Israelites United

“So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents” (1 Kings 12:16).

This was the time when the temple stood on Mount Moriah and the priestly office was still executed, about 3,000 years ago. It was the time when Israel was split into two nations: Judah and the Ten-Tribe Israel. Incidentally, many interpretations say that the Ten-Tribe Israel was lost and integrated into the Gentile world. What does the Bible say? Second Chronicles 11:16 very plainly states, “of all the tribes of Israel.” They joined Judah; subsequently, became Jews.

An article in Le Monde Diplomatique reads: “Since the October 7 attacks in Israel, hundreds of Haredi Jews—traditionally opposed to the army—have voluntarily joined up, despite their religious convictions … Something has changed. In less than a week, and contrary to their custom, several hundred Haredim (the “God-fearing”) have … temporarily [swapped] their black and white uniform for that of the army” (www.lemonde.fr, 18 December 2023).

There are various groups of ultra-Orthodox, but in general, they do not recognize Israel as a legitimate Jewish State. Ultra-Orthodox consider Israel’s Independence Day as just a regular workday. 

What happened about 3,000 years ago is now taking place in the reverse direction. During those days, Jews from the Ten-Tribe Israel, whose hearts were set toward Jerusalem, became Jews. 

Now, however, we see these young Orthodox Jews joining the young non-Orthodox: secular Jews uniting in defense of their country.

Several other reports indicate that an increasing number of Jews in the Diaspora have applied for immigration to Israel ... the land of their fathers, the land God promised in an unconditional covenant to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel.

In Israel, military service is compulsory when a person turns 18. Men receive training for 32 months, and for women, the minimum is 24 months. What becomes self-evident is that trained young soldiers and those in the reserves, do everything in their power to return to Israel in defense of their country. They are in their land to stay.

An article in Israel Today caught our attention: “Events in the country over the past year are reminiscent of the time under King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He had implemented legal reform and established a “Supreme Court” in Jerusalem. And then suddenly the country was invaded. Is it possible that disunity arose among the people back then, but that the people came together again in times of need?” (www.israeltoday.co.il, 14 December 2023).

We also learn from Ezra and Nehemiah how the Israelites united to build their defense of Jerusalem.

Today, we see the Jewish world—both in Israel and in the Diaspora—unites when it comes to defending their land from any and all aggressors.

While we cannot determine how this horrible war—initiated by the Hamas terrorists and their atrocities—will end, one thing we know for sure: Israel will be more secure than ever. It just so happens that the enemy’s intention—namely, the destruction of Israel—will lead to the security of the land of Israel.

We repeat, the real reason for the conflict in the Middle East surrounding Israel, is the illegal Arab occupation of Promised Land territory: particularly Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Jordan.

We, as believers in Jesus our Lord, continue to pray unceasingly for Israel’s security, with emphasis on the Lord’s grace for His Church in Israel and the surrounding Arab countries.

In conclusion, let us hear what the heathen prophet Balaam was told to declare about Israel: “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly” (Number 24:17-18).

Midnight Call - 03/2024