In the last few days, the world’s attention has been drawn to the Middle East. Early Saturday morning, Israelis awoke to the sounds of air raid sirens, rockets, and explosions across their land. Hamas terrorists broke through border walls, kidnapping and killing Israelis in the unprecedented attack. Israel has declared war on Hamas, and once again, tensions in the Middle East are beyond the flashpoint. Will Israel survive this war and the end times? When will war, terrorism, and killing in the Middle East end?
Israel is spoken of as God’s “chosen” nation in the Bible, but can such a small country overcome the constant hatred and attacks from its enemies and survive? Does God have a purpose for Israel? If so,
- What has Israel been “chosen” for?
- Why does God permit Israel to be so hated and persecuted by other nations?
- Why does the Bible predict further trouble for Israel?
The Bible beautifully outlines the events that have to transpire before God Himself will “fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.” (Zechariah 14:3) The result of these battles will bring the end of war and ultimately, world peace and prosperity for all.
We read that in the future earthly kingdom, “ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew” (Zechariah 8:23) and “the law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Micah 4:2). What does this mean and how close are we to seeing this kingdom of peace?
