have inflicted my revenge, they will know that I am the LORD.” NLT
Not that all the suffering of the present-day war Israel is fighting with both Lebanon and Hamas is good, however, God will use it for His good.
When Jesus explained to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem where He would suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law, and be put to death, Peter declared “Heaven forbid” (NLT) or “Be it far from thee” (KJV), which is equivalent to telling Christ, “God Forbid.” And, it was this declaration, “God forbid,” that Christ took offense. Jesus in turn reprimanded Peter for not having the mindset of God concerning His death, but having a worldly mindset that allowed an opening for Satan to influence Peter in a way that was counter to God’s will for Christ and all of mankind.
Matthew 16:21-23 21 From then on Jesus began to tell His disciples plainly that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, and that He would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day He would be raised from the dead. 22 But Peter took Him aside and began to reprimand Him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to You!” 23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from Me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to Me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” NLT
Note, that at the same time that Christ rebuked Peter, Christ also rebuked Satan. Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from Me Satan!”
Satan is able to Influence Carnal Christians as well as Unbelievers who have a Worldly Mindset (1 Corinthians 3:1-4): Unfortunately, like the Apostle Peter, many Israelis as well as Christians are guilty of seeing wars merely from a human point of view and question why God allowed the Lebanon Conflict to happen or why God is allowing the present-day conflict between Hamas and Israel. Like many Unbelievers, worldly Christians tend to believe that Hamas is the victim even though Hamas initiated the war.
War was never God’s Plan for man: Again, Scripture reveals that war was never God’s plan for mankind, but became a necessity because of Israel’s enemies. To understand why God allowed the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, and Gaza and Israel we need only search the Scriptures regarding Israel’s relationship with the ancient Philistines and ancient Lebanon, because therein lies the answer as to why God allowed the conflict between Israel and Lebanon and Israel and Gaza to be fought in our own lifetime. The above Scriptures reveal why both Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Hamas (Gaza) continues to this day, even as I am writing this chapter, both Hezbollah and Hamas continue to threaten Israel. And, like Hamas, it is only a matter of time before Hezbollah makes good their threat and crosses over Israel’s border to wage war. It’s because of all the above Scriptures that I realize the reality of the possibility of another conflict between Israel and Lebanon, even in my own lifetime and certainly in the lifetime of my sons and daughters – even those that have yet to be born.
I was not Afraid when Hamas Attacked Israel and Hezbollah was Threatening to Breach the Borders of Metulla because I kept in mind what Jesus told us – that we are not to be Troubled by Wars: I was in Metulla, Israel when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 and thankfully I understood war from God’s perspective and I kept in mind what Jesus taught us: that we are not to be Troubled by Wars and Rumors of War – I was not afraid.
After all that was why God sent me to Metulla, Israel to begin with – to be in Metulla and stand in the Fatima Gate when Hezbollah attempted to breach Metulla’s Borders. As already pointed out, the “Fatima Gate” is a Gateway of the Enemy and it was there that the Lord gave me the understanding to engage in Spiritual Warfare with the Prince and Kings of Persia who have a stronghold at the Border Israel shares with Lebanon and who are able to influence both Hezbollah and Hamas as they are both Proxies of Iran (ancient Persia) by lifting up my Testimony unto Jesus Christ – Revelation 12.
War with Hezbollah became a reality for me after being in Metulla on October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel in the south and Hezbollah, coming to the aid of Hamas, started their cross-border missile attacks on Metulla and the Galilee while I was still in the Galilee. The sound of Hezbollah’s rockets were sounds that I actually heard – not just read about. The sound of sirens was more than the sounds I read about – I was there in the Galilee and heard the sirens firsthand. I was in Metulla on the morning of October 7, 2023 when the IDF thwarted a convoy of Hezbollah soldiers on motorcycles from breaching Metulla’s borders. Had Hezbollah breached Metulla’s borders, they could have been at my hotel room within a matter of minutes.
Judges 3:1-6 1 These are the nations that the LORD left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. 2 He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle. 3 These are the nations: the Philistines (those living under the five Philistine rulers), all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. 4 These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the LORD had given to their ancestors through Moses. 5 So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, 6 and they intermarried with them. Israelite sons married their daughters, and Israelite daughters were given in marriage to their sons. And the Israelites served their gods. NLT
Judges 3:1-6 mentions several nations that the Lord left to teach future generations warfare; however, for the purposes of this Chapter, I need only focus on the Sidonians and Philistines. The first nation I want to examine is the Sidonians, (Judges 3:2-3), the inhabitants of ancient Sidon, a seaport on the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day Lebanon, who were living in the mountains of Lebanon during the time Judges was written. (Judges 3:3) This is where both the PLO and Hezbollah had strongholds during the Lebanon Conflict. The other nation I want to examine is the Philistines, specifically Gaza, which is one of the five cities under the rule of the Philistines and is now home to Hamas, the militant group who controls Gaza and has formed an alliance with Hezbollah because of their perpetual hatred for Israel.
The Sidonians
Given the Lebanon Conflict between Israel and Lebanon, which lasted from 1982 – 2000 when the IDF withdrew from the Security Zone inside the Borders of Lebanon and Hezbollah’s continuing threats, it’s only a matter of time before Hezbollah crosses Israel’s borders they share with Lebanon ready for war. As such, it’s obvious that History bears witness that God’s Word is as relevant today as it was when the Book of Judges was written. And, Hezbollah’s recent alliance with Hamas, whose stronghold is in the Philistine city of Gaza, bears witness as well.
Judges 3:1-6 reveals that God used the Lebanon Conflict (1982-2000) along Israel’s northern border, as well as Gaza’s attack on Israel along Israel’s southwest border, to Test Israel’s Commitment to Him and His Word, and to teach the Younger Generation of Israelites how to Fight, just as He did during Biblical times. We know from Judges 3:1-6 that God would not have allowed the Lebanon Conflict between the Israelis and Lebanon nor Hamas’ attacks in the south unless He had a Kingdom purpose. We know from Judges 3:1-6, as well as many other Scriptures, that God allowed Hamas to attack Israel and also allowed the conflict between the IDF, the SLA and their enemy Hezbollah, who had a stronghold in Tyre and Sidon, to take place for the same reasons the Israelis entered into battles during the Old Testament dispensation. As horrible as the conflicts were, we know from Judges 3:1-6 that Israel’s conflicts with Hamas or their conflicts with the PLO and Hezbollah were or will not be fought in vain.
The Lord used the enemy, including the Sidonians (verse 3) who were living in ancient Lebanon that the Israelites were not able to drive out of their allotted lands, to test future generations of Israelites whether or not they would follow Him and to teach the younger generations who had no experience in battle – to teach them the art of warfare. It’s not just happenstance that so many of the IDF who fought in the “Lebanon Conflict” were just that – very young men.
We also know from Judges 3:1-6 that God wanted to teach the modern-day younger generations who had never experienced war to be Warriors. God knew, and history bears witness, that the offspring of the ancient Canaanites, like their forefathers, hate the Israelis making it necessary for all future generations of Israelis to know war. If we consider Judges 3:1-6, then we know that God used the “Lebanon Conflict” (Sidonian Conflict) and the attacks of both the PLO and Hezbollah from within the borders of Lebanon (Judges 3:3), to prove and teach the younger generation of Israelites about war.
Israel’s Unfaithfulness: It was because of ancient Israel’s Unfaithfulness to God that He left the above nations that Israel failed to drive out to be a thorn in Israel’s side. Had the Israelites been faithful to God, there would have been no need for the Israelites to learn the art of war. Not that the wars between the above mentioned nations and Israel were good, however, God was and is able to use wars for good in spite of Israel’s unfaithfulness – even Israel’s present-day unfaithfulness.
And, that begs the question, Will Lebanon and Israel ever be able to “spiritually” reach a “land border agreement” that will stand the test of time? If not, then who are we to argue with the Lord? We need to keep in mind that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than our thoughts and ways.
Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. NIV
Israel’s Unfaithfulness: That God left the nations listed in Judges 3 to remain as a way to correct Israel was an act of God’s justice and love for Israel. Not that the wars between Israel and Hamas and Lebanon are good, but God will use these wars for His good and the good of all mankind (Romans 8:28). Genesis 50:20 tells us that what man meant for evil God used for the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. NLT
It’s only a Matter of Time: Again, the question remains, will Lebanon and Israel ever be able to reach a “land border agreement” that will stand the test of time? Not if it depends on Iranian-backed Hezbollah, who boasts that it is only a matter of time before they once again cross the border over into Israel for the purposes of war.
In May 2023, in celebration of the 23rd anniversary since Israel left the Security Zone inside Lebanon, Hezbollah put on a “mock cross-border attack” in a simulated attack against Israel. This exercise was meant to demonstrate to the world that Hezbollah is prepared and ready to go to war against Israel. The video of the mock cross-border attack was titled, “We swear we are capable ….. and we will cross the Israeli Border.” In the video, Hezbollah put on a display of their weapons of war and their readiness to use them.
Which begs the question, “Why” is there even a conflict over the Israeli Border?
The Root Cause of the Israel-Lebanon Border Conflict is Multifaceted and while the following only Scratches the Surface, it is Extremely Significant.
By Way of History: The Lebanon Conflict was not the first war between Israel and Lebanon that was fought over boundaries. The present line that serves as a land boundary between Israel and Lebanon is only a de facto boundary – it is not an official boundary. It is a demarcation line mandated by the United Nations in 2000 following the withdrawal of Israel’s military forces from the Security Zone in south Lebanon to ensure Israel had fully withdrawn from all areas of Lebanon. This de facto boundary, known as the “Blue Border Line,” was established by the United Nations and was based on the boundaries between Lebanon and Israel that had been established by Britain and France, two of the major world powers in the Middle East after World War I. To date, this Blue Border Line has never been properly defined nor fully accepted by either Israel or Lebanon. Nor should Israel or Lebanon accept either of the boundaries drawn up by Britain and France in accordance with the “Sykes-Picot Agreement” or the United Nations because the “de facto” boundaries are not in agreement with Scripture.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement: The Modern-day Root of today’s conflict over the border between Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel goes all the way back to the Sykes-Pikes Agreement of 1916 reached by England and France during World War I and implemented at the end of the war. And the high-handed politics of Britain and France that led them to establish boundaries between Israel and Lebanon for their own political agenda, at the expense of the Israelis and Lebanese, has led to years of confrontations between Lebanon and Israel. And Hezbollah, who believes that parts of northern Israel, including Metulla, belongs to Lebanon, has let the international community know that it is only a matter of time before they cross the border once more into Israel.
See the Table of Contents for other Chapters concerning the “Sykes-Picot Agreement” drawn up by France and Britain during the war and implemented at the end of the war.
Regardless of man’s rebellion, the “Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (Psalms 24:7-10; Jeremiah 51:19-24) can use the evil in this world for good for those that love Him (Romans 8:28), including wars fought here on earth for His Kingdom purposes for all mankind
If God is allowing the present-day war between Hamas and Israel and Hezbollah and Israel to take place as well as the Lebanon Conflict that took place from 1982-2000 (and He did), then we need to ask ourselves, Are we seeing this war and other wars merely from a human point of view and not from God’s point of view?
Jesus Told His Disciples that Wars Must Take Place Before the End Comes
Consider Matthew 24.
How can we say to God, this war shall not be, when Matthew 24 and many other Scriptures reveal that God has said, “It is My Will – these Wars must take place” before the End comes? Nation will go to war against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
Matthew 24:6-14 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened or troubled, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in place after place; 8 All this is but the beginning [the early pains] of the birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish]. 9 Then they will hand you over to suffer affliction and tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred. 11 And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. 12And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity, 13 But he who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this good news of the kingdom (the Gospel) will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then will come the end. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
Even though wars must take place before the end of time, it does not make the suffering of war any easier or justify all the pain and suffering that the PLO and Hezbollah inflicted on Israel or the SLA Christian Militia and Shi’ite Muslims living in south Lebanon or the suffering that citizens of both Israel and Gaza are experiencing as I am typing this chapter. Certainly not!
God did not cause the evil of wars; however, God did promise to cause everything to work together for the good and in that we have hope. All things, even wars, far from harming us will work together for good to them that love God, being called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28)
Wars were never what God intended for man. From the beginning of time, God’s will made it possible for a world without sin or wars. God made it possible for man to choose whether he wants to be good or evil. Scripture reveals that man has the free will to choose between good and evil – and history bears witness that all too often man has and continues to choose war.
George Otis and the Lebanon Conflict: And, that brings me back to the Lebanon Conflict specifically when George Otis hung “The Voice of Hope” Banner in the Gateway at the Border Israel shares with Lebanon and built his radio station that carried the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who IS the Voice of Hope just inside the Border of Lebanon, and Prophesied that God would silence the “Voice of Israel’s Enemy – the PLO” that rang out from the Beaufort Castle – a stronghold of the PLO.
George Otis Prophesied that God would Silence the Voice of the PLO that rang out from the Beaufort Castle: Beaufort Castle was a stronghold of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and they used this base to fire rockets into Israel, which included firing rockets towards George Otis’ Radio Station hoping to destroy George Otis as well as his Radio Station. After much prayer, George Otis prophesied that God was going to silence the missiles the PLO were firing from the Beaufort Castle, and in 1982 Beaufort Castle was taken over by the Israeli forces. At that point in time the IDF used the Beaufort Castle as an observation post until 2000 when they withdrew from Lebanon.
George Otis was a Spiritual Warrior who understood the “Spiritual Aspects” of the Lebanon Conflict between Israel and Lebanon from God’s Perspective: George Otis understood that our battle is in the spiritual realm.
Beaufort Castle is located on the ancient Sidon-Damascus Caravan route. The importance of this is that the route the Caravan travelled on was known as by the “Way of the Sea” (Latin: the Via Maris) – the Trade Route by the “Way of the Sea” that Isaiah wrote about in his prophecy recorded in Isaiah 9:1-2.
As mentioned previously, 700 years before Christ was born the Prophet Isaiah prophesied that Christ’s ministry would be tied to the northern regions of Israel by the “Way of the Sea” in the “Galilee of the Gentiles” – hence the Gentile nation of Lebanon whose borders Christ went into. Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-17
Tyre and Sidon were Lands Given to the Tribe of Asher.
By Way of Biblical History: Following is more of the Biblical history of Tyre and Sidon located in present-day Lebanon where both the PLO and Hezbollah had a stronghold during the Lebanon Conflict and where Hezbollah continues to have a stronghold.
Tyre and Sidon were lands given to the Tribe of Asher: Present-day Tyre and Sidon, located in present-day Lebanon, were lands given to the Tribe of Asher. Before leaving the Lebanon Conflict between Israel and Lebanon, I want to include the following account from the Bible of the Tribe of Asher and how it relates to the Beaufort Castle, also located in present-day Lebanon – one of Hezbollah’s strongholds from which they attacked George Otis as well as northern Israel.
The cities of Tyre and Sidon, areas that were allotted to the Tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:24-30), were the most important cities of ancient Phoenicia (the Phoenicians were known by the Greeks as Canaanites) and lie on the coast of the Mediterranean in the “Galilee of the Gentiles” by the “Way of the Sea.” (Isaiah 9:1-2)
Joshua 19:24-31 24 The fifth allotment of land went to the clans of the tribe of Asher. 25 Its boundaries included these towns: Helkath, Hali, Beten, Acshaph, 26 Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. The boundary on the west touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath, 27 then it turned east toward Beth-dagon, and ran as far as Zebulun in the valley of Iphtah-el, going north to Beth-emek and Neiel. It then continued north to Cabul, 28 Abdon, Rehob, Hammon, Kanah, and as far as Greater Sidon. 29 Then the boundary turned toward Ramah and the fortified city of Tyre, where it turned toward Hosah and came to the Mediterranean Sea. The territory also included Mehebel, Aczib, 30 Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob—twenty-two towns with their surrounding villages. 31 The homeland allocated to the clans of the tribe of Asher included these towns and their surrounding villages. NLT
Unfortunately, the Tribe of Asher failed to drive the Canaanites, who controlled the land, out of their allotted territory – instead, the people of the Tribe of Asher moved in and lived alongside the Canaanites and over time began to intermarry and bow down to their pagan gods – hence the Galilee of the Gentiles by the Way of the Sea. (Isaiah 9:1-2)
Judges 1:31-32 31 The tribe of Asher failed to drive out the residents of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Aczib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob. 32 Instead, the people of Asher moved in among the Canaanites, who controlled the land, for they failed to drive them out. NLT
George Otis’ Prophecy Concerning Beaufort Castle: George Otis’ Prophecy came to pass that God would silence the voice of the enemy that rang out from the Beaufort Castle. The Beaufort Castle lies in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel and was the stronghold of the PLO until 1982 when the Israelis captured the Castle from the PLO. The castle then remained in the hands of the Israelis until they left the Security Zone in Lebanon in 2000. It’s ironic that over time, the Beaufort Castle was a stronghold of a number of different factions starting with the Crusaders who built the castle (1139), the Knights Templar, Arabs, the Ottoman Empire, the PLO from 1976-1982, and finally the Israeli forces who captured the Castle and held it from 1982 until 2000.
In the early stages of Israel’s conflict with the PLO, it seemed that the Beaufort Castle, a symbol of the PLO’s power over the Galilee, was an insurmountable stronghold that the IDF would never be able to infiltrate no matter their strategy. That is until June 6, 1982 when the IDF finally brought down the PLO’s hold on the Beaufort Castle.
For Israel, the ancient Beaufort Castle that overlooked south Lebanon and northern Israel, specifically the Jewish town of Metulla and George Otis’ “Voice of Hope” radio station, was a reminder of the fact that the Beaufort Castle was a strategic PLO stronghold. Because of the proximity of the Beaufort Castle and the PLO’s long range artillery, those living in northern Israel were constantly in danger of the PLO’s bombardment that they unleashed on northern Israel on a regular basis. From the fortified Beaufort Castle the PLO soldiers were also able to terrorize the SLA whose home base was southern Lebanon.
God may not have removed the Beaufort Castle itself from the face of the earth; however, God silenced the noisome threats of the PLO – the PLO was no longer a threat in either southern Lebanon or northern Israel. The flag of both Israel and Lebanon were raised over Beaufort Castle in June of 1982. With the Beaufort Castle in the hands of the Israelis, the threat of the PLO was removed.
The IDF Expelled the PLO from Tyre and Sidon: In 1982 the IDF expelled the PLO from their stronghold in Tyre and Sidon, as well as Beirut in the north. However, it was the void left by the PLO that Hezbollah was able to exploit and make their presence in Lebanon known and felt!
Again, Beaufort Castle is located on the ancient Sidon-Damascus Caravan route. The importance of this is that the route the Caravan travelled on was known as by the “Way of the Sea” (Latin: the Via Maris) – the Trade Route by the “Way of the Sea” that Isaiah wrote about in his prophecy recorded in Isaiah 9:1-2. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah’s life and ministry would be tied to the Galilee – and it was here by “Way of the Sea” in the Galilee that Christ lived for 30 years of His life.
As mentioned previously, 700 years before Christ was born the Prophet Isaiah prophesied that Christ’s ministry would be tied to the northern regions of Israel by the “Way of the Sea” in the “Galilee of the Gentiles” – hence the Gentile nation of Lebanon whose borders Christ went into. Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-17
The Philistines
Recent Events Confirm that Hezbollah is Forming an Alliance with the Philistine City of Gaza – both nations are identified in Judges 3:1-6
Before leaving this chapter, I want to turn the attention to Hamas who attacked northern Israel from Lebanon at the same time they were attacking Israel from their stronghold in Gaza in April of 2023.
Again, we know that along with the Sidonians, the Philistines living under the Five Philistine Rulers were among the Nations that God left to test the Israelites and teach them warfare. And for that reason it’s of the utmost significance that in April 2023, Hamas, whose Stronghold is in the Philistine city of Gaza, attacked northern Israel from Lebanon, the stronghold of Hezbollah. And, the significance is that Hezbollah and Hamas formed an alliance. And, this alliance couldn’t be more obvious than when Hezbollah came to the aid of Hamas after they attacked Israel in the south by attacking the border towns, including Metulla in the north, on what has become on a daily basis.
Hezbollah has Formed an Alliance with Hamas The Militant Group who has a Stronghold in the Philistine City of Gaza One of the Five Philistine Cities Identified in Judges 3:1-6
Just as Philistia and Tyre (Lebanon) formed an alliance against Israel in ancient times (Psalm 83:7), – Hamas has formed an Alliance with Hezbollah because of both Lebanon’s and Philistia’s bitter craving for revenge and long-standing contempt for Israel. (Ezekiel 25:15-17, Ezekiel 27)
Psalm 83:7 speaks of Philistia (Gaza) and Tyre (Lebanon) as among the nations forming an alliance against Israel to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. And, just as the people of Philistia and Tyre were “Mercenaries” when Psalm 83 was written, Hezbollah and Hamas are modern-day Mercenaries. – Neither terrorist group have roots in Lebanon or Gaza – nonetheless, they represent the nations they now have strongholds in.
Psalm 83:1-8 1 O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf. Do not be quiet, O God. 2 Don’t you hear the uproar of your enemies? Don’t you see that your arrogant enemies are rising up? 3 They devise crafty schemes against your people; they conspire against your precious ones. 4 “Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.” 5 Yes, this was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you— 6 these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; 7 Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre. 8 Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. NLT
However, what Philistia (Hamas) and Tyre (Hezbollah) meant for evil, the Lord has used for the good of Israel – to test the faithfulness of Israel and teach the younger generations of Israel warfare.
Judges 3:1-6 1 These are the nations that the LORD left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. 2 He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle. 3 These are the nations: the Philistines (those living under the five Philistine rulers), all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. 4 These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the LORD had given to their ancestors through Moses. 5 So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, 6 and they intermarried with them. Israelite sons married their daughters, and Israelite daughters were given in marriage to their sons. And the Israelites served their gods. NLT
By Way of History – In April 2023 Gaza Attacked Northern Israel from within the Borders of Lebanon: The Spiritual Aspects of the Israeli-Gaza Conflict including their attack on Israel in April 2023. In April of 2023 Hamas, who has a stronghold in the Philistine city of Gaza, left their stronghold to attack northern Israel from Lebanon while simultaneously attacking Israel in the south from Gaza. With Hezbollah’s blessings, Hamas is building a military presence in Lebanon and the consequences of an alliance between the two could be devastating for northern Israel.
Without a doubt, I am “Pro-Israel” through-and-through. However, being pro-Israel doesn’t mean that I blindly support policies set forth by the nation of Israel that are not in agreement with Scripture or that are illogical, irresponsible, and counterproductive to the well-being of the Jewish people and the holy city of Jerusalem.
I don’t believe any normal person wants to see either the Jewish people or the people living inside Gaza in a conflict that causes so much suffering and destruction as the world has witnessed on too many occasions. However, having said that, according to Scripture, the war with Gaza is according to “God’s” will for Israel and the ongoing conflicts serve a Kingdom purpose! (Judges 2:20-23, Judges 3:1-4 and Ezekiel 25:15-17)
And I, for one, will never question God’s Will. The Lord sees the whole picture from the beginning to the end – we don’t. However, even if we don’t see the whole picture, in His Word the Lord has given us enough insight into the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Gaza, as well as the conflicts between Lebanon and Israel, to understand that the conflicts are according to His Will. And, God’s purpose is profound – and it is God’s Will that will be done here on earth as in Heaven.
As mentioned, the above six Scriptures are “Key” in understanding the spiritual aspects of “Why” there is an ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza as well as the conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah and how the Lord uses the conflicts to “Teach” each and every generation of Jewish soldiers “warfare.” And, God uses the conflicts to test the Jewish people if they will obey His commands.
Given the recent Israeli-Gaza conflict and the anti-Semitism that is on the rise here in America that is connected to the Israeli-Gaza conflict, those who are not familiar with the above mentioned Scriptures may find them interesting. And, given 1 Samuel 13:19-22, the “Iron Dome” is especially interesting. They are as follows:
Judges 2:20-23 20So the LORD burned with anger against Israel. He said, “Because these people have violated my covenant, which I made with their ancestors, and have ignored My commands, 21I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died. 22I did this to test Israel—to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the LORD as their ancestors did.” 23That is why the LORD left those nations in place. He did not quickly drive them out or allow Joshua to conquer them all. NLT
And from 1 Samuel 6:17-18 we know that the five lords were the lords of the five different city-states that made up the Philistines: Gaza, Askelon, Ashdod, Gath and Ekron.
1 Samuel 6:17 17 The five gold tumors sent by the Philistines as a guilt offering to the LORD were gifts from the rulers of Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. NLT
Ezekiel 25:15-17 15 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The people of Philistia have acted against Judah out of bitter revenge and long-standing contempt. NLT
And, so it is today.
Gaza’s hatred for the Jewish people is the same as their ancestors. And, that hatred will be passed on to their offspring, which will result in a perpetually lasting war until Christ Jesus returns.
Gaza, as well as the other four Philistine City-States, was part of the land that God assigned to the Tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:47). However, even though Judah took possession of Gaza (Judges 1:18), because they ignored the commands of God, they were not able to hold Gaza (Judges 2:20-23).
It’s profound how the Lord can use man’s disobedience for a Kingdom purpose. The Lord continues to use the war with Gaza in the lives of the Jewish people today to see if they will obey His laws while teaching each new generation warfare!
Judges 2:20-23 and Judges 3:1-4: These verses reveal why the Lord no longer drove the nations out of the areas that Joshua left unconquered when he died. Judges 3:3 reveals that the Sidonians as well as the "5 lords of the Philistines" are among the nations that the LORD left so that future generations might know war - one reason being that the future generations of the Israelis would learn from their own personal experiences the superiority of the LORD over the gods of all other nations.
In 2005, for the sake of peace (and pressure from the International Community), Israel unilaterally gave up their settlement in the Gaza Strip. However, history has proven that giving up “land for peace” doesn’t work – and it will never work for the nation of Israel. Instead of peace, Hamas has been able to terrorize the Jewish people.
Just as the LORD doesn’t change over time (Malachi 3:6), neither do the enemies of GOD's people. In other words, the mindset of the modern-day Philistines who live in Gaza and the Lebanese is a reflection of their forefathers as recorded in the Scriptures. Therefore, to understand the conflicts between Israel and Gaza we have to let the LORD speak to us through His Word - which we are so thankful for. Needless to say, the spiritual aspects of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as well as between Israel and Gaza are multifaceted. And, while no one will ever understand every aspect of the conflicts, the LORD will provide us with enough understanding so that we know how to pray for Israel and stand alongside them. Additionally, even though I may not understand every aspect, I do understand this: that those who accuse Israel of being the aggressor against either Lebanon or Gaza, Scripture says otherwise. GOD's word is Authoritative, but man's opinion is not.
Ezekiel 25 reveals that the conflict is because of Gaza's "Old Hatred" and their resolve to continue the long-held "spiteful hatred" of their forefathers and take vengeance on Israel for old defeats. For example, 2 Chronicles 26 reveals that the Philistines suffered defeat at the hands of King Uzziah, who is credited with inventing the first Warlike Machine to be placed on the towers and corners of the walls with the capability to shoot arrows and hurl great stones at their enemies (verse 15). That Israel was credited with inventing the first such warlike machine in recorded history – now that should get our attention.
In a conflict between Israel and Gaza that occurred before Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 Israel is being credited with the invention of another "Warlike Weapon": the "Iron Dome." Both situations have to do with the Philistines suffering defeat at the hands of the Israelis. The former weapon was "Offensive” while the latter weapon is "Defensive.”
“Swords of Iron” is the name given to Israel’s Response to Gaza’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel: It’s not just happenstance that the name of Israel’s current operation against Hamas is known as “Swords of Iron.”
The Game Changer: the "Iron Dome." The "Iron Dome" was not just an invention that was able to intercept incoming rockets from Gaza into Israel. There is a Spiritual aspect as well. 1 Samuel 13:19-22 reveals that at one time the Philistines had a monopoly on Iron and prevented the Israelis from making any Iron weapons of war. Why? Because the Philistines feared going to battle against the Israelis if the Israelis had iron weapons of war - and understandably so. In addition to the invention of the first warlike machine, King Uzziah (many years later) armed his soldiers with shields, spears, helmets, habergeon, bows and slings to cast stones. Now, once again, the tables have turned on the Philistines. The Game Changer: the "Iron Dome.” As it was with King Uzziah, so it is with Israel today.
2 Chronicles 26 credits King Uzziah with inventing the first "Warlike Machine" of its type (verse15). And, 2011, the Israelis are once again credited with inventing another warlike machine: the "Iron Dome.” And, just as 2 Chronicles 26:6 reveals that King Uzziah went forth and warred against the Philistines – meaning King Uzziah was active in opposing the Philistines – so it was with the modern-day Israelis, as they too were active in opposing the ancient enemies of GOD’s people. Just as the LORD gave King Uzziah victory over the Philistines (verse 7), the LORD gave Israel victory over Hamas and the modern-day Philistines.
Hillary Clinton often points to the 2012 cease-fire between Israel and Hamas as one of her biggest accomplishments as Secretary of State: While it's good that the United States and many other countries are allies of Israel, I don't believe Hamas agreed to a cease-fire because of Hillary Clinton when she was Secretary of State. I believe it was because of Israel's "Iron Dome.” Nonetheless, because of the Philistine's "old hatred" for Israel, it was only a matter of time before Gaza and Hamas, the modern-day "Cherethims," initiated another attack against Israel as we witnessed in April of 2023. And, the Cherethims (Ezekiel 25:16) were nothing more than a mercenary army that the Philistines allied themselves with to help them wage war against the Israelis.
Given Israel’s conflicts with Gaza, then these and other Scriptures become relevant as to understanding the present-day conflicts between Israel and Gaza, especially the significance of the "Iron Dome" and why the Iron Dome was a "Game Changer.”
On Earth as in Heaven - The Spiritual Aspects of the "Iron Dome:" Scripture reveals that the LORD will use things and situations in the natural realm to convey spiritual truths - and so it is with the Iron Dome. Again, according to 1 Samuel 13:19-22, at one point in time the Philistines had a monopoly of weapons of war made out of iron. And, verse 19 reveals why only Saul and Jonathan had iron weapons to fight with - verse 19 reveals that a Blacksmith could not be found in all of Israel because the Philistines were afraid that the Israelis would make swords and spears to fight with on the day of battle with the Philistines.
The "Game Changer": Now the fears of the modern-day Philistines have been realized. Not only can "Blacksmiths" be found in modern-day Israel, but the Blacksmiths of Blacksmiths can be found in Israel. In the days of King Uzziah, the "cunning men" spoken of in 2 Chronicles 26:15 alone were the inventors of the warlike engines, and likewise, in today's world the Jewish people alone are the inventors of the "Iron Dome.” Israel's Blacksmiths and skillful men have the ability and technology that no other country to date has to build the "Iron Dome." The Iron Dome has indeed become the "Game Changer," not just in the natural realm, but in the spiritual realm as well. the "Game Changer" was not just any weapon of war, but an "IRON" weapon of war! (Blacksmith and the cunning men of 2 Chronicles 26:15 speak to the same issue)
With the understanding that the LORD left the five lords of the Philistines so that future generations might know war and learn by experience the superiority of the LORD over the gods of the Philistines and all other nations, then we can understand the spiritual aspects of the most recent conflict with Gaza and the significance of the Iron Dome. The Israeli army is the greatest army in the world, and the invention of the Iron Dome is one example of Israel's ability to defend themselves. And, just as 2 Chronicles 26:6-7 reveals that GOD helped King Uzziah against the Philistines, GOD also helped the modern-day Israelis in their conflict with the modern-day Philistines. In other words, the Israelis who were prepared to go into Gaza, if necessary, learned by experience the superiority of the LORD over the gods of the Philistines.
Having said that, I believe that other nations are to come to the defense of Israel. I shudder for those nations that are not Israel's allies. However, when all is said and done, it is still the superiority of the LORD over the gods of those nations that will dare and try to destroy Israel as a nation. Even though America is an ally of Israel, if America or any other nation encourages Israel to divide Jerusalem, then America or that nation is only an ally in the natural realm, but not a "spiritual ally.”
The honor and the glory belong to the LORD, not Hillary Clinton or former Egyptian President Morsi who believed it was because of them that a cease fire was reached. While it is good that Israel has other nations that will support them, many of us believe that it was the Iron Dome that really brought about the cease fire. Hamas's weapons of war were turned back on Gaza. Hamas and Gaza met with the same destruction they intended to inflict on the Israelis.
The Root Cause of the Israeli-Gaza Conflict: Gaza’s Perpetual Hatred for Israel
The Root of the Conflict: Various news commentators and so-called Palestinian experts state that the "Root" of the conflict between Gaza and Israel is Israeli aggression, and there will be further attacks from Gaza until Israeli aggression is dealt with. On the other hand, one only has to meditate on what the Tanakh (Old Testament) reveals about the Philistines to understand that the modern-day Philistine’s attack on Israel was in the same manner and for the same reasons their forefathers did. Ezekiel 25:15-17 reveals that it is because of their "perpetual hatred," a hatred that began in Biblical times and a hatred which the modern-day Philistines have resolved to continue. More to the point: the root cause of all conflicts between Israel and Gaza is the Philistines "perpetual hatred" for the Israelis. The roots go all the way back to their forefathers and like their forefathers the modern-day Philistines want to take revenge and utterly destroy Israel for an "old hatred.” According to Scripture they take vengeance with a despiteful heart.
Ezekiel 25:15-17 15Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; 16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. 17And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them. KJV
It's obvious that the offspring of the ancient Philistines continue to harbor the "old hatred" of their forefathers for it is clearly demonstrated in their acts of hostility towards the Jewish people. However, according to verse 16, the Philistines sin will become their punishment. For wanting to destroy the Israelis, they themselves will be destroyed - they will reap what they have sown, and they shall know that the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is LORD.
Hamas - the modern-day Cherethim: Verse 16 of Ezekiel 25 makes mention of the "Cherethims." According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the Cherethims were in a sense, "Executioners," or life-guardians. Brown-Driver-Briggs defines Cherethims as a name for Philistines or part of them.
And, Scripture has much to say about the “Christian Soldier”
The Christian Soldier Christian Warfare at the “Fatima Gate”
And, from God’s point of view, we are called to be “Christian Soldiers” who put on the whole Armor of God to fight Spiritual Battles.
When I stood in the Gateway of my enemies in the Galilee, I did so as a “Christian Soldier.” As a Christian Soldier who understands Spiritual Warfare I was able to Stand in the Gateway of my Spiritual Enemies
Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; and 2 Timothy 2:3-are only three New Testament Scriptures that portrays the Christian as a “Christian Soldier” who can expect to engage in “Spiritual Battles.”
Ephesians 6:11-13 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. NLT
1 Thessalonians 5:8 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. NLT
2 Timothy 2:3 3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. NLT
The Spirit-led Christian is Israel’s greatest and most faithful ally. George Otis and SLA Major Haddad were only two of the many Christian Soldiers who stood in the gate of their spiritual enemies and fought the War at the “Fatima Gate.”
Psalm 24:7-10 7 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle. 9 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 10 Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies— he is the King of glory. NLT
There is a time for war and a time for peace – Ecclesiastes 3:8
This chapter is about God’s point of View concerning Wars from a Biblical Perspective and God’s perspective is that there is a time for war and a time for peace. There is a time when man will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. A time when nation will not lift up the sword against nation and never again will they learn war (Isaiah 2:4)
However, 2 Peter 1:12 comes to mind; therefore, I believe it’s important to include them in this chapter.
2 Peter 1:12 12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. ESV
The inscription on the Stones at the “Good Fence” bear witness to God’s Word that the time is coming when men will no longer have the need to learn the arts of war – that the “Fatima Gate” will not always be a “Gate of the Enemy.”
Isaiah 2:4 4And He will judge between the nations, And will mediate [disputes] for many peoples; And they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up the sword against nation, And never again will they learn war. Amplified Bible
The following postcard pictures show the Good Fence/Gate prior to the withdrawal from the Security Zone in 2000. The inscription on two of the postcards is from Isaiah 2:4 and speaks volumes. The inscription reads: “And they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning Hooks Nation shall not lift up sword against Nations neither shall they Learn War anymore.” That there would be no more war between the Jews and Gentiles was truly the heart of Major Haddad, the Christian Leader of the South Lebanon Army. Israel will never have a more faithful ally than the Spirit-led Believer in Christ like that of Major Haddad. |
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Isaiah did not hear the Word of God – Isaiah “Saw” the Word
Isaiah 2:1 1 This is a vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: NLT
The revelation of Isaiah 2 that God revealed to Isaiah was through a vision.
The Spirit of God opened the prophet’s spiritual eyes so that he could “See” what God was revealing to him. Isaiah “Saw” the Word of God. The revelation of Isaiah 2:4 from God came in a vision. It is a “Visual” revelation from God that Isaiah communicates to us through the words of Isaiah 2:4.
The following three postcards of the Good Fence in Metulla bear witness of the Stone that has the words of Isaiah 2:4 chiseled on it. |
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In the context of Joshua 24:26-27 and Luke 19:40, the imagery of the Stones in the Good Fence Border Crossing as a Witness to the Truth crying out from the Good Fence Border Crossing is meant to convey that the stone in the Good Fence Border Crossing is able to speak – to bear witness because of the inscription chiseled upon it. In this instance, we “See” the Wisdom that cries out from the Good Gate whereas when wisdom cries out from either the “Voice of Hope” or the “Star of Hope,” we hear Wisdom crying out.
Joshua 24:26-27 26 Then Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. 27 And Joshua said to all the people, "Behold, this stone shall be a witness to us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD which He spoke to us. It shall therefore be a witness to you, lest you deny your God." NKJV
Luke 19:40 40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." NKJV
God gave a Voice to the Stones in the Fatima Gate at the Good Fence Border Crossing: Isaiah 2:4 speaks of international peace – a Prophecy that will be fulfilled at the Second Coming of Christ that will be realized in the Millennial Kingdom. Hence, the “Fatima Gate” will not always be a “Gate of the Enemy.”
It was here at the Borderland of the “Galilee of the Gentiles” – By the Way of the Sea at the “Gate” of the “Good Fence” the Official Border Crossing between Northern Israel in Upper Galilee and Lebanon that the Lord used the 1982-2000 Conflict between Israel and Lebanon to bring down the Walls of Hostility Between the Jews and Gentiles living on either side of the “Good Gate” in the Galilee – Ephesians 2:14-18
Isaiah 2:4 reveals that the time is coming when there will be no more war; however, until Christ comes back, nation will rise up against nation and kingdom against kingdom (Matthew 24:6-14) which brings me to Chapter 10.
Nation will Rise up Against Nation and Kingdom against Kingdom until the End of the Time – Matthew 24:4-14 |