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Chapter 32: Citizens of Israel, we are at War.”
On October 7, 2023 while I was still in Metulla, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Stunned Nation, “Citizens of Israel, we are at War,” and the Israeli Defense Forces launched “Operation Swords of Iron” in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack against Israel. |
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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.
The following is an excerpt from a Fox News article, “Netanyahu told Sec. Blinken that US recognizing Palestinian state would be a 'prize' for planners of Oct. 7,” by Anders Hagstrom 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
My heart is with those Israelis who have willingly offered themselves to the service of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their country and all those who have volunteered to support the IDF during this difficult time even going to the front lines to meet their every need and offer their support – in particular those who offer their Spiritual support. Praise the Lord!
In response to Hamas’ October 7 attack against Israel, the State of Israel officially declared war, the first time the State of Israel has done so since the “Yom Kippur War” in 1973 fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab nations led by Egypt and Syria in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. The war was initiated by the joint coalition of a number of Arab nations (Psalm 83) who, with one accord, simultaneously launched a surprise attack against Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
Just as Psalm 83:17-18 reveals, the Arab coalition experienced humiliation – the same humiliation that Hamas is now experiencing at the hands of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) who, much to the surprise of Hamas, put boots on the ground and has all but destroyed Hamas’s military. The pit Hamas was digging for the Israelis is the pit they are falling in (Psalm 7:15-16).
The War in the Heavens – there is a Spiritual Aspect to the War between Israel and Hamas: The War between Israel and Hamas cannot be understood without the understanding that there is a “Spiritual Aspect” to this war. And, in this chapter my focus is on both the war being fought on the ground by people – and the war being fought in the heavens by Michael and his angels and Satan and his angels.
Even though I may not understand every aspect – I do understand this: that those who accuse Israel of being the aggressor against Gaza – Scripture says otherwise – and God's word is Authoritative – not man's opinion.
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.
Ezekiel 25:15 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
“Operations Swords of Iron” is a War being fought by the military here on earth: the IDF and Hamas’ military. However, they are not the only people on earth fighting this war. Ephesians 6:12 reveals that the Saints war is in the heavens, not with flesh and blood, and Revelation 12:11 reveals that the it is by the Blood of the Lamb and the Testimony of the Believer that defeats Satan.
Therefore, to understand the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza we have to let the LORD speak to us through His Word.
Just as Psalm 83:17-18 reveals the Arab coalition experienced humiliation – the same humiliation that Hamas is now experiencing at the hands of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) who much to the surprise of Hamas put boots on the ground and has all but destroyed Hamas’s military. The pit Hamas was digging for the Israelis is the pit they are falling in (Psalm 7:15-16).
The Hebrew word for the English word violent in Psalm 7:16 is “Hamas.”
Psalm 83:17-18 17 Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: 18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. KJV
Psalm 7:15-16 15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. KJV
It’s significant that the Hebrew word for the word violent in Psalm 7:16 is “Hamas.” We know from Scriptures like Psalm 83 and Psalm 7 that the God of the Israelis is in control of the war between Israel and Hamas.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is the God of the Armies of Israel – 1 Samuel 17:45; Jeremiah 29:4. Just as God gave David the victory over Goliath, the Philistine, God will give Israel victory over Hamas who controls Gaza, one of the five Philistine states as recorded in Scripture Joshua 13:3.
Joshua 13:3 3 and the larger territory of the Canaanites, extending from the stream of Shihor on the border of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron. It includes the territory of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. The land of the Avvites NLT
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is the God of the Armies of Israel: While in Israel as the war between Israel and Hamas was raging, I kept in mind that the God of Israel is the “LORD of Heaven’s Armies” because all battles fought here on earth are being fought in the heavens at the same time – Revelation 12, Ephesians 6:12.
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 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
On Earth as in Heaven – all Battles fought here on Earth are being fought in the Heavens at the same time. It’s a Scriptural Principal that at the same time battles are being fought here on earth between physical opponents there is a spiritual battle going on in the spiritual realm with the spiritual forces of wickedness that are operating behind our physical opponents here on earth.
2 Kings 6:15-18; Daniel 10, Ephesians 6, Judges 5:20 and Revelation 12 are just a few Scriptures that address the war in the heavens as humans take their stand against Satan here on earth.
There was war in the Heavens
On Earth as in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought against Satan and his angels who were cast to the earth. And it was by the Blood of the Lamb and the Testimony of the Saints that Satan and his angels are Cast to the Earth: Satan and his fallen angels were cast to the earth by Michael, the Guardian Angel over God’s people and his angels. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that the Saints Battle is with those powers in the heavenly realm and Revelation 12:11 echoes that Biblical Truth because Satan and his angels are cast to the earth by the Blood of the Lamb and the Saints testimony unto Jesus Christ. Revelation 12; Daniel 10:21
Revelation 12:3-12 3 Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. 5 She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days. 7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” NLT
The Spiritual Aspects of Hamas: So it is with the Israeli-Gaza Conflict – the war is a spiritual war as well as a war being fought here on earth. It’s significant that according to Strong’s Number 2555 the Hebrew word for “Violence” and “Cruelty” that we find in the KJV is “Hamas.”
Ezekiel 7:23 Reveals just how Evil Hamas is – they are full of Violence, a Violence that is Pure “Unadulterated Evil,” the worst kind of Cruelty and Evil Imaginable.
Ezekiel 7:23 in the KJV that reads: “Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence,” can and should be read as follows because the English versions of the Bible were taken from the original text that was written in Hebrew.
Ezekiel 7:23 23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of Hamas
“Hamas” is an Arabic word that means “Islamic Resistance Movement.” Interestingly, Hamas unknowingly chose a Hebrew word that identifies their true nature: violent and cruel.
The word hamas is a Hebrew word found in the Bible that means "violence"— more specifically, sinful, malicious violence (Strong's No. 2555). We should not be surprised that Hamas, albeit unknowingly, chose a Hebrew word that reflects their new nature: violent and cruel. Violence is what is happening in today’s ongoing Middle East conflict.
For the Israelis and Jewish people worldwide, Hamas will forever mean violence and describes Hamas as the terrorists they are.
Hamas and the Flood: When God destroyed the world via a flood we find that the earth was full of “Violence” – the earth was full of “Hamas.”
Genesis 6:11-12 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. KJV
The Hebrew text would read: the earth was filled with Hamas.
The attack on Kfar Aza that took place on October 7, 2023 was one of the deadliest massacres on Israeli soil in the history of Israel since the Holocaust – it was pure unrighteous “unadulterated evil.”
Once the IDF soldiers were able to take Israeli territory back from Hamas they found 40 dead children and babies in one Kibbutz, a type of farming settlement which is unique to Israel, that had been slaughtered and many of the babies had been beheaded by Hamas. What the IDF found after they were able to take back Israeli land from Hamas is unspeakable.
Murdering 40 Israeli children and babies was only the beginning of the unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas who decapitated many of the babies as well as the adults living at the Israeli Kibbutz Kfar Aza. And, Hamas did not limit their evil against just Israelis – they killed as many as 45 Americans and believed to have taken 12 Americans into Gaza as hostages. Hamas also slaughtered foreigners from many other countries; moreover, approximately half of the hostages taken by Hamas into Gaza were either foreigners or held dual citizenship.
Again, The Hebrew word for the word violent in Psalm 7:16 is “Hamas.” And, we know from Psalm 7:15-16 that Hamas is falling in the pit they dug for Israel!
Psalm 7:15-16 15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
Jesus explains that one of the signs that the end of the world is nearing is that it will be as in the days of Noah – the land will be filled with violence (Hamas) just as it was in the days of Noah: In Matthew 24 the disciples wanted Jesus to tell them when the end of the world would come. Jesus’ answer was quite lengthy. However, for the purposes of this chapter I want to refer to Matthew 24:37-39 because Jesus reveals that one of the signs that the end of the world is nearing is that it will be as in the days of Noah – the land was filled with violence (hamas) and extreme cruelty that is a manifestation of Hamas.
Matthew 24:37-39 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. NLT
Matthew 24:37-39 reveals that one of the signs that the end of the world is near is that “the earth will be filled with “Violence” – the earth will be filled with the violence of “Hamas.”
And, for the above reasons, we need to take a closer look at the spiritual Aspects of the Israeli-Gaza Conflict.
The Spiritual Aspects of the Israeli-Gaza Conflict
Given the most recent conflict between Israel and Gaza and the Anti-Semitism that is on the rise here in America, I want to share the following.
Pro-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 or counter-productive to the well being of the Jewish people and the holy city of Jerusalem.
I don’t believe any moral 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 since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. 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
For one, I 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 to understand that the conflicts are according to His Will – that God can and does use what was intended for evil for the good of mankind. And, God’s purpose is profound.
Judges 2:20-23 and Judges 3:1-4; 1 Samuel 13:19-22 and Ezekiel 25:15-17 are Scriptures that are “Key” in understanding the spiritual aspects of “Why” there is an ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza 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.
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
Judges 3:1-4 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. NLT
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 ancient Philistines: Gaza, Ashkelon, 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 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. Their hatred for the Jewish people is ancient and persistent. Gaza’s enmity for the Jewish people – it is a perpetually enduring war.
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 amazing 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 also 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 "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 (pressure from the International Community), Israel unilaterally gave up 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 – the Iranian-backed Hamas has been able to terrorize the Jewish people.
Gaza's "Perpetual Hatred" for Israel: Malachi 3:6 reveals that the LORD doesn’t change. And, we know from Scripture that the same evil spirits that were operating through those who hated God’s people haven’t changed either. The evil spirits that were operating behind the Philistines when Scripture was written are the same evil spirits operating through Hamas today. People die – spirits don’t – they just go from one generation to the next, and so on.
In other words, the mindset of the modern-day Philistines who live in Gaza is a reflection of their forefathers as recorded in the Scriptures. Therefore, to understand the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza we have to let the LORD speak to us through His Word. Needless to say, the spiritual aspects of the conflict between Israel and Gaza are multi-faceted. And, while not one of us will ever understand every aspect of the conflict – the LORD will provide us with enough understanding so that we know how to pray for Israel and stand alongside them both on the ground and spiritually. Additionally, even though I may not understand every aspect – I do understand this: that those who accuse Israel of being the aggressor against Gaza – Scripture says otherwise – and God's word is Authoritative – not man's opinion.
Ezekiel 25:15 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 with the capability to shoot arrows and great stones at their enemies (verse 15). That Israel was credited with inventing the first warlike machine in recorded history should get our attention because in a previous conflict between Israel and Gaza – Israel was credited with the invention of another "Warlike Weapon": the "Iron Dome" - and both situations have to do with the Philistines suffering defeat at the hands of the Israelis. One weapon was "Offensive" and the other weapon "Defensive.”
Hamas - the modern-day Cherethim: Ezekiel 25:16 makes mention of the "Cherethims" and according to the Hebrew meaning of this word, the Cherethims were "Executioners.” The Cherethims were the Philistines "Mercenary Army.” According to history they were known for their archery – hence the rockets they continuously shoot over into Israel. Nonetheless, because of the Philistine's "old hatred" for Israel, it is only a matter of time before Gaza and Hamas, the modern-day "Cherethims," will initiate another attack against Israel.
Ezekiel 25:15-16 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. KJV
Again, given the ongoing conflicts with Gaza, then Ezekiel 25:15-16 and other Scriptures concerning Gaza become relevant as to understanding the present-day conflict between Israel and Gaza.
On Earth as in Heaven: It’s a scriptural principle that all battles here on earth are being fought in the heavens at the same time. Judges 5:20; Exodus 20:20-25; 2 Chronicles 26:4-7; Daniel 10, Ephesians 6 and Revelation 12 are just a few Scriptures that address the war in the heavens as humans take their stand against Satan here on earth.
Judges 5:20 20 The stars fought from heaven. The stars in their orbits fought against Sisera. NLT
Revelation 12:7-9 7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. NLT
Revelation 12:11-12 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time. NLT
Key to Israel’s victory over Hamas is whether or not they seek the Lord, and while all Israelis in Israel’s government are not seeking the Lord – we know that many Israelis throughout Israel are seeking the Lord.
Joshua 5:13-15 and Exodus 23:20-25 are two key Scriptures that reveals how important it is for the Israelites to obey the Lord God, Commander of the LORD’s Army” when confronted with war.
Joshua 5:13-15 13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the LORD’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” 15 The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told. NLT
Exodus 23:20-25 20 “See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. 21 Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is My representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion. 22 But if you are careful to obey him, following all My instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you. 23 For My angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, so you may live there. And I will destroy them completely. 24 You must not worship the gods of these nations or serve them in any way or imitate their evil practices. Instead, you must utterly destroy them and smash their sacred pillars. 25 “You must serve only the LORD your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness. NLT
2023 – Operation “Swords of Iron”: And, so it will be in Israel’s battle with Hamas and the modern-day Philistines of Gaza who harbor the same hatred for Israel as their forefathers. If the people of Israel seek the Lord they will be victorious over Hamas and the offspring of the ancient Philistines.
Having said that, I believe that God will quicken other nations 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. And, even though America is an ally of Israel, at a point in time that America or any nation encourages Israel to divide Jerusalem then America or that nation is only an ally in the (political) natural realm but not a "spiritual ally.”
The Biden Administration: The honor and the glory belong to the LORD, not the Biden Administration who is sending much needed aid to Israel and believes that the United States knows better than Israel as to how Israel should conduct “Operation Swords of Iron. While it is good that Israel has other nations that will support them, many of us know that it was the Iron Dome that really brought about the cease fire in 2012 and it will be the military might of the IDF that will prevail over Hamas in this latest conflict. Hamas' 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 of the Conflict: I hear 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 Scripture reveals about the Philistines to understand that the modern-day Philistines attack 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: Again, 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
Hamas and the people who live in Gaza will Reap what they have Sown – Psalm 7:15-16: When Hamas attacked an Israeli Kibbutz on October 7, 2023 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. 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. Again, the Hebrew word for violent in Psalm 7:16 is “Hamas”!
Psalm 7:15-16 15They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves. 16The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. NLT
According to the Jerusalem Post, Hezbollah Attempted to Breach Metulla on October 7, 2023: I want to come back to Saturday October 7, 2023 because while I was still in Metulla in the Upper Galilee where Metulla shares a border with Lebanon in the northernmost part of Israel just three hours after Hamas attacked the Israeli Kibbutz Kfar Aza in the south of Israel a convoy of Hezbollah terrorist tried to breach Metulla’s borders – which surprised no one because Hezbollah is a key ally of Hamas. A complete discussion of this attempted incursion is found in the Introduction to Chapters 28-42 titled, “The Galilee 2023 – October 7, 2023 was a Defining Moment in Israel’s History” and more specifically in Chapters 30 and 31.
It was all part of God’s plan for my being in Israel at this particular time in Israel’s history as the Lord gave me the understanding before I even left America that Israel would probably come under attack after I arrived in Metulla. And as noted before, a convoy of Hezbollah Terrorists on motorcycles did try to breach the border into Metulla on October 7, 2023 while I was still in Metulla. As we were being evacuated from Metulla in the early morning hours of October 8, the day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the nation of Israel that they were at war, all through the night and as I was leaving the next morning on October 8, 2023 I could hear the sound of cross-border rockets – one rocket after another coming over the border into the Galilee from Hezbollah.
To this day Israel and Lebanon are Officially at War: Without a doubt the whole world knows that Hezbollah poses the greater threat to Israel than Hamas. The leader of Hezbollah held a news conference on November 3, 2023; however, much to the disappointment of Hamas and their supporters, Hezbollah did not declare an all out war on Israel as expected. Hezbollah’s leader threatened Israel that they may enter the war but right now they feel they are doing their part by daily sending a barrage of rockets over the border into northern Israel that is keeping Israel’s elite forces from joining the fight against Hamas in the south.
The IDF did not declare Metulla a closed military zone until after I left Metulla. I said that to say this: The Lord sent me to Metulla and I would not leave Metulla unless the Lord sent someone to tell me that I needed to leave Metulla: After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Israelis that the Nation of Israel was at war the guests where we were staying all began to leave. By the next morning (October 8) we did not see any other guests nor anyone at the front desk at the hotel where we were staying and the streets of Metulla were deserted – Metulla felt like a ghost town. Not only had the tourists left, however, the residents of Metulla had either left or were staying indoors in their safe rooms.
At approximately 10:30 PM on October 7, 2023 the Lord sent the manager of the Hotel to tell us to meet him in the lobby at 8:00 AM the next morning – that we were being evacuated to the Sea of Galilee away from the border. It was at that point in time that I knew the Lord was telling me that it was time for me to leave – that I had accomplished everything in Metulla that He sent me there for.
And, during the night and the next morning as we were leaving Metulla to go to the Sea of Galilee, I could hear the sound of rockets coming from Hezbollah. I was told the sound of the rockets was coming from Hezbollah’s attack on Sheba Farms and that Hezbollah were working their way towards Metulla, which is why we were being evacuated from Metulla.
Going back to October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked the Israeli Kibbutz Kfar Aza: As the seven-day-long Jewish festival of Sukkot was coming to a close on Saturday, the horrifying sounds of sirens echoed across the Israeli kibbutz Kfar Aza just before dawn. Residents living in the area soon realized it was not a false alarm. A full-fledged surprise attack was being waged against those living in the Israeli kibbutz Kfar Aza from the air, sea and ground by literally hoards of Hamas militants.
The carnage Hamas left behind in the wake of their attack on the Kfar Aza kibbutz can only be described as sadistic. It was pure “unadulterated evil” – a satanic evil that was meant to cause as much pain and terror as possible to those living in the Kfar Aza kibbutz. And, sadly Hamas was able to more than accomplish their goal.
And, Hamas’ “unadulterated evil” was not limited to those living in the Kfar Aza kibbutz – Hamas killed at least 22 Americans as well as those Americans that were taken captive and are now being held hostage by Hamas.
Which begs the question – why would God allow such “unadulterated evil”?
If God allowed this conflict with Hamas, and given that God is in control of all things including wars, then I need to ask myself, am I seeing this war and other wars merely from a human point of view and not from God’s point of view?
The answer is found in Matthew 24.
How can I 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; 8All this is but the beginning [the early pains] of the birth pangs [of the [b]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. 12 And 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 Hamas and Hezbollah is inflicting on Israel. Certainly not!
Jesus IS the Voice of Hope: God did not cause the evil of wars, however, God did promise to cause everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and in that we have hope. The banner that George Otis hung at the Good Fence in Metulla, Israel read the “Voice of Hope” because George Otis knew that Jesus who IS the Voice of Hope was the only hope that those living in south Lebanon who were being persecuted by Hezbollah who like Hamas is a terrorist organization backed by Iran – that Jesus was there only 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 – to choose between “unadulterated evil” and good. Sadly, history bears witness that all too often man has and continues to choose war and cause as much pain for those they are at war with.
Alexander and John Skene: We were scheduled to leave Israel six days after the Prime Minister of Israel declared that Israel was at war. When I asked the Lord why the flights out of Israel are cancelled until further notice the Lord quickened me to Psalm 102 – then I understood. Just as my Scottish Forebears wrote books from the Tollbooth prison in Aberdeen, Scotland as their testimony unto Lord for their sons and daughters they would never meet. And, the books they wrote from prison over 350 years ago are still in existence. I have to pause and reflect of the reality that their books that were written as a witness unto the Lord they wanted to leave for future generations are in Scotland’s archives.
Now I found myself writing several chapters of the book I will leave for my offspring while I was still in Israel before and after the war started. Like my two forebears who wrote their books for their sons and daughters they knew they would never see – I knew that the book I was writing was for my sons and daughter I would never meet – it is my testimony unto the Lord. I just didn’t realize that it was God’s plan that I was to write several chapters of my book while I was still in Israel and while Israel was at war.
The Jewish Shop Owner: On our way out of Metulla we stopped to talk with the shop keeper of the local grocery who was keeping his store open for the IDF who he knew would need hot coffee and things to eat throughout the day. Other than that he didn’t anticipate anyone else coming in to his grocery.
It was heartbreaking; he told me that he was born in 1971 in Metulla and all he has ever known is war. He hoped that it would be better for his children that were born in Metulla but it has not been nor does he ever expect it to be.
With a sadness in his face that was heartbreaking, he told us that Metulla was under attack, which we already knew from the sound of the rockets that we heard and found out from the shop keeper the cross-border attacks were from Hezbollah’s attack on Sheba Farms – 30 minutes away from Metulla. We passed by Sheba Farms on our way to Ghajar, the city we visited earlier in the week, and actually crossed over the Blue Line into Lebanon (and Syria because the section of Ghajar Lebanon lays claim to actually belongs to Syria).
The shop keeper explained that either Hezbollah or Hamas, both puppets of Iran, would not just send rockets into Metulla, but they would try to invade Metulla with boots on the ground.
Like the Israeli government, he as well as those in Metulla knew that Hamas’ attack, which was the worst unprecedented attack Israel has seen – would probably get worse before it got better. Their worst fear was that Hezbollah would not just send rockets over the border, but like Hamas put boots on the ground. He believed that this particular attack on Israel would last for months. You could see all the weary on his face from the many attacks on Metulla during his lifetime. It's all he has ever known. He believed that the attack on Metulla would be unprecedented – however, I'm believing in the Lord that it will not be so and that the Lord will not allow Hezbollah to put boots on the ground in Metulla.
I told him that he would forever be in my prayers and he knew that I was sincere. I told him that my tears were not because I was afraid of being in Metulla – however, that my tears were for him and those living in Metulla as well as those who have been killed and taken hostage in the Gaza area.
He knew that my tears were not because I was personally afraid; however, that my tears were for him and those I would be leaving behind. He knew that my heart broke for those living in the vicinity of Gaza as well as Metulla. |