Global military spending

“Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up” (Joel 3:9).

Deutsche Welle (a German public broadcaster) reports: “Global military spending soars to new record highs.” Crisis Group.org lists 10 conflicts to watch in 2024: Gaza, wider Middle East war, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Ethiopia, the Sahel, Haiti, Armenia-Azerbaijan, and US-China. Sipri.org features the headline, “Global military spending surges amid war, rising tension, and insecurity.” Dozens, if not hundreds of conflicts we hear and read about in the media could be listed. This all falls in line with the above prophecy: “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles….” We note that this is not directed to Israel, yet Israel—since the founding of the State in 1948—has not ceased to be confronted by wars and threats of wars. 

To the nations of the world, Israel’s defense against murderous criminals like the internationally-recognized terrorist organization Hamas, is being overshadowed by the over 30,000 killed in Gaza. While this horrendous tragedy is overwhelming for the Arab-Palestinians, it has caused us to see a clearer picture of the world’s bias against Israel.

Not surprisingly, verse 2 of Joel 3 says, “I will also gather all nations….” Further, verse 12 emphasizes, “Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.” This, most Bible scholars agree, points to the final battle: Armageddon.

In the meantime, Israel prepares regardless. A Jerusalem Post article reports about Israel’s energy reserves in secret locations: 

Israel hides underground fuel reserves in the Negev, ensuring the country’s energy security during crises. It’s one of the largest in the region, capable of distributing fuel across the country.

Estimates suggest that during combat in the northern arena, Israel’s gas facilities will be shut down, and electricity supply will switch to operate on the basis of fuel and coal. The vast amount of fuel in the reservoir is expected to suffice for an extended emergency period.

Israel’s backup system includes storage capabilities above and below ground throughout the country. When needed, fuel will be distributed to all energy consumers in the country—power stations, Ben Gurion Airport, and fuel stations.

“This fuel here can last us for many years. The temperature throughout the year is 22 degrees, which effectively preserves the shelf life of the fuel,” explains Moshe Elimelech, facility manager.

-www.jpost.com, 18 April 2024

We note the name “Elimelech,” which can be translated, “God is king.” God the King announces His intention for Israel in the conclusion of the book of Joel: “But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion” (Joel 3:20-21).

Midnight Call - 07/2024