The Reign of Terror … Will End

Why terrorism and terrorists groups? Why not Muslim nations crushing the Jews or Christians and spreading Islam through conventional warfare? Easy answer: Because they’ve tried that tactic and failed. They can’t defeat Israel and certainly not the United States or the European Union with their military. Thus, the militant among them resort to guerilla warfare through killing of innocent civilians.

But that is not to say that Islamic authorities sit idly by while the radical among them pursue Jihad (Muslim holy war). Some Muslim regimes are fighting to stay in power, and all Muslim governments are chasing the contemporary strategy of condemning and censuring Jews (especially Israel itself) and select Christian groups through Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, with deceitful lies that make their people the victims and Jews and Christians the villains. In that regard, the scheme is rather old: If you tell a lie loud enough and long enough (especially through today’s media), many will believe it.

In fact, this devious strategy is actually found in the Koran; which offers Muslims the right to lie to the whole world if lying will aid in defeat of their enemies. It gives a whole new meaning to: The end justifies the means.

Since the United Nations passed a resolution in November, 1947 admitting Israel to the family of nations, then later recognized Israel’s declaration of statehood on May 14, 1948, Israel has fought three major wars against a coalition of Arab nations. Each of these wars resulted in a resounding Israeli victory and all three triumphs were considered by even the most objective military experts as astounding, if not miraculous. Israel prevailed against all odds.

On May 15, 1948, the day after Israel became a sovereign state, five Arab nations led by Syria and Egypt attacked with armies that vastly outnumbered and outgunned the hastily assembled, rag-tag Jewish army. National leaders the world over, including US President Harry Truman, gave the Jews no chance whatsoever of winning; Israel would die a national death within days or weeks after its rebirth. Instead, it was the Arabs who were soundly defeated in Israel’s War of Independence. Even hardened Israeli officers and soldiers, some of whom had abandoned the notion that God any longer cared about Israel’s destiny, attributed the victory to divine intervention. The miracle of this victory was transparently obvious: there’s absolutely no way that Israel could have or should have won that war. Perhaps God was on their side after all.

The Six-Day War in June, 1967 was equally stunning. Not because Israel didn’t have (by that time) a much stronger military than in 1948; but because of the sheer brilliance of the Israeli Defense Force’s strategy and execution of those plans. Which accomplished a feat that has never in military history been achieved: A massive rout of an enemy that was still much stronger (on paper) in men and material in only six days! Strong evidence that God was on their side.

Finally, the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Because the Arab nations struck without warning on one of Israel’s high holy days (Day of Atonement), they caught Israel woefully unprepared. It was the bloodiest war with, by far, the highest casualties on both sides. Yet, Israel’s victory was no less miraculous for the very reason that such a sudden attack from an enemy that still boasted a clear military superiority should have by all rights defeated a foe that was caught completely off guard. It would be similar to the United States rebounding in a short time and actually defeating the Japanese at Pearl Harbor or soon afterward; rather than taking another four years to finally conquer Japan. There’s no doubt that God was on Israel’s side!

Which is why the more recent Israeli (minor) wars have been fought against terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah in Syria or Hamas in Gaza. Likewise with factional Muslim armies in Iraq and Afghanistan trying to defeat US led coalition troops via head-on open battle-line warfare. It won’t work.

Iran is one Muslim nation that is coming close to direct confrontation with Israel and the West by their sneaky, underhanded efforts to build a nuclear weapon. Do you think US and EU sanctions against Iran are working or will eventually make a difference by deterring Iran’s resolve? That is as close as you’ll get to a rhetorical question.

Muslims Short on Patience

For centuries followers of Islam were well-known for their patience. Although the Muslims in general and Arabs in particular have lost more battles and wars than they have won, normally they have taken their losses in stride and reverted to their long-term objective that eventually Islam will prevail. Their mindset is that setbacks are only temporary. Inevitably they will win back the territories lost to the infidel … such as Spain, once conquered and controlled by the Moors; or seizing what they still insist on calling Palestine.

But no longer do we see such patience or the willingness to wait any longer than they think necessary to accomplish their clearly stated goals. They are growing tired of waiting for Israel and Western nations to weaken and implode from within; they are becoming anxious to once and for all deal with the (their) Jewish problem.

And so, the terrorists who are wreaking havoc almost daily are those who don’t have the patience to wait for a multi-nation Arab/Muslim coalition to accomplish the diabolical objectives of Islam … subjugation of all Jews and Christians and ultimately domination of the entire earth under an Islamic Caliphate (global government) controlled by their version of a messiah, the 12^th Imam. Less than two years ago, Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad—who was simply a puppet of the Ayatollah—publically declared that the Muslim Mahdi (messiah) would arrive only after Islam launched a holy war to defeat the infidels. And just a couple of weeks ago, a top Muslim cleric in Turkey announced that this Mahdi would set up the global Islamic Caliphate in Turkey itself. Such unity! Two non-Arab Muslim countries vying for national rights to be the messianic headquarters for an Arab Imam descended from Muhammad.

One can only wonder what Arab leaders think about these boastful claims. But it doesn’t matter what they think; because it won’t happen that way … not according to the Word of God. This (false) messiah—the Antichrist—is not a Muslim Imam, nor will there be a revival of the ancient Roman Empire. Rather, the one who would dare proclaim himself Messiah and God is none other than a revived Roman Emperor! For Biblical and historical evidence of the origin and actual identity of the Antichrist beast-king of Revelation, Daniel, and II Thessalonians please read Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved, 666? Or refer to the Eye of Prophecy series on the Antichrist, by clicking on the category of Antichrist. Then decide for yourself.

Paradoxically, the revolutionary mindset of certain segments of the Muslim population in certain Arab nations impatiently waiting for their national leaders/military to take on their sworn Jewish and Christian rivals, subsequently ignited the smoldering fire of individual rights against suppression and oppression by their own leaders, that resulted in what is now called the Arab Spring. The result: Toppling of governments in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, and possibly to come in Syria. Plus, major protests and demonstrations in Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Sudan.

We are bombarded with incessant rhetoric from Muslim nations and terrorist cells that call for the downfall of the United States and all Western nations that align themselves with anything that looks and acts like a democracy or republic. The killing of the two American journalists is an ultra-harsh reminder that they mean business. But that is not their ultimate goal.

According to several passages in the Bible, evidenced by the constant oratory of hate streaming from the mouths of Muslim presidents, prime ministers, imams, and leaders of terrorist groups alike, the overriding ambition of not just their leaders but the average Muslim in the average Muslim country is the utter destruction of Israel and annihilation of the Jews (everywhere, not just in Israel). And, along the way, Christians must also be eliminated.

Muslim impatience in reaching their avowed goal is yet another (strong) sign that the end is drawing near (see Psalms 2).

Recent Statements to Confirm the True Agenda of Islam and Muslims

Despite the heavy blow inflicted on Hamas by Israel during the recent 50-day war, Hamas remains defiant and pledges that there will be more fighting to come. In the following statement from Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, he divulges the true motive for their terrorist activities: “The value of this campaign is not in the opening of this crossing or that crossing, but in paving the way for the next phase of liberating Jerusalem and the land of Palestine. Today we are closer to Jerusalem.” Zuhri then chanted, “Khaybar, Khaybar al Yahood,” which means that Allah will return to expel or kill the Jews. Khaybar was a Jewish village north of Medina, Saudi Arabia, which Mohammed brutally conquered in 629 AD.

Lest you think this terrorist is speaking only for Hamas or other terrorist cells, a poll taken by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research shortly after the final cease-fire that appears to have ended the most recent conflict, produced the following results: Sixty-one percent of Palestinians would choose Hamas’ leader, Ismail Haniyeh for president, if Palestinian presidential elections were held today. Only 32% would vote for current President Mahmoud Abbas (of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank … the so-called moderate branch). In the aforementioned speech by Sami Abu Zuhri, a large nearby crowd cheered him on.

Do you see what’s happening here? The average Palestinian Arab now has an even stronger desire to follow Hamas, which is tantamount to support of Hamas’ objective to drive the Jews from Israel and to take over Jerusalem—which is clearly the capital of Israel going back at least 3000 years to King David. Jerusalem is mentioned hundreds of times in the Old and New Testament; not once in the Koran! If Muslims are going to argue right of supremacy and occupation based on the Koran, then why is Jerusalem not even found in the Koran? But then, another contemporary tactic of Muslim Arabs alongside of terrorism is to rewrite history or reinvent it. In other words: there’s only Muslim history, which is a counterfeit, copy-cat, Johnny-come-late religion thousands of years after Abraham and Moses, hundreds of years after Jesus Christ.

Sorry, sometimes I get a little irritated when it comes to an entire religion that claims a belated replacement superiority over the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God’s appointed Messiah, who died for the sins of the world. But the day of reckoning will come for false religions and for all who reject their only hope of salvation in Messiah Jesus.

From an al-Qaeda source: “Israel is a legitimate target for Muslim militants all over.”

From the Islamic State (ISIS) we read one of their sworn objectives: “(the) Islamic State will do everything within its means to continue striking down every apostate who stands as an obstacle on its path towards Palestine.” Question: On its path to where? The answer is as clear as was the hideous beheading of the two American journalists through ISIS videos, the first committed by a British-born terrorist Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary nicknamed “Jihadi John.” The 2^nd journalist killed was American but also a Jew.

It is Israel that ISIS really wants.

Another ISIS statement from the same English magazine publication, Dabig (aimed at young Muslims or anyone sympathetic to Islam in Western countries) that condemned the apathy and impotence of Arab States and other Muslim organizations to carry out, the will of Allah:

“Its (Islamic State) actions speak louder than its words and it is only a matter of time and patience before it reaches Palestine to fight the barbaric Jews and kill those of them hiding behind the gharqad trees—the trees of the Jews.” *Note: The call to kill Jews hiding behind trees is almost a direct quote from the Koran where it demands that the trees and rocks expose the Jews hiding there so they can be eliminated by faithful Muslims.

I beg to differ: It’s terrorists that cowardly hide behind woman and children. Did you catch the height of hypocrisy by calling the Jews barbaric … the same Jews/Israelis who gave ample humane warning to both Hamas and innocent Gazan civilians before attacking Hamas militants and weaponry; with Hamas sheltering themselves by hiding in civilian occupied mosques, schools, private residences, and other public buildings.

Another ISIS boast: “The first priority is to perform hijrah from wherever you are to the Islamic State. From the state of the infidel to the state of Islam.” The infidels are not only Jews; they are also Christians—who are almost as much a hated target of Muslim terrorists in particular and Muslim followers in general as are the Jews. Which is why Christians of certain ethnic communities in Iraq are being systematically robbed, beaten, raped, tortured, killed, or evicted from their homes, jobs, families, and friends. Still, the ultimate goal is to complete the Final Solution began by Adolph Hitler: genocidal extermination of the Jews and unlawful possession of the Land that God, himself, promised to the Jews.

As intimated in last week’s article, it’s unlikely that the divided house of Islamic terrorists, including and especially ISIS, will ever be unified enough to launch a coordinated series of strikes against Israel. But if they do, Israel’s leaders understand that they will receive no assistance from their neighbors, even though these neighbors are currently opposed to the more radical terrorists … Hamas and ISIS.

These are the words of IDF Brigadier General Zvika Fogel, retired commander of the IDF Southern Command: “The future is unclear, but we must prepare for the worst … the day on which the Islamic State to our north and Hamas to our south launch coordinated terrorist attacks against Israel. The Assad regime and Hezbollah, as well as Egypt and the Palestinian Authority will not defend us. They will stand on the side and protect their own interests. We must ready ourselves for this war, which we will have to win.”

As also mentioned in the previous Eye of Prophecy column, Hezbollah is fighting on the side of Assad against ISIS and other ultra-radical terrorists in Syria. It’s amazing that Syria or Hezbollah or Egypt or the PA would remotely think about backing Israel for any reason whatsoever, but that is the current state of affairs in the topsy-turvy Middle East. And I wonder how much, if any, assistance would be given to Israel even by the United States?

God’s Strategic Plan and Purpose

The Bible predicted this long ago, referring to Israel’s enemies: “O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf. Do not be quiet, O God. Don’t you hear the uproar of your enemies? Don’t you see that your arrogant enemies are rising up? They devise crafty schemes against your people; they conspire against your precious ones. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence’” (Psalms 83: 1-4).

Can these words be any clearer? The enemies of Israel are the enemies of God. Furthermore, the latter part of this chapter provides a graphic description of how God will deal with Israel’s foes; to judge wicked, ungodly Gentile nations or kingdoms that seek to destroy Israel.

Let’s read part of this divine retribution against those whose unrelenting ambition in life is to eradicate the Jewish race and usurp control over a land that does not belong to them:

“O my God, scatter them like tumbleweed, like chaff before the wind … chase them with your fierce storm; terrify them with your tempest. Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O Lord. Let them be ashamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace” (Psalms 83: 13-17, italics for emphasis). Such an appropriate choice of words written some twenty-seven hundred years ago (terrify and terrified), don’t you think. Such poetic justice, wouldn’t you say; that the terrorists of today will recoil in terror at the awesome power and judgment of Almighty God.

Although this passage was directed against mostly ethnic tribes and small kingdoms that were plotting against Israel at the time that the words were penned (during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah), the conspiracy claims of wiping Israel from the face of the earth also apply to peoples and nations in today’s world that have made the same arrogant boasts against the Jews. These ancient tribes more closely resemble the contemporary sects of Islam, some of which have morphed into terrorists organizations. More on this next week.

God’s plan is that all those who seek Israel’s destruction will not go unpunished, will pay the price for their hatred of and violence against the Jews. They themselves will be terrified, but not by other ungodly nations or governments; rather by God’s people in conjunction with the righteousness and justice of a holy God who has sworn to establish the Jewish people in a land given to them thousands of years ago … a Promised Land that would be their home forever.

And what might be God’s overriding purpose in throwing terror back into the face of terrorists, of dealing with Gentile nations aligned against Israel in the same fashion that these nations have dealt (harshly) with Israel and the Jews? The last verse of the Psalm 83 passage answers that question: “Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth” (Psalms 83:18, italics for emphasis).

Not Allah, not the totalitarian state gods of fascism or communism, not the mythical gods of the Greeks and Romans, not the legions of false gods found in Hinduism, or the non-existent ethereal state of Nirvana boasted by Buddhism, nor any other god of any other religion or cult.

We are talking about the One and True Living God, the Creator of the Universe and all living things. He is I AM (Yahweh): The Everlasting One. He is El Shaddai: Almighty God. He is El Elyon: The Most High God.

And, do you know His Son’s name?

Things to Ponder

I believe Scripture is sufficiently clear that terrorist groups will not play a major role in the end-times scenario that unfolds during the seven-year Great Tribulation. Before the Rapture takes place that ushers in the Great Tribulation, terrorism will diminish in scope and size. Thus, ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, al-Qaeda, and others like them will weaken significantly—through decimation by fighting each other; by absorption into the standing armies of some Muslim governments that subsidize them; from periodic blows inflicted on them by Israel or the United States and its allies; by other Muslim governments turning on the terrorists; or all of the above.

Ethnic rivalry, particularly those than spawn terrorism, is part of the preliminary birth pangs spoken of by Jesus, but not the final contractions. That will involve entire nations and their governments, Muslim or otherwise, assembled to take on Israel.

Next week we will examine the two final Gentile coalition attacks on Israel, both of which include entire nations and governments, not local, regional ethnic groups.

Stay tuned to next week’s article, the third in this trilogy on nations and terrorist groups aligned against Israel, for more evidence on how all this will unfold.

Last week’s article: A House Divided … will fall. This week’s post: The Reign of Terror … will end. Next week’s subject: Alliances against Israel … will fail.

PROPORTIONAL WARFARE? … Israel’s Response to Terrorism

For the first time since the latest Israeli/Palestinian conflict erupted in early July, Hamas held to its side of a (72-hour) cease-fire. Israel had every right to reject this or any cease-fire for at least two reasons: (1) Hamas’ track record of cease-fire violations; (2) Israel had not completely finished their primary objective of destroying the cross-border tunnels and as many weapon sites as possible. In that respect, a cease-fire only benefits the terrorists, giving them the opportunity to move their weapons and use what tunnels are left to infiltrate Israel for their “tunnel vision” resolution of killing Jews.

In last week’s article, we looked at the appalling misuse of Moral Equivalency by Israel’s enemies and by leaders of nations and ethnic groups who shamelessly distort Israel’s right of self-defense by comparing such right to Hitler’s depraved campaign of genocide against the Jews, forever known as the Holocaust. To the contrary, it would be immoral for a country not to take tough measures to protect its citizens.

Last week’s and this week’s Eye of Prophecy articles are just two of several columns written by responsible journalists and commentators who are compelled to refute the twisted logic of so many, whose seemingly main purpose in life is to denigrate and demonize Israel. Whether such reporting has created a more balanced perspective on the volatile issue of Moral Equivalency remains to be seen. However, it does seem that some of the more rational “moderate” leaders have begun to recognize, albeit reluctantly, Israel’s moral right to protect her citizens from indiscriminate and deadly terrorist’s attacks.

But even these so-called moderates won’t let a day go by without promoting a second common component of the Moral Equivalency formula … what might be called a Plan B or a back-up strategy. The second element of Moral Equivalency is that of Disproportionate Response … meaning Israel’s military intervention must be restrained and/or in direct proportion (or even a lesser proportion) to the actions of the terrorists.

For example, US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have advised Israel to use “restraint” in their military reaction to terrorism. Likewise, the majority of national and international leaders, journalists, and social pundits have demanded that Israel not only use restraint, but that Israel’s response be precisely proportional to the terrorist’s attacks. Of course, none of them dare to define or quantify this proportional restraint … how much, how often, how long! Why would they? How could they? To do so would mean acknowledgment that if their own people were attacked in such manner, they would categorically deny the right of anyone else telling them how much retaliation and restraint is enough.

Since this war began, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of articles written, media discussions via radio and television, and editorialized in general throughout the world. A fairly recent debate head-lined as A Moral dilemma in the Viewpoints section of The Arizona Republic (a newspaper I subscribe to) published on July 27, 2014—about three weeks into the Israel/Hamas war—is a representative cross-section example of world-wide arguments over the nature and extent of Israel’s war-related conduct.

In one corner was journalist Farley Weiss; the headlines on his side of the Point/Counterpoint read, Hamas’ continuous attacks on civilians justify Israeli incursion.

In the other corner sat Bishara A. Bahbah, whose column was headlined, Israel must pull back from invasion that is killing Gaza innocents.

Point/Counterpoint

Farley Weiss: “Israel following its 2005 unilateral disengagement from Gaza, thought they were leaving the Palestinian Authority in control but, after winning an election, Hamas took control. The people of Gaza elected in Hamas a leadership committed to Israel’s destruction. Recently the Palestinian Authority unified with Hamas and has kept that unity throughout this Hamas attack on Israel.”

*Note: As I have indicated periodically in past Eye of Prophecy articles, there is no Israeli “occupation” of the Gaza Strip. Even prior to 2005, there were only a few Jewish settlements in Gaza. Then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon closed down all Jewish settlements and relocated those displaced Jews throughout Israel proper. The Palestinian Authority (headed by Mahmoud Abbas headquartered in the West Bank) was forced to relinquish authority to Hamas in the Gaza Strip soon after the Jewish settlements were dismantled. These two quasi-governmental entities claim exclusive right to represent the Palestinians in Israel. Although their differences are legion, the primary distinction is that one (Hamas) is more radical and violent in its ideology and methods; whereas the other (Palestinian Authority) will ostensibly seek diplomatic solutions. However, both agencies have clearly demonstrated a mutual mindset and goal: The destruction or dissolution of the State of Israel.

Bishara Bahbah: “This war has brought to light several observations: This is not a proportionate tit-for-tat war. It is a disproportionate fight between Hamas which lobs what everyone calls “rockets” and what I call oversize Chinese fireworks. Secretary of State John Kerry criticized what Israel’s prime minister described as a ‘pin-point operation’ by stating, ‘It’s a hell of a pinpoint operation.’”

*Note: Obviously Bahbah quoted Kerry’s sarcastic suggestion to prove his point that the death of Palestinian “civilians” would not be occurring at all; if, in fact, Israeli was accomplishing their “pin-point” selective bombing of terrorist’s targets. And, of course, Bahbah capitalized on Kerry’s unwarranted comment by slinging his own version of the proportional war mentality prevalent throughout the world. It appears that Kerry conveniently overlooked the numerous civilian casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan caused by “pin-point” selective targets of American missile strikes that went awry, resulting in several friendly fire casualties and/or death of Iraqi and Afghan civilians.

By no stretch of the imagination am I criticizing the US military mistakes during the Iraqi War and the still ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. In fact, our military does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties, no less than Israel does. In fact, Israel goes much farther than does the United States. They announce ahead of time to the civilian population exactly where the strikes will take place, with enough time for the civilians to evacuate.

Moreover, if these rockets launched by Hamas are only “Chinese firecrackers” then I’d hate to be hit by a “real missile.” Fact: These rockets can inflict substantial damage. Fact: The main problem for Hamas is not the firepower of the missiles, rather it’s their “aim.” Fact: Even when their aim is accurate, often their target structures are empty or the missile lands just far enough away to preclude serious damage or casualties.

I believe there are two other significant factors: (1) the ability through almost daily practice (both drills and actual rocket attacks) of the Jews to seek shelter in just the few seconds allotted to them before the missile strikes. (2) The periodic intervention of God, perhaps through angels, to protect his people, the Jews. Scripture and history is replete with events in which God chooses to miraculously rescue his people (both Jews and Christians). Why the Lord doesn’t do this all the time is a question that will never be answered this side of eternity. Except to say that one day all evil will be eradicated and Jesus Christ will rule and reign with complete justice, righteousness, and peace. Until that time, we must concede to his perfect plan and perfect timing in execution of that plan.

Bahbah: “This war waged by a Middle East democracy had killed more than 800 people and wounded about 5,000 Palestinians. On Israel’s side, at least 35 soldiers were killed in addition to three civilians.”

*Note: At the time of this Eye of Prophecy article, the Palestinian fatalities are a little over 1,900; with the Israeli death toll of 64 soldiers and three civilians. Did you catch his phrase: “This war waged by a Middle East democracy.” As though the war was started and unilaterally carried on/out by Israel. Yet, the unfairness of Bahbah’s statement is endorsed by numerous journalists, broadcasters, and heads of state … especially ambassadors to the United Nations.

Farley Weiss: “It is as astonishing as it is disheartening to hear the frequent criticisms directed to Israel’s response. Many have called on Israel to exercise either proportionality or restraint despite the unyielding and indiscriminate missile attacks on it civilians. Which brings the question: Should a nation defending itself do so in a manner where its casualties are expected to equal those against whom they retaliate … or condemned simply because its capability to administer punishment exceeds that of the belligerent who initiated the hostility? Of course not! Only the intellectually dishonest would suggest that a nation whose children are kidnapped and murdered may respond to their murderers only ‘moderately.’ Especially, when but for the response many more of their children would be murdered.”

More Proportional Pros and Cons

One of the morally and intellectually absurd indictments against Israel for violation of Palestinians rights and/or disproportionate retaliation also extends to the United States for not equally providing a high-tech deterrent system to the “governing authority” in Gaza … meaning Hamas. This convoluted logic referred to Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system (the US heavily contributed to the design and funding of Iron Dome).

Listen to the words of UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay: “They have not only provided the heavy weaponry which is not being used by Israel in Gaza but they’ve also provided almost $1 billion in providing the Iron Dome to protect the Israelis from rocket attacks. But no such protection has been provided to Gazans against the shelling.” Surprisingly, she makes two allowances: that Israel is not using “heavy weaponry” provided by the US against Gaza and also that Israel is, in fact, being subjected to rocket attacks (from Gaza).

But these concessions are rendered meaningless by her preposterous demand that Gaza be supplied with equivalent protection. It’s not enough that the Israelis provide advance warning of terrorist targets to allow Gazan civilians to flee harm’s way. Ms. Pillay (and others that share her twisted views) demand equal opportunity funded protection for Gaza, which obviously includes Hamas.

Next, is a more balanced editorial view of the issues:

Read with me an excerpt of an editorial written by Richard Kemp for The Gatestone Institute on-line news site, published August 3^rd. Kemp’s article was written generally to expose the incessant unfounded indictment of Israel’s conduct in this war, and specifically to counter biased inflammatory comments disguised as interview questions from a reporter who asked an Israeli IDF spokesperson: “So are you going after innocent civilians or is it incompetence Colonel Lerner?”

Richard Kemp replied: “To suggest that military incompetence is the only explanation for civilian deaths other than deliberate mass murder reveals a breathtaking but unsurprising ignorance of the realities of combat. Although rarely allowed to complete so much as a single sentence (Kemp is referring to interviews of Israeli military and political officials), Israeli attempt to explain IDF targeting policies are inevitably dismissed as laughable fabrication.”

*Note: If someone is going to argue for a proportionally conducted war, then why don’t reporters express some measure of gratitude that Israel allows far more interviews of their officials than does Hamas or the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank? In fact, at great risk, a handful of responsible journalists have leaked information that Hamas has threatened reporters if they write anything whatsoever negative about Hamas’ conduct in this war.

Kemp goes on to say: “The truth is very different. The IDF has developed the most comprehensive and sophisticated measures to minimize civilian casualties during attacks against legitimate military targets. Mandatory multi-sensor intelligence and surveillance systems to confirm the presence or absence of civilians precede attacks on every target from the air. Text messages, phone calls and radio messages in Arabic warn occupants to leave. Air-dropped leaflets include maps showing safe areas. When warnings go unheeded, aircraft drop non-lethal explosives to warn that an attack is imminent … When pilots use laser-guided munitions they must have pre-designated safe areas to divert the missiles in flight should civilians suddenly appear.”

I’ve noticed one glaring irony of Israel’s morally proportionate strategy to prevent Palestinian civilian casualties: Hamas also has time to remove themselves and their weapons. Thus, neither the terrorist nor their weaponry is taken out … mission failed. Not entirely: There is one less building or area from which to launch terrorist’s missiles. Yes, that also includes Palestinian homes, but Hamas frequently uses these homes and their own people who live in the houses to store weapons and launch rockets from the roofs and backyards of these dwellings. It’s also apparent that Hamas terrorists are not always at the place where they store their weapons; however, the civilians that occupy those homes or shops or mosques wouldn’t dare remove the weapons without Hamas’ permission. Hence, sometimes the mission is accomplished by taking out a missile launcher or two.

Of course, mistakes happen. Surveillance and intelligence is never 100% guaranteed. It is a known and morally acceptable premise of war: Civilians are killed in battle. I certainly am not making light of civilian death and injuries during war. It is, indeed, tragic. But what army on the face of the earth would simply lay down their arms and refuse to defend their country because their enemy suffered civilian casualties?

In fact, both terrorist organizations like Hamas and governments that support such terrorism, like Iran, classify all of their targets (primarily Israelis) as soldiers. In this warped view, there is no distinction between civilian and military personnel. Evidently, this enables them to rationalize any and all terrorist strikes against innocent people. Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have made public statements that the three kidnapped and murdered teenage boys were soldiers! (These brutal killings was the catalyst that started this current conflict). None of these boys were in the IDF; in fact, two of them were not old enough to be drafted.

Now a quote from another of Israel’s critics, Eugene Robinson. “First is the tremendous loss of human life. It matters that civilians are in the line of fire between Israel and Hamas—even if, in some instances, it seems clear that Hamas put them there … But while it is not possible to specify an exact number of acceptable Palestinian casualties, that number has clearly been surpassed.” (Italics for emphasis).

A personal observation: Although I staunchly back Israel for several reasons, not the least of which is God’s unconditional support of the Jews and Israel, I will listen to the rhetoric of those who chastise and even condemn Israel; if, in fact, their arguments are rational and half-way logical—which they rarely are. Often, human viewpoint morality is in the eye of the beholder, which is why I enclose my own views in the context of God’s absolute truth found in the Bible. I will hear out Israel’s critics; primarily to see how they explain their world-view.

But what Robinson and many others like him are saying, is anything but logical or reasonable. To wit: If he’s going to adamantly insist on more proportional conduct from Israel by asserting that the number of Palestinian casualties, “has clearly been surpassed,” then he is morally and rationally compelled to give a precise number of those casualties. Otherwise, his argument is guilty of begging the question without so much as a hint of a possible answer … how many are too many? Is it 500 Palestinians killed, 1,000, 1,250, or 1,500? Whenever that “unknown” number is reached, does that mean that Israel has a moral obligation to stop what they’re doing, even though their military objectives haven’t been met? If the ratio between Israeli dead and Palestinian dead reaches a predetermined gap, is Israel required to send its troops home; thereby, allowing Hamas to continue attacks through tunnels and by continually firing rockets into Israel to even the score?

I do give him credit for acknowledging that Hamas deliberately puts Gazan civilians in harm’s way. But it’s that very concession that causes his logic to crumble like a house of cards. Meaning, how is it possible for Israel to strike back at the very terrorists who initiated this conflict, if there are civilians in front of and all around the Hamas fighters and their weaponry? With that mentality, Israel has no right whatsoever to fire a single shot or launch a single rocket at a building that clearly houses terrorists and their weapons.

Other Examples, Questions

Just a quick World War II example: Not only did the Allies recognize the obvious fact that civilians in Germany, Japan, and Italy would be unavoidable collateral casualties during all of the air and ground campaigns; they sometimes deliberately struck targets that were mostly civilian … with the rationale that the civilians were by and large in complete support of their troops and military endeavors. Thus, there was no warning before some of the most devastating attacks in the annals of warfare, ancient or modern: The Allies Carpet bombing of Dresden, Germany, of Tokyo, and the Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which brought an end to WW II.

What nation would order its military to stop firing until more of their own soldiers or civilians were killed to proportionally equalize the body count of their enemies. To, thereby, satisfy the demands of not only their enemies, but even their friends who suggested or implied that a more balanced casualty rate would make a just war even more just!

This is particularly true when it’s exceptionally challenging to differentiate between soldiers and civilians in the first place, such as in Iraq and in the Gaza Strip. The enemy doesn’t wear uniforms now days. For example, what terrorist would answer a question put to him by an Israeli soldier, “Are you Hamas or a civilian?” With the absurd answer, “I’m a terrorist; you can shoot me now.”

According to reliable sources/reports from both the Israelis and objective journalists and reporters who are not taking sides, more than half of the Palestinian fatalities have been young men who were clearly or ostensibly fighting for Hamas. This is in direct contradiction to Hamas reports that over 90% of Palestinian casualties have been civilians.

But the very fact that it’s tough for not only Israel but even the Palestinians themselves to differentiate between a true neutral unarmed civilian and a terrorist who has a civilian day job and by night fires missiles into Israel, makes it morally irresponsible to condemn Israel for a single civilian casualty. Should Israel do as much as is reasonably and practically possible to avoid “civilian” casualties? Of course they should. AND THEY DO!

Just a couple of days ago in one of his many news conferences, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu felt compelled to defend attacks against his nation’s conduct in the Gaza war. He said that his country’s actions were “justified” and “proportional.” According to USA Today,” he showed footage of Hamas firing mortars and operating from tunnels in civilian areas of Gaza near schools and mosques.”

Such a shame that Israel (or any nation whose cause of self-defense is objectively obvious to the whole world) must defend herself against a constant barrage of accusations that she is waging an unjust or disproportional war … all the while defending herself against a volley of deadly attacks from an immoral terrorist group.

Three thousand years ago under King David’s reign, Israel was the greatest nation on the face of the earth. And once again Israel will (soon) be the most prominent nation on earth, under the reign of none other than Messiah Jesus. Not because the Jews are innately better than anyone else, for God loves you, me, and all of us equally, including the Arabs!

Listen to the words of Moses just before the Hebrews were to enter the Promise Land so long ago, the same land that is now Israel … the same land that has been given to the Jews in perpetuity forever and ever. “After the Lord your God has done this for you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘The Lord has given us this land because we are such good people!’ No, it is because of the wickedness of the other nations that he is pushing them out of your way. It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land… (Deuteronomy 9: 4-5).

But Moses also told the Hebrews (Jews), “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors… Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commandments. But he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who reject him” (Deuteronomy 7: 7-10, italics for emphasis). Indeed, God disciplined even Israel for her many sins by removing his protection; thus allowing Israel’s enemies to subjugate the Jews for most of 2,500 years.

God IS love, but he is also holy and just. All those who spiritually reject God’s love demonstrated by the awesome salvation provided to anyone who believes and receives his Son, Yeshua, have sentenced themselves to everlasting separation, Jew and Gentile alike, from El Elyon … The Most High God. (See John 3:18 & 3:36 … in fact, read the entire third chapter of John!)

Likewise, those who physically persist in their diabolical determination to destroy God’s chosen people and usurp control over the land promised to the Jews, must pay the price. There are hundreds of Scripture passages that dramatically depict the utter ruination of peoples and nations who dare to defy the true and living God by seeking to destroy the descendants of Abraham.

Israel was selected by God because they were God’s choice to bring blessings to all nations of the earth, through a Jewish Messiah. If anyone has a problem with that, then they need to take it up with God.

Newsflash!

Just a little while before this article was to be posted (which now makes the article a little longer than anticipated!), I discovered the following story from one of my news sources. It’s an amazing example of what was said earlier in this article; that the Lord sometimes intervenes to protect … in this case, his special treasure and possession, Israel. Although the aforementioned Iron Dome has met or exceeded expectations, it is not a perfect system. It cannot intercept ALL incoming rockets/missiles nor does it hit its target 100% of the time. Estimates are 80-90%, if an intercepting Iron Dome missile is launched at all.

From several Israeli (in the Hebrew language) press sources, reports have surfaced of Hamas missiles miraculously changing course in mid-flight. One of the Iron Dome Commanders recently witnessed the “hand of God” divert an incoming rocket from a densely populated area of Tel Aviv.

These are his words: “A missile was fired from Gaza. Iron Dome precisely calculated (its trajectory). We know where these missiles are going to land down to a radius of 200 meters. This particular missile was going to hit either the Azrieli Towers, the Kirya (Israel’s equivalent of the Pentagon) or a central Tel Aviv railway station. Hundreds would have died. (Note: During my trip to Israel in 2006, I drove near all three of these locations … they, indeed, have a high concentration of people during the day).

“We fired the first (interceptor). It missed. Second (interceptor). It missed. This is very rare. I was in shock. At this point we had just four seconds until the missile lands. We had already notified emergency services to converge on the target location and had warned of a mass-casualty incident.

“Suddenly, Iron Dome (which calculates wind speeds, among other things) shows a major wind coming from the east, a strong wind that … sends the missile into the sea. We were all stunned. I stood up and shouted, ‘There is a God!’ I witnessed this miracle with my own eyes. It was not told or reported to me. I saw the hand of God send that missile into the sea.” (Italics for special emphasis).

Another Newsflash: Yesterday, just a short time after time ran out on the 72-hour cease-fire, Hamas fired more rockets into Israel, wounding two Israelis … one seriously.

Things to Ponder

Has anyone not heard of nor remember the mighty Exodus of God’s chosen people from Egypt? Especially the splitting of the Red Sea?

“Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind (Exodus 14:21, italics for mega-emphasis).

There is no defense system created by or known to man which can rival God’s personal defense of his people. Moreover, there is no defense scheme strong enough or a military mighty enough to achieve a (righteous) victory in war unless the true and living God is on their side. Yes, God does take sides. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalms 33:12).

“Tell everyone about God’s power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” (Psalms 68: 34-35).

I’m compelled to repeat from last week’s Eye of Prophecy article, entitled Moral Equivalency:

Scripture is replete with prophetic promises that God in the last days would once again protect Israel from her enemies, and even fight for her. That day began in 1948 and was fully ratified in the Six-Day War of 1967. I suppose people could debate Moral Equivalency issues in the context of the Israeli/Palestinian ongoing conflict ad infinitum. Who’s right, who’s wrong; what’s right, what’s wrong? How much (self-defense) is enough? Israel … whose land is it?

The Bible is very clear as to who’s right and who’s wrong; what is just and what is unjust. Whose land it is because the Lord himself gave it to one people, and only one: The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

According to Scripture, the time of debate is over.

Now it’s a matter of choice. From God’s perspective, it’s always been a matter of free will choice. Spiritually: To choose God’s marvelous plan of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ, that will determine a person’s eternal destiny. Morally: To at least recognize, if not support Israel, chosen by God to bring salvation and blessing to the whole earth.

As one reader succinctly commented on last week’s Eye of Prophecy article: “I, for one, plan on being on the right side in this ultimate conflict.”

How about you? Care and dare to take sides?

MORAL EQUIVALENCY

Once again, ominous events in the Middle East have riveted the attention of hundreds of millions of people world-wide. Once again the sounds of exploding missiles, the blasts of a myriad of bombs, and the sights of smoke columns ascending to the skies have formed an unrivaled focus on the tiny nation of Israel. Again we are reminded of the decisive but, nevertheless, inspiring words of the one, true living God; who is known in Scripture by many awesome names, none more applicable in today’s world than, The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob … expressed succinctly as the God of Israel.

“This message concerning the fate of Israel came from the Lord: ‘This message is from the Lord, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit. I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves’” (Zechariah 12: 1-3).

In the numerous articles I’ve read, the recent broadcasts I’ve heard, and the alarming images of war catapulted through cyberspace, it’s clear that nearly everyone who is half-way interested in what’s taking place in the Middle East has some sort of opinion. Most of these opinions hover around one end of a pendulum or another … in dramatic support of Israel or in dismal but dogmatic castigation of the Jews and of Israel.

The stark difference between the mindset, motive, and the very heart and soul of Israel and that of her enemies (specifically the terrorist regimes called Hamas and Hezbollah) was recently expressed in a simple, but insightful statement gone viral through the internet. Though a paraphrase from the original announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it is almost a direct quote:

“Israel uses rockets to protect its hospitals and children. Hamas uses hospitals and children to protect its rockets.”

There couldn’t possibly be a more profound valuation to describe Israel’s true character; conversely, to expose the malevolent disposition of Hamas. This statement is also the optimum refutation and exposure of the Moral Equivalency expected of and imposed on Israel by the vast majority of nations, as summarily expressed by their leaders.

What is Moral or Immoral Equivalency and How Does It Work?

Frankly, I’d prefer not to use this term if for no other reason than it is an awkward concept to grasp, especially when applied to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. However, in the contemporary context or modern version of an age-old conflict between Jew and Arab, many politicians, philosophers, and social pundits have often used (or misused) this vague notion of Moral Equivalence to bash Israel.

So, let’s begin with a workable definition of Moral Equivalency. Straight from the Internet site of Rational Wiki: “Moral Equivalence is a form of equivocation often used in political debates. It seeks to draw comparisons between different, often unrelated things, to make a point that one is just as bad as the other or just as good as the other….”

The term equivocation in the above definition means to, “…use equivocal language with intent to deceive.” Equivocal means, “subject to two or more interpretations and used to mislead or confuse … of doubtful advantage, genuineness, or moral rectitude” (Webster’s Dictionary).

Essentially, then Moral Equivalency is a process (that has been given a name) to identify what’s happening when someone tries to convince others that what they’ve done or are about to do is morally just and right; conversely, what the other side has done or will do is morally wrong. Either one of these positions are almost always compared to precedents or events in history; and then are contrasted to the beliefs or actions of people representing or involved in the other side of the issue or dispute.

How’s that? “Clear as mud,” you say. Yep … I wouldn’t argue with your conclusion. Sorry, given the fact that an entire book could be written on the subject, this is the best or most I can do in an introductory attempt to explain something that isn’t easily explainable.

Two examples given in the above referenced Website article: “Drawing a moral equivalence between the Holocaust and Israeli policy toward the Palestinians.”

And, “The term Axis of evil, drawing a moral equivalence between Iraq, Iran, and North Korea with the original Axis of World War II.” (This is just being used as an example, whereas the first illustration is an integral part of today’s blog article).

Trivia question: Do you remember who first coined the term, Axis of Evil? Well done. You got it right. It was former US President George W. Bush, in his State of the Union address not too long after 9/11.

Concerning the first example, I was somewhat stunned that it would be used at all, considering the utterly horrific nature of this morally equivalent comparison. Although I certainly knew of this assessment by those who hate Israel and the Jews (in fact I referred to it in last week’s article), I didn’t realize just how wide-spread this morally equivalent (actually immoral and depraved) comparison was until I discovered it in the Website article. Or, until I read some shocking statements recently spouted by world leaders during the preparation of today’s article.

Sadly, ever so sadly, that’s exactly what is taking place in today’s world … the exponential increase of Anti-Semitism particularly in Europe; fueled by unjust, inaccurate, unfounded rants and raves against not just Israel’s conduct in the current Gaza war, but against Jews all over the world.

Of all places, you would think European nations would forever remember the absolutely horrendous results of the Holocaust. Yet, shortly after the latest clash between Israel and Hamas terrorists began, thousands in France took to the streets screaming among things, “Death to the Jews.” In Belgium a sign at a city café in Saint-Nicolas read, “Dogs are allowed in this establishment but Jews are not under any circumstances.” In Germany, chants of, “Jews to the gas chambers.”

Did you notice that in each of these tirades, the protestors used the word Jews? Not Israelis, but Jews. That says it all: It’s much more than just deploring Israel’s “disproportionate military response” as a nation. It’s a reawakening of the deadly mindset and straight-from-the-heart hatred of the Jewish race.

Obviously referring to the horrific context of the Holocaust that is not yet a complete generation removed, Dieter Graumann, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, responded: “We are currently experiencing in this country an explosion of evil and violent hatred of Jews, which shocks and dismays all of us. We would never in our lives have thought it possible any more that anti-Semitic views of the nastiest and most primitive kind can be chanted on German streets.”

Though I rarely quote from past blogs, I would like to include a quote from last week’s Eye of Prophecy article entitled, Replacement Theology (Part II). It fits so well with what I found during research of this week’s column.

“There are some who even compare the State of Israel to Hitler’s Third Reich. That is the absolute height of hypocrisy, hatred, and ignorance, given the fact six million completely innocent Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. In past wars and in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israelis go so far as to warn Palestinian civilians to vacate certain areas, before the IDF targets those areas to attack terrorists (who blatantly use their people as human shields). Are these the tactics of a nation bent on genocide? Hardly. Conversely, Hamas and other Muslim terrorist groups deliberately target Israeli civilians with their rockets, missiles, and suicide bombers. They even use their own people as human shields. Truly in today’s world: Evil is good and good is evil.”

That is the epitome of the appalling use of Moral Equivalency to justify one’s actions by comparing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to German treatment of the Jews in World War II. The six million Jews that Hitler’s Third Reich slaughtered represented 37 % of all Jews in the world at that time. The numbers alone expose the hypocrisy and stupidity of such correlations. Not to mention the manner in which the Jews were rounded up, interned in ghettos, then shipped off to concentration camps to be gassed in the chambers and burned in the ovens. To compare this to Israel’s actions of clear self-defense against what is now over 2,500 (probably more by the time this article is posted) rockets launched from Gaza into Israel and IDF soldiers killed by terrorists who emerged from tunnels on Israeli soil, is totally ludicrous. More than that: It’s morally wrong to the Nth degree to make such a judgment.

For the most part, the Moral Equivalency Court of World Opinion has rendered a guilty verdict against Israel, while exonerating the Palestinians and/or justifying the actions of terrorists in their “human rights struggle against Israel.”

In other words: Those who hate the Jews and even those who are ambivalent or marginal toward Israel claim the right to make a morally equivalent comparison between Israel (and say Hitler’s Germany) even if the analogy is immorally wrong to the point of being evil.

Yes, there are God-given absolute values (truth and morality) in the world that enable us to distinguish between true/accurate moral comparisons and false/inaccurate equivocations. But that’s a whole different subject for a different day.

World Reaction in the Context of Moral Equivalency

To be sure some leaders from some nations have expressed support and solidarity with Israel because they’ve finally realized just exactly who and what Hamas is. They’re beginning to understand that Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank want a totally different kind of peace that the Israelis so passionately pursue. They want a “piece” of Israel here and there, with the ultimate goal of killing or expelling ALL of the Jews in Israel.

People in Uruguay and Argentina have actually held demonstrations in favor of Israel. And a few other countries have voiced support such as Canada. Still, the prevailing consensus of ALL Arab or Muslims nations—and to a lesser extent, but nevertheless with imposing numbers of people in many nations all over the world—is that the Palestinians have the higher moral right to use any means possible; including condoning their terrorist leaders to mercilessly fire missile after missile indiscriminately into Israeli homes, hospitals, and marketplaces. Or to emerge from one of the dozens of tunnels built with subsidized funds from the United States and other countries, and shoot or abduct Israeli soldiers and Israeli citizens. Though not from a tunnel, that’s how this current conflict began in the first place … the kidnapping and brutal murder of three Jewish teenage boys, one of whom held a dual citizenship in the US.

As in past conflicts within Israel, once again the media as a whole continues their reporting with an obvious and flagrant bias against Israel in favor of the Palestinian plight. Most of the time, journalists will include quotes from international leaders who have accurately sized up the facts and speak out for the morally right actions of a nation (Israel) to defend itself against terrorist attacks. Many journalists report these statements out of obligation to be at least half-way objective in their reporting. However, when it comes to a general summary of their investigative columns or editorials, many journalists will ignore or gloss over the “essentials” in order to subtlety and surreptitiously say what they really want to say.

A good example is an article posted on 7-31-14 by Associated Press reporter, David Jackson. This is the final paragraph of his article: “…The Israeli military’s offensive has destroyed much of Gaza, as civilian deaths and injuries have climbed. Schools, mosques, homes, marketplaces and the only power plant have been targeted, creating what the U.N. has called a growing humanitarian crisis.”

Whether Mr. Jackson’s closing remarks were deliberate or inadvertent, the result is the same. If you didn’t know that all of the “targets” were occupied either by terrorists or their weapons or both, what would be your conclusion? I know what mine would be: The Israelis are indiscriminately selecting civilian targets. But we know better, don’t we. Even agencies of the United Nations (who are pretty much anti-Israel) have acknowledged that the terrorists and their weaponry have taken shelter in or very near schools, mosques, homes, marketplaces and a power plant.

When you multiply this kind of reporting hundreds of times over … well you can imagine the cumulative distorted images created in the minds of millions who don’t know or don’t want to know, “the rest of the story.”

Next, I’ll quote an Italian Philosopher Gianna Vattimo who verbally and in his writings has described himself as a, “non-violent person.” I’m using this man as a cross-section representative of any given citizen of any given country, albeit one who has exerted a good deal of philosophic and social influence.

Says Vattimo in response to the current war in Gaza, “I’d like to shoot those bastard Zionists.” Then when asked on the air (I believe it was radio, but it might have been television) if he would prefer to see more Israelis killed, his reply was: “Of course!” Further that Israel was, “…a bit worse than the Nazis.” Well, that was generous of him to conclude that Israel was only slightly worse than the Nazis!

This is what none other than the President of a nation (Venezuela) had to say about Israel’s on-going attacks on terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip: President Nicolas Maduro said that these attacks (by Israel) have, “…initiated a higher phase of its policy of genocide and extermination with the ground invasion of Palestinian territory, killing innocent men, woman, girls, and boys. Venezuela also rejects the cynical campaigns trying to condemn both parties equally, when it is clear you cannot morally compare occupied and massacred Palestine with the occupying state, Israel, which also possesses military superiority and acts on the margins of international law.”

Did you catch the scathing indictment that both states and implies lack of any moral correctness on the part of Israel? That no one should even dare to morally compare both Israel and the Palestinians equally. In fact, according to this politician it would be a gross injustice to denounce the Palestinians for any of their actions. Or (implied) if anyone chooses to condemn both sides, the criticism directed against Israel should vastly exceed any reproach against the Arabs of the Gaza Strip. Why? Because Israel essentially has no moral right to “invade Palestinian territory.”

Did he make any reference at all to the thousands of missiles and rockets launched randomly and indiscriminately from the Gaza Strip against Jewish civilians? No, and you never will hear that from national leaders like Maduro and many like him, particularly representatives from the United Nations. Or that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF not to respond to these rockets for ten days, to essentially give Hamas the opportunity to seriously consider the inevitable consequences of these unprovoked attacks against Israeli civilians.

Speaking of the United Nations, over the past several decades more resolutions in the form of sanctions have been passed against Israel than all of the other nations in the world combined. That includes, Syria, Korea, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Nigeria … all of whom have brutally suppressed their own people as well as Christians and Jews. For the second time since the latest conflict erupted, the Human Rights Council of the UN condemned Israel for, “gross violations of human rights.” Only the United States voted against the 29-1 resolution, with several countries abstaining from the vote.

Furthermore, just three days ago, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency found all kinds of weapons stored in one of its Gaza schools, for the third time since the war began! To be sure, this UN agency judged Hamas for keeping weaponry in schools. What else could they do with such obvious evidence? But do you know what UNRWA did with the weapons? They gave them back to Hamas, who undoubtedly moved the weapons to another school or perhaps someone’s house!

More Chilling Evidence

There is so much more unequivocal and undeniable and irrefutable evidence of who started this war (Hamas always initiates these conflicts usually by resumption of rocket attacks on Israel). That Israel’s response was just that … a response. And which side always breaks a cease-fire even those called for by Hamas? At the time of writing this article, at least six cease fires have already been broken, all by the Hamas pseudo-government in the Gaza Strip. In fact, Ron Prosser, the Israeli Ambassador to the UN, replied with this classic statement: “When a cease-fire is called, we (Israel) cease, and Hamas fires!”

In past conflicts Hamas has denied using their own people as human shields, by means of launching missiles from areas of heavy civilian concentration or firing upon Israeli soldiers from such places as schools and shopping areas. Yet, it’s become so overwhelmingly evident that Hamas uses, misuses, and abuses its own people by placing them in harm’s way, that they no longer deny it. In fact, they’re now explaining why they employ this despicable immoral strategy.

Listen to the words of Fathi Hammad, a Hamas member of the Palestinian Legislative Council: “For the Palestinian people, death has become an industry, at which women excel, and so do all the people living on this land. The elderly excel at this, and so do the mujahadeen and the children. This is why they have formed human shields of the women, the children, the elderly, and the mujahadeen, in order to challenge the Zionist bombing machine. It is as if they were saying to the Zionist enemy: ‘We desire death like you desire life.’”

Notice in the next-to-last sentence of his quote what order Hammad places the mujahedeen (Arabic term for holy or jihad warrior). You can bet your life savings that Hamas’ warriors will never be found in front of the woman and children. In fact, Palestinians civilians are not allowed in what few bomb shelters exist in Gaza … only the warriors are allowed in! No, Hamas doesn’t use the millions of tons of concrete provided to them by the US and a few other nations to build shelters. Instead, they use the concrete to build elaborate smuggle and attack tunnels that end up in Israel.

And, perhaps the most shocking statement of all … because it comes from the mouth of the Prime Minister of a prominent Middle East nation. Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan who has no love for Israel out did himself with these inflammatory words: “We have been witnessing this systematic genocide every Ramadan since 1948. Now (Israel’s) barbarism has surpassed even Hitler’s.”

To anyone who has any knowledge whatsoever of Israel’s history in particular and the Middle East in general, we simply consider the source of such a provocative lie. But for those who don’t know or don’t want to know the real story, this kind of blatantly false accusation can easily fit the adage (paraphrasing), “If you tell a lie long enough and loud enough, many will believe it to be true.”

Perpetually, the subject of who’s right and who’s wrong and what is moral and what is immoral flows from this age-old conflict between ancient enemies. Invariably, Israel—even by nations who sometimes support Israel—is either classified as the aggressor or at the very least is accused of a completely disproportionate response, no matter the brutality of the attacks against Israel.

Which will be the subject of next week’s article, i.e. is there such a thing as disproportional retaliation. If so, when is it out of proportion? How much can/should someone or an entire nation do to protect themselves from those who seek to kill and maim them? When are all things no longer fair in love and in war?

Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem).

“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘May you have peace.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem” (Psalms 122: 6-9).

Things to Ponder

Scripture is replete with prophetic promises that God in the last days would once again protect Israel from her enemies, and even fight for her. That day began in 1948 and was fully ratified in the Six-Day War of 1967. I suppose people could debate Moral Equivalency issues in the context of the Israeli/Palestinian ongoing conflict ad infinitum. Who’s right, who’s wrong; what’s right, what’s wrong? How much (self-defense) is enough? Israel … whose land is it?

The Bible is very clear as to who’s right and who’s wrong; what is just and what is unjust. Whose land it is because the Lord himself gave it to one people, and only one: The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

According to Scripture, the time of debate is over. Israel has been reborn as a nation. Great number of Jewish exiles have returned to the land where they now live with children borne to them and children borne to their children. Though there still remains the final spiritual restoration of the Jews to their God and his Messiah, the ultimate destiny of Israel and her enemies has been sealed.

“…When oppression and destruction have ended and enemy raiders have disappeared, then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always to what is just and be eager to do what is right” (Isaiah 16: 4-5).

Ultimately God will judge between right and wrong use of moral comparisons and between right and wrong, itself.

Because: He IS right (righteousness). He IS just (justice). He IS truth (absolute morality).

You decide. Is the Bible right about God’s provisions, promises, protection, power, and presence for and over Israel?

 

Please, click on the below video link, to hear one of Israel’s most beautiful songs sung by, in my opinion, the best female vocalist on the planet.

Watch and listen to Ofra Haza sing Yerushalayim Shel Zahav    (Jerusalem of Gold)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72QC8EGnxTw

PRINCE OF PEACE

I had hoped and prayed that last’s week article, Bring Back Our Boys, would end happily, with the safe return of three Jewish boys kidnapped by the terrorist group, Hamas. Sadly, that is not to be. Just this past Monday, June 30^th, the bodies of Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Frenkel, and Gilad Shaar were found by the Israeli Defense Force buried in a pit in a small town near Hebron, Israel. Because of the condition of their corpses, it was clear that they had been killed shortly after they were abducted on June 12. I know all we who cherish life and support Israel can say with righteous anger and deep sorrow, “This is wrong. This is so wrong.”

They were found eighteen days after they were unjustly abducted and ruthlessly murdered. The number eighteen bears great significance with the Jews: It is the number that represents life. As expressed by the indomitable Jewish spirit, life will go on despite horrible tragedies and atrocities inflicted on the Jews for centuries; and will continue until the Prince of Peace returns and puts a stop to the brutal wickedness that has plagued the world for time immemorial, but especially in the last one hundred years, and particularly to the Jews.

The triumph of life over death will be majestically displayed at the Rapture, with the resurrection of the dead in Christ (those who have been redeemed by believing and receiving Jesus); then throughout out all eternity by those of us who have been given the free gift of everlasting life by our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Even amidst the recent unspeakable tragedy in Israel, life both literally and symbolically rules over death with the extraordinary arrival of three babies. Just this week a Jewish woman gave birth to triplet boys, and she named them after the three Israeli teens! What a remarkable timely event to help with the healing of three families whose sons were violently taken from them, and the recovery of an entire nation who lost three of their own boys. The fact is: The way this atrocity occurred, the timing of it (soon after the unlikely merger of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority), and the arrogance of those who approved of this horrific crime has galvanized Israel into a near unprecedented backlash of solidarity so poignantly expressed in the massive search and rescue operation called: Brother’s Keeper.

And as said in last week’s Eye of Prophecy article, often Israelis will extend aid to their enemies even during times of war and attacks on innocent civilians. During the very time that the three boys were being abducted and murdered shortly thereafter, the wife of Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, was undergoing surgery in a Tel Aviv hospital! Unimaginable! The height of irony! Yet, it was the full expression of the heart and soul of Israel … in stark contrast to the appalling spirit of hate harbored and expressed by those who would seek to destroy them.

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis, both observant (religious) and secular came from all over Israel—young and old—to share in the grief of the boy’s families and to pay their respect as the boys were laid to rest, side by side, in the Modi’in cemetery. Their bodies were wrapped in Star of David Israeli flags. As journalist Atara Beck in an article for United for Israel web posting observed, “Indeed, it felt like one large family mourning for their beloved boys.”

Words of Consolation

Former Israeli President Shimon Peres stated, “We are an ancient people, united and deeply rooted. Our story is full of tears but the soul maintains the Torah. These three boys exposed the depth of our people and the heights it can reach. A nation with a soul that years. A nation which demonstrates resilience like no other. A nation that even its years of exile never lost its way.

“All of Israel bows its head today. For 18 days we hoped and prayed with one voice that we would find the boys safe and well. With this bitter news, all of Israel mourns their deaths … and we will ensure that murderous terrorism of this sort will not dare to rear its head again.”

Peres concluded: “Gilad, Naftali, Eyal … Wonderful boys, sons of the whole nation. Rest in peace. We will bow our heads but our spirit will not break.”

Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the boy’s families: “The nation understood immediately the depth of the roots and the strength of spirit you possess. The whole nation stood together and received a reminder—who are we? Why are we here? The entire nation cries and embraces you.”

The Prime Minister also said: “In the last 18 days the figures of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali were carved on our hearts. We were charmed by the magic of their smile, their kindness, their joy of youth. Today became a day of national mourning. The moral chasm that separates us from our enemies is deep and wide. They revere death and we life. They revere cruelty and we, pity. This is the secret of our strength, it is also the base of our unification.”

Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu had these words to say during an emergency meeting with his Security Cabinet: “They were abducted and murdered in cold blood by human animals.” He then quoted Hebrew poet Haim Nahman Blalik, “Vengeance for the blood of a small child, Satan has not yet created.” Followed by Benjamin’s take on this saying, “Neither has vengeance for the blood of three pure youths, who were on their way home to meet their parents, who will not see them anymore. Hamas is responsible—and Hamas will pay. May the memories of the three boys be blessed.” The Prime Minister was expressing Israel’s sovereign and moral right to dispense justice to those responsible.

Economy Minister Naftali Bennett responded to the news that the bodies had been found: “The murder of children is unforgivable. Our hearts are with the families right now. Now is the time for actions: not talk.”

Finance Minister Yair Lapid said: “To bury a child is an unnatural act. Parents are not meant to march at their children’s funerals. It is supposed to be the other way around.”

There are so many quotes that could be shared in this article, but there simply isn’t time/space. Thus, just one more will be offered. It comes through a joint statement from Robert Sugarman, chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations: “…It is time that the world stand in unity against those who advocate and execute, as well as justify, the murder of innocent young people who are brutally butchered in Israel or anywhere. It cannot be met by indifference or pro-forma expressions of sympathy. For too long the threats against Israel, including missiles and terrorism, have elicited limited responses, with the roles of victims and perpetrators inverted. It must stop.”

What to Make of This Tragedy … Is it just another blip in the grid of Middle East turmoil?

Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Just what the magnitude of Israel’s military response will be to this horrendous crime is yet to be seen. However, in addition to my heartfelt dismay and even despondency over these senseless deaths, my head is telling me that Israel may have reached a point in which their tolerance for this or any kind of terrorism has been irreversibly breached. It is a line not crossed since Egypt and Syria attacked the Jews without warning on Israel’s most holy day … Yom Kippur in 1973.

In some ways this latest incident is not that much different from any senseless random murder anywhere in the world. Yet, it is so different that the concerted reaction of Israelis resembles in many ways how Israel would respond to a full-blown military assault against the entire nation. I believe Israel may have reached the point of no return. No longer will the Jews allow these acts of barbarity to continue, without the severest of retaliation against those who would seek to destroy Israel; whether by isolated kidnappings and killings of Israelis or a vast military strike against Israel. There could be retribution that will not stop at merely capturing or killing the men directly responsible, which would be the normal reply. There could very well be a strike at Hamas’ jugular or at least a severe wound to the violent head of this terrorist cell; one that will silence terrorism for years to come, or one that could erupt into a full-scale conflict in the Middle East.

Already, many in Israel, including members of the Knesset, are calling for massive strikes on Hamas, some even suggesting that Hamas and all terrorist organizations in Israel be dealt a death-blow. The repercussions of which would be far beyond anyone’s capability to predict or even control. Combined with the regional conflicts currently underway in Syria, Iraq, and the powder-keg, tinder-box condition of so many other Middle East countries, we could be on the brink of the apocalyptic last days spoken of by the prophets and graphically depicted in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

The end-time prophecies clearly portrayed in Scripture are irreversible, once they begin. And they were propelled into motion the moment of Israel’s rebirth as a nation on May 14, 1948. Much has been said about these prophecies in several Eye of Prophecy articles, and, of course, by several other Bible students of prophecy. Daily events all over the world is—particularly in the Middle East—that have prophetic repercussions are rapidly increasing in intensity and number to the point where something has to give. It is equivalent to the fury of an avalanche on Mt. Everest.

Thus, not to take away from the need to mourn for a while longer with Israel, and to regenerate and renew our hope for our future (those of us who belong to Messiah), and for Israel’s future, the remainder of this article will be devoted to Scripture itself, particularly those passages that tell us about the ONLY PERSON who can possibly heal the hardened condition of the human heart and, thereby, bring real peace to this earth. He is: THE PRINCE OF PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6).

Although these are just a handful of the hundreds of magnificent promises found throughout the Bible, they nevertheless represent the persistent undeniable hope of Christians (born-again Jews and Gentiles) and Jews all over the world.

Most Messianic prophecies apply exclusively to Israel and the Jews, but some are blessings that extend to those Gentiles who have been redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Messiah Jesus on the Cross. Those who were, “branches from a wild olive tree, that have been grafted in” (to the promises made to and destiny of Israel, Romans 11:17).

What Does Scripture Say?

Let’s begin with one of those sweeping promises as proclaimed by the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29: 11-13). A promise like this lifts us above the tough day-to-day burdens of life and the periodic tragedies of death, especially the untimely gut-wrenching loss of our children. If we seek the Lord sincerely with our whole heart, he will reach back to us. We will find him because he promised that we would. He is a faithful God … always has been, always will be.

In the very next chapter of Jeremiah we find a prophecy that applies only to Israel, one that will be completed upon the glorious appearing of Jesus the Messiah at the end of the tribulation period, which commences soon after the Rapture. Note the reference to the “time of Jacob’s trouble” in the first two sentences of the following passage, which is how some translations render it. The reference to, “in all history there has never been” refers to the final mass persecution of the Jews, which was not the Holocaust, as horrible as that was. Rather, it will take place during the 3 ½ years of the Great Tribulation, as documented in Daniel and Revelation and Zechariah.

“In all history there has never been such a time of terror. It will be a time of trouble for my people Israel. Yet in the end they will be saved! ‘For in that day,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will break the yoke from their necks and snap their chains. Foreigners will no longer be their masters. For my people will serve the Lord their God and their king descended from David—the king I will raise up for them. So do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,’ says the Lord. ‘For I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children will return from their exile. Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them’” (Jeremiah 30: 7-10, italics for emphasis). Such an encouraging promise in light of the deaths of the three Jewish boys at the hand of terrorists.

Now let’s turn to a prophecy from Ezekiel made specifically against the nation of Edom, but it’s the second declaration against Edom found in Ezekiel, and the second prophecy will also be generally applied to all of Israel’s enemies in the last days. In addition to Edom, other nations that Ezekiel prophesied against earlier in the book of Ezekiel were Ammon, Moab, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. In part, these are ancestor nations/peoples of the current countries that surround Israel, and to some extent includes Arabs living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, whether literal descendants or figurative of all those who dare take on God’s special possession, Israel.

An Ominous Warning for Israel’s Enemies

Warning! You are about to read graphic language straight from the mouth of the true and living God, the God of Israel, and the God of all who have put their trust in his son, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Christ). But these harsh future judgments to be inflicted by God against Israel’s enemies (and there are many such passages in Scripture) reveal to us the serious consequences and destiny of those who seek to destroy Israel and the Jews. In our day that includes Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, possibly Jordan, and other more distant nations such as Turkey and Russia (the Gog/Magog invasion of Ezekiel 38 & 39). And all other nations or individuals that are in complicity with those who seek to curse, not bless Israel, will pay an enormously harsh price for their animosity toward Israel and the Jews. (See the often quoted verse of Genesis 12:3). Even the United States is not exempt from this solemn promise of the Most High God.

“Again a message came to me from the Lord: ‘Son of man, turn and face Mount Seir, and prophesy against its people. Give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: ‘I am your enemy, O Mount Seir (Edom), and I will raise my fist against you to destroy you completely. I will demolish your cities and make you desolate. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Your eternal hatred for the people of Israel led you to butcher them when they were helpless, when I had already punished them for all their sins. As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, since you show no distaste for blood, I will give you a bloodbath of your own. Your turn has come! I will make Mount Seir utterly desolate, killing off all who try to escape and any who return. I will fill your mountains with the dead. Your hills, your valleys, and your ravines will be filled with people slaughtered by the sword … Therefore, as surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I will pay back your angry deeds with my own. I will punish you for all the acts of anger, envy, and hatred. And I will make myself known to Israel by what I do to you” (Ezekiel 35: 1-11).

Israel’s Final Restoration

The final stage of Israel’s restoration will begin with a widespread spiritual turnaround described by Ezekiel as follows: “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God” (Ezekiel 36: 26-28).

At the conclusion of the time of Jacob’s troubles—the end of the Tribulation period—the redeemed remnant of Israel and all of the tribulation Christians will see what John saw in his stunning vision of the final battle to end all battles—Armageddon. They will watch in awe as what John saw comes to pass:

“Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (Revelation 19: 11-16).

Soon afterward, the Antichrist beast and his false prophet will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and Satan will be bound in the Abyss for a thousand years, which begins the Millennial Reign of Christ and the host of heaven.

Then another prophecy of Ezekiel will come to pass: “My servant David will be their king, and they will have only one shepherd. They will obey my regulations and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave my servant Jacob, the land where their ancestors lived. They and their children and their grandchildren after them will live there forever, generation after generation. And my servant David will be their prince forever. And I will make a covenant of peace with them, an everlasting covenant. I will give them their land and increase their numbers, and I will put my Temple among them forever. I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And when my Temple is among them forever, the nations will know that I am the Lord, who makes Israel holy” (Ezekiel 37: 24-28).

Amazing! Astounding! Jesus was also given the title name of Immanuel, which as many of you know means: God with us. Indeed, God was with us in the form of the Son of Man who was equally the Son of God for some thirty-three years on this earth. Once again this mighty Son of God, Son of Man, and Son of David will return to the earth and will, make his home among them. God with us, literally on the earth, in the holy city Jerusalem of the holy land of Israel, forever and ever. It simply doesn’t get any better than that!

Let’s examine another passage: “Sing O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the Lord will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the Lord himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster. On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, ‘Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!’ For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3: 14-17).

Finally, all mourning in Israel will cease. No fear, no terror, no worry whether the children will return home.

Imagine, Jesus, himself singing songs of rejoicing! I can’t wait to see and be part of that!

Things to Ponder

Think about it. Read about it. All other gods are man-made, including the god of Islam. Why can anyone make such a bold statement as this? Because only the God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and his Messiah, can and have predicted the future. Not just once, but hundreds of times. Hundreds of prophecies have been fulfilled. Many more will come to pass precisely as found in the Bible.

The Prince of Peace (Sar Shalom) will indeed establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. It’s just a matter of time, but I’m fully persuaded that the time is soon, very soon. But to be part of that kingdom of real peace and justice, to be part of the family of God, to avoid God’s final judgment and justice that will separate believers in Christ from those who defy and reject their only hope for salvation and everlasting life, we must first find peace with God, himself.

How is that possible?

Let’s read: “And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Therefore, since we have been right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 4:22-25, Romans 5:1, italics for emphasis).

It was the greatest sacrificial peace-offering of all time.

The Righteous (One) for the unrighteous.

The Just (One) for the unjust.

The Holy (One) for the unholy.

While we await his glorious return, may we continue to:

Sha’alu Shalom, Yerushalayim. (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem).