Lost tribes of Israel

[Benaiah468]

A Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) poll released on February 3 ahead of the White House press conference showed that a majority of Israeli Jews consider the proposal “Arabs from Gaza should relocate to another country” to be a “practical plan that should be pursued”.

According to the study, 52% of Israeli Jews considered the plan realistic and positive, while 30% of Israeli Jews considered the plan “not practical but desirable”. 13% of Israeli Jews described the plan as a “distraction”, and only 3% of Israeli Jews considered it “immoral”.

When broken down by political affiliation, there is a clear increase in support the further to the right you move on the spectrum. JPPI found that 81% of right-leaning Israelis and 57% of center-right respondents thought that a transfer was a viable solution to the Gaza crisis. Even among left-wing respondents, only 27% considered the idea immoral.

A poll by Israeli broadcaster Channel 13 shows that support may have increased since Monday's press conference. According to the study, 93% of Likud voters, 98% of Religious Zionism Party voters, 88% of Haredi voters and 100% of Yisrael Beiteinu voters support Trump's plan. Even center-left Yesh Atid and National Unity Party voters support the plan with 74% and 80% respectively. Comparing this to polling data from the mid-2000s shows an increase in support for the “transfer” of almost 30 percentage points.

To summarize, the idea of “transfer” in general, and Trump's proposal in particular, has one of the highest approval ratings of any issue in Israeli politics.

Aside from being popular, many commentators believe that a “transfer” is the only practical solution to the Gaza crisis.

“Israel has long faced a difficult dilemma: either there are Jews in the Negev or Arabs in Gaza, but there can't be both,”

explained Martin Sherman.

“If the Jewish state is to continue to exist, Gaza must be cleared of its population.”

“All the alternative proposals on the table so far are just repeats of the old, failed ideas that led us to October 7. They are all based on the as yet unproven notion that there is a Palestinian leader out there somewhere who has both the will and the authority to impose some kind of peace agreement on the population at large. There has never been any proof of the existence of such an option. We have been operating under this false assumption for the last 40 years,”

he said.

Sherman further pointed out that the exodus of civilians is completely normal in times of military conflict and that the forcible confinement of Gaza's civilian population is an unprecedented decision.

“Everywhere where war is waged, be it in Syria or Ukraine, the civilian population flees the fighting. Just in this one case in the world, the population is trapped where the fighting is, and the whole world has simply refused to let them go,”

Sherman said.

Retired Lt. Col. Maurice Hirsch, director of the Palestinian Authority Accountability Initiative at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA), expanded on this point, calling the refusal to let people leave Gaza “shameful.”

Hirsch explained that the current policy of refusing to allow people to leave Gaza on purely humanitarian grounds is problematic.

“The first question you have to ask yourself when thinking about a “transfer” is whether you actually care about the people in Gaza. According to possibly embellished UN reports, between 75% and 80% of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. There are thousands of unexploded ordnance lying around the whole area. There is no water, no electricity, no utilities, no stores. Simply put, Gaza is uninhabitable.

“Throughout the war, the residents of Gaza have not been granted refuge in any other country. The whole world has been talking about helping Gaza, but no one has taken them in and no one has forced Egypt to open its border. The Turks and the Jordanians opened their borders to Syrian refugees, but the doors were closed to the Palestinians,”

Hirsch told JNS.

“If you care about the welfare of the people of Gaza, you have to give them an alternative for a better life,”

he added.

Both Sherman and Hirsch agreed that it was probably possible to get a sizable portion of the population out while Hamas was still operating in Gaza. (Hamas has in the past killed and tortured Gaza residents who behaved in ways the group felt were contrary to its interests).

Hirsch said:

“I think it is probably possible to get people out of Gaza without destroying Hamas first. There is a huge difference between Gazans supporting Hamas when they have no alternative and being held captive by Hamas and the international community. If they had another choice, the calculus would change. Hamas would have considerable difficulty in preventing the movement of the population.”

Sherman added that in his view,

“Hamas is too weak militarily to prevent such a movement.”

With increasing calls for a “transfer” from Gaza, a similar shift in approach to the terrorist threat in Judea and Samaria seems imminent.

Sherman said that the current situation in Judea and Samaria is very volatile and will likely explode in violence similar to what was seen from Gaza on Oct. 7.

“It's only a matter of time,”

he said.

“It is clear that we are facing similar threats in Judea and Samaria as in Gaza, and it is likely that similar solutions will be applicable there.”

 

[Benaiah468]

Oh, what a joy it is to search in His Word. It is full of treasures! And it is an honor when we are allowed to recover them.

It is the glory of G-d to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Prov 25:2

We have already seen how many passages in the Bible revolve around the 12 tribes and Judah and Ephraim. Back then it was about the OT.

Now we are going one step further, namely into the NT. And it is really ingenious how He has wrapped up and hidden the theme of the twelve tribes in parables and stories.

So let's put on our “Judah & Ephraim” glasses and off we go into the Gospels.

We've already dealt with the prodigal son or the lost sheep a few times. Chapter 15 in the Gospel of Luke is therefore an Ephraim chapter. The lost northern kingdom is sought by Jesus and is allowed back into the covenant.

The parable of the ten drachmas (ten - like the ten tribes of the northern kingdom) could also be about the house of Israel, but in my opinion it can also refer to an important commandment.

In the case of the prodigal son, it should be noted that he went away from his father and into a life of dissipation. This stands for a lawless life far from G-d:

For thou art not a G-d that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. Ps 5:5

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Mt 24:12

The pigs are also certainly an indication of this (cf. Isa 66:17).

This parable of the two sons is really worth reading as a “Judah & Ephraim” parable. It is full of images and meanings.

Numbers never appear randomly in the Bible. When you read the Bible in future, do not pass over numbers such as seven, seventy, ten (as just mentioned), twelve,... carelessly. They are full of messages.

The two often stands for the two houses or the ten for the ten lost tribes of the house of Israel, (see also #52; Lk 8:40-56; It's about two (!) women. One is 12 years old, the other has been unclean for 12 years because of blood flow. The two women (cf. Jer 3) stand for Judah and Ephraim).

The twelve, on the other hand, is not difficult to interpret. It is about the twelve tribes of Israel.

We read about the supernatural feeding of the five thousand in all four Gospels. There are very few reports that are taken up by all four writers. In this respect, this must be a very special story (especially if all this is true about Judah and Ephraim)!

We read how Jesus receives this huge crowd. He heals many of them and tells them about the kingdom of G-d:

and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of G-d, and healed them that had need of healing. Luke 9:11b

Do you remember who those are who are described as sick according to the Old Testament? It is Israel:

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. Isa 1:5

And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standard-bearer fainteth. Isa 10,18

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of G-d, and afflicted. Isa 53:4

When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. Hos 5,13

Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. Mic 6,13

So already here we find a reference to the 12 tribes and to Israel. It is Jesus' heart that His kingdom and His people be restored (= healed).

Before the feeding of the 5000 follows, Jesus speaks the following words:

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Mk 6:34

Compare with Jeremiah 50 and Ezekiel 34:

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. Jer 50:6

For thus saith the Lord G-d; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ez 34:11-12

Once again a clear reference to Israel. Jesus wants to have mercy on them and bring them back to their resting place (spiritually and physically).

And the rest of the story is also filled with prophecy:

A great multitude = the number of the children of Abraham, like the number of the stars, are a GREAT multitude (cf. Gen 15:5)
Five loaves = the five represent the Torah, the five books of Moses
Two fish = the two houses of Israel (Judah and Ephraim)
Group of fifty = fifty stands for the Jubilee Year, which Jesus proclaims (Lk 4:18-19) and which stands for the 1000-year kingdom
12 baskets = what remains are the 12 tribes of Israel who will be gathered together again (cf. Isa 10:20-22)

Isn't that brilliant? It is a promise in history!

Jesus comes as the true shepherd to the great multitude of Israel, to both houses. Through him and the Torah, it is reunited as one people. And in his year of grace, when he returns, he will reunite all 12 tribes!

 

[Benaiah468]

There is always talk of a ceasefire when it comes to the Middle East conflict. But when Hamas refers to it as a “Hudna” (هدنة), caution is advised. Because “hudna” is not simply an Arabic word for ceasefire - it has a deeper meaning in Islamic history and is deliberately used by Hamas in precisely this sense.

The term “Hudna” goes back to a key event in early Islamic history: the Treaty of Hudaibiya in 628 between Muhammad and the Quraysh, a powerful Arab tribe in Mecca. At that time, Muhammad concluded a ten-year truce with his enemies - but he did not stick to it. After just two years, when he had strengthened his army, he broke the agreement and conquered Mecca.

This strategy - respecting a ceasefire only as long as it benefits you - is exactly what Hamas understands by “Hudna” today. It is not an honest attempt to end the conflict, but a pause to rearm, gather strength and prepare for the next strike.

Every “Hudna” that Hamas has ever accepted has followed the same pattern: as soon as it was militarily weakened, it agreed to a ceasefire. It used this to reorganize itself, produce more rockets, dig new tunnels and train its fighters. As soon as it felt strong enough again, it broke the agreement - just like Mohammed did with Mecca.

It's a cycle that keeps repeating itself:

Hamas launches a war against Israel.
It comes under military pressure.
It calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire”.
The world urges Israel to give in.
Hamas uses the pause to arm itself.
Hamas breaks the ceasefire and attacks again.

Anyone who believes that a “Hudna” is the first step towards peace is ignoring reality. It is not a sign of willingness to compromise, but a tried and tested war strategy.

In the West, a ceasefire is often seen as an opportunity to negotiate a lasting peace. But in Hamas thinking, the opposite is the case. A “Hudna” does not mean the end of the conflict, but only a tactical respite. Hamas calls it a “ceasefire”, but in reality it is already preparing for the next war.

As long as this fundamental difference is not understood, the Middle East will continue to be plagued by a naive optimism that leads to the same catastrophe over and over again. Those who confuse a “Hudna” with peace will be surprised by war again in the foreseeable future - a war that Hamas has long since planned, while others still believe in negotiations.

 

[Benaiah468]

Have you ever wondered what all the sick people at the pool of Bethesda are about (John 5:1-16)? Isn't it strange that they have been waiting there for years for the Spirit in the hope that something will change in them?

Bethesda is translated as “house of grace” or “house of mercy”. We know who has been waving the flag of mercy exuberantly for 2 millennia (although of course Jews also believe in grace and mercy! cf. Ex 20:6).

The many sick also speak prophetically of Israel again (see Bible verses above that write of Israel's sickness).

Once again an important number appears: Five (verse 2)! This usually stands for the Torah (5 books of Moses).

I find it amazing that these people hoped in the Spirit alone. The whole scene seems very depressed and dreary. They sit and wait for something to happen. Isn't that bleak?

It may be a bit harsh, but it reminds me of Christians who want change but are not prepared to do anything about it.

But Jesus comes and presents a new way of healing: HE heals and links it to a life according to the Torah (the number five):

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
John 5:14
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4

To avoid misunderstandings: I am not saying that every illness comes from sin. But it is of course possible to become ill because you have not lived in the commandments of YHVH (see also Lev 26:14ff):

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy G-d, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. Ex 15:26

When I looked into the Mount of Olives a few weeks ago, I noticed that it is not mentioned by name very often in the Bible.

I believe that it is very significant. Not only for the reason that Jesus often spent the night there, ascended to heaven (Acts 1:11) and will set his feet there again (Zec 13:3-4; Mk 13:3-4; Mt 24:3). The glory of YHVH (His Spirit) has also gone from there to heaven and will come from there again (Ez 11:23 and 43:2).

And in addition to this, we find two other prophetic stories in the Gospels that are linked to the Mount of Olives:

It is certainly no coincidence that Jesus entered Jerusalem (on a donkey) from the Mount of Olives:

And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise G-d with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. Lk 19:36-38
And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. Mk 11:8

Even when Jesus comes for the second time, he will descend from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. All the people will cheer him and praise him as King of Israel. The branches of the trees represent the branches at the Feast of Tabernacles and confirm this.

What is now very interesting is the second passage about the Mount of Olives:

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. John 8:1-4

We know the story: Jesus writes in the sand (cf. Jer 17:13), no one wants to cast the first stone and He dismisses the adulteress.

And now we put on the “Judah & Ephraim” glasses again:

At His second coming, Jesus will return from the Mount of Olives. Then He goes into the temple. And what happens there? The Jews (Judah) point the finger at the adulterous woman (Ephraim)!

Remember: YHVH divorced Ephraim. Not from Judah!

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. Jer 3:8

Ephraim must be stoned to death (according to the law). It is impossible for Jesus to approve of their deeds!

But what does Jesus do? He shows them that they too are not without guilt:

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. Jer 3:8

The Jews have no choice but to acknowledge this and drop the charges.

Jesus now releases the adulteress from the dock. He does not condemn her, but speaks very significant words:

go, and sin no more. John 8:11b

This is the decisive step towards restoration. Ephraim will be forgiven. But he is called to break with sin:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4

Ephraim is called to a life in the Torah.

As with the prodigal son, the story ends here. We do not read at this point how the Jews will behave at this time. But the Bible says in many places that they will form a unity again (e.g. Ez 37:19-22).

Much more?

The Bible is filled with the “Judah and Ephraim” story. It breaks out of the hidden. And now that the time of punishment is over (2730 years have passed!) more and more is coming to light.

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of G-d: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Lk 8:10

You will have noticed that this part is also very much about the Torah. In Hosea we read that His people are “strangers” to the law (Hos 8:12). And that is indeed how it often feels. We therefore want to explore His Word more and more so that this changes for all of us. Ultimately, it will be the Torah that is taught in the 1000-year kingdom (cf. Isa 2:1-4).

 

[Benaiah468]

Approximately 2,000 terrorist murderers will be released from Israeli prisons as part of the deal with Hamas, with many of them returning to Judea and Samaria. Israel's political and military leaders have agreed to step up the fight against terrorism in Israel's biblical heartland, but until Israel expands its sovereignty over this territory, it will not have the full backing and protection of G-d.

Abba Father, increase the number of Israelis who recognize the existential need for Israel to extend her sovereignty over all the land west of the Jordan (Gen 13:15; 1:18; Psalm 105:4-11).

Lord Jesus, move Your body to pray for this, for this is what You are doing today with all Your heart and soul (Jer 32:41; 1 John 5:14-15).

Almighty G-d, give these biblical land rights back to the Jews in 2025 (Ps 125:3): Hebron (Gen 23:17-18), Shechem [now Nabulus] (Gen 33:19) and the Temple Mount (2 Sam 24:24).

Thank you, G-d, for the movement in Israel and the USA to stop using the unbiblical term “West Bank” and to replace it with the biblically correct name “Judea and Samaria” (Jer 31:4-5; Zec 12:5-7).

Shepherd of Israel, protect the Jews whom you are regathering from all acts of terrorism (Jer 31:10).

Lord of hosts, please let Your angel armies fight against the spiritual powers of Israel's enemies, just as Israel fights against them on earth (2 Kings 6:16-17; 2 Chronicles 32:7-8; 1 Chronicles 15:46).

Lord Jesus, cast out all demonic protection over Palestinian terrorists (Ps 101:8).

Almighty G-d, push the terrorists into the traps they have set for Your people (Est 7:10; Ps 7:14-16).

Do not let Israel desist from its aggressive attacks against terrorism in Judea and Samaria (Ecc 8:11).

G-d, reveal and prevent all Israeli-Arab terror plots against Israeli Jews (Ps 34:17).

Lord, guide Israel to rebuild its north in a safer and more populous way (Isa 54:2-3; Ecc 3:3b).

Lord, save many Palestinians and use them to provoke Jews to jealousy (Mt 5:44; Rom 11:11).

 

[Benaiah468]

So far, we have already gone through a number of topics:

Israel is a divided kingdom.
Today's Jews are not all of Israel, but only a part of it (just as Christians have not replaced Israel!).
The house of Israel (or Ephraim) becomes Gentiles and mixes with other peoples
Ephraim can return to the covenant with YHVH through the redemptive act of Jesus
This is linked to repentance and conversion
Due to lawlessness and idolatry, Ephraim had to leave the land of Israel for 2730 years. This period of punishment is now over.

We have seen that as Christians we are spiritual - and many of us also carnal - descendants of the ten lost tribes.

Consequently, we are part of Israel!

This is explained by the image of the olive tree: we are grafted as wild olive branches (Ephraim) into the noble olive tree (Israel).

What the Bible writes about Israel - the covenants, the prophecies, curses and blessings, the Torah, etc. therefore has something directly to do with us. It is about our people. It's about you and me!

But that's not all.

Something is missing...

We are in a process of realizing more and more that we are part of the family of Israel.

We have repented of the fact that we (and our forefathers) have not lived in the will of YHVH.

Next, we begin to walk again in the original ways: In His Torah.

But isn't there still something missing...?

The verses from Deuteronomy 30 have already occupied us for good reason. They are very central, because YHVH gave them long before the people of Israel were scattered.

Here we read about another very important step:

And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the Lord thy G-d hath driven thee, And shalt return unto the Lord thy G-d, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; That then the Lord thy G-d will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy G-d hath scattered thee. […] And the Lord thy G-d will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers. Deu 30:1-5

Do you recognize the order?

Dispersion among the Gentiles
Conversion and repentance
Living in His commandments

And then:

Back to the land!

What does that mean?

Bible commentators have repeatedly tried to spiritualize such passages. After all, it seems absurd to many that millions of people (possibly even Christians) should move to this small country.

Moreover, everyone knows that it is practically impossible for a non-Jew to gain a foothold there.

So how can this be meant?

Possibly quite literally? I think so.

Judah and Ephraim were punished by having to leave the land of Israel. Both have served their time of punishment and from YHVH's point of view it is now “permitted” to return.

So if we are part of Israel, do we not belong in the land of Israel? It is our homeland - as strange as that may feel to some.

And it is really overwhelming when we see how often the Bible talks about the twelve tribes returning to the land of Israel. Again and again we find passages like the following:

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your G-d. Ez 36:24-28

Of course, this topic immediately raises many questions: How is this possible?

When is the right time? And who will be affected?

I think we can all agree that it is not easy to immigrate to Israel at the moment (although it is not impossible).

But before we immediately wave it off with a “It won't work anyway!”, we should remember that there was once a report by people who said that getting into the Promised Land was impossible. As a result, the wandering in the desert was prolonged by 40 years.

Ten spies saw no possibilities and had no hope. But Joshua and Caleb recognized the higher ways of our Father!

The second argument - that the land was far too small for so many people - also disappears relatively quickly when you consider how large the land of Israel actually is according to the promises (from the great river of Egypt to the Euphrates).

It is also reported that the desert will be revived (e.g. Isa 35:1 .6; 41:18), which should also create a lot of space.

YHVH opens doors where no doors are visible. And that is important. For it is He who must lead us. We want to follow his call.

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. Jer 23:3-4

Our Father has ways where we see no ways. We are disoriented sheep. He is the good shepherd. We follow him.

For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the Lord: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it. Jer 30:3

YHVH Himself will be the one who causes us to enter the Promised Land. However, this does not mean that we should simply wait until we are automatically “moved” (or “raptured”) there by Him.

In Jeremiah 30 (above) we read that both Judah and Israel will be brought into the land. And we know that many of the house of Judah are already in the land of Israel. They have been led and brought there by YHVH in many ways, but the people themselves have been anything but passive in this!

Our orientation is something very decisive. And especially when it comes to Israel:

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Ps 137:6

Many Christians who have been to Israel have experienced how much such a time changes them. It is often like coming home. A feeling that you no longer want to give up.

It shapes us. Our heart and our longing. It is a longing for our home!

The same thing happens when we engage more and more with the whole topic and with the Bible. With the understanding of the house of Judah and the house of Israel, we realize more and more that the land of Israel is the land that YHWH has given us.

Suddenly I no longer care whether there is war there. I no longer care if a Gaza Strip is ceded to non-Israelis. I am an Israelite and it is my inheritance!

Isn't it justified to think that way?

And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. Jer 2:7
Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: Ps 105:11

What is holding us back?

People have often made themselves comfortable. Everyone knows how challenging change can be.

For example, the house of Judah in exile in Babylon was also given the opportunity to move out and return to the Promised Land. But it was a step out of the familiar. They had settled in and things were not so bad for them there. In this respect, although some set out to rebuild Jerusalem (cf. Ezra and Nehemiah), a large proportion of the people remained in Babylon.

Even after the exodus from Egypt (in which it is assumed that a large part of Israel did not leave at all - after all, it was a huge step of faith), we recognize that the people's hearts actually remained in Egypt. When difficulties arose in the desert, they always longed to return to the familiar.

This raises a few questions for me:

How will we fare when the call comes one day? Will we have open ears? Will we be prepared? Will we have the faith and courage to answer this call?

How are you preparing for it?

I realize more and more how difficult it is to live in the ordinances of YHWH in this country. When you look at the last few decades, it reminds you strongly of the “great falling away” and the “lawlessness” that is prophesied.

But are we ready to go if we are really called to do so at some point?

A legitimate question in all of this is whether our home is really in Israel! Doesn't the letter to the Hebrews speak of our home in heaven?

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Heb 13:14

Is that so?

Are we waiting to (finally) be allowed to go to heaven soon and not care about the earth?

I think it's a little different.

It's about our life here on earth. And even when Jesus returns, we will live here on earth - and possibly reign with him. But on earth!

And hast made us unto our G-d kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev 5,10

And when Jesus returns, what will happen to those who have died so far? Either they will then be resurrected or only after the Millennial Kingdom (Rev 20:4-6).

Even at this point, things will continue here on earth in a certain sense. For then our “future city”, the heavenly Jerusalem, will come from heaven to earth (!):

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from G-d out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev 21:2

And until then, in my opinion, our earthly home is the land of Israel. This was promised to our forefathers.

 

[timothyu]

Good post.
However, ultimately Jerusalem will be home to the Kingdom making the the House of Israel past tense. It's about (always about) God, not man IMO. His creation is much larger than we.

 

[Benaiah468]

Good post.
However, ultimately Jerusalem will be home to the Kingdom making the the House of Israel past tense. It's about (always about) God, not man IMO. His creation is much larger than we.

Absolutely right. Israel's restoration is all about G-d. #97

 

[Benaiah468]

We are in the prophetic time of the return of our Lord, as it says:

When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. Ps 102:17

Abba, we praise You for calling us into Your kingdom in this unique historical time (Est 4:14b).

Lord Jesus, we hope and trust that You will return in Your glory sooner rather than later (Mt 24:30 .25:31; Mk 13:26; Lk 9:26 .21:27).

We praise You, Lord, because G-d the Father has endowed You with His glory (Rom 16:27; 2 Cor 4:6).

We thank You that we are allowed to see how You are building up Zion - and whether “Zion” means Jerusalem or all of Israel - Hallelujah, You are doing both today (Ps 69:36 .147:2; Jer 33:7).

We praise and glorify You that Your covenant love is renewed to us every morning (Lam 3:22-23).

G-d, as we consider the morbid events in Israel this week, we are so thankful that nothing ever takes You by surprise (Isa 42:9) and that You can work “good” even in the face of demonic events (Rom 8:28).

 

[Benaiah468]

By the way, you could imagine a time sequence like this:

1 Creation until today (including “end times”)

A time span of 6000 years.
At the end, things will get worse and worse (the great apostasy).
Matthew 24:4-14 could describe this time.
The seven seals (Rev 6) would also fit into this section.

2 The immediate time before the 1000-year kingdom

A period of 3.5 years.
The appearance of the Antichrist, the two witnesses, the woman in the wilderness who is preserved,...
A great tribulation, “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall be” (Mt 24:21).
In the end, Jesus will come to earth for the second time - this time he will take up the reign of king on earth (cf. Acts 1:6).

3 The 1000-year kingdom

Jesus will reign from Jerusalem and teach the Torah (Isa 2:3; Mic 4:2).
Satan will be bound for this time (Rev 20:1-3).
Everything will be restored.
Judah and Ephraim will once again be ONE and dwell together in the land of Israel.

4 After the Millennial Kingdom

Satan is released once again (Rev 20:7).
Renewed apostasy and war (Gog and Magog; Rev 20:8-10).
Final judgment .
After that, there will be no more sin and suffering.
The Father himself will dwell on earth.
A new heaven and a new earth.
This time is also called “the eighth day”.

I believe that we are right before the great tribulation (point 2) and I think that before, during and after this tribulation the return to the land of Israel will happen.

Hosea writes how the house of Israel will be considered “dead” after they have fallen away from G-d:

When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died. Hos 13:1

Ezekiel's vision of the bones of the dead takes up this image again (Ez 37). Israel comes back to life. First according to the flesh, then also with the spirit.

The following verses are very interesting:

Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord G-d; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord. Ez 37:12-14

Here, the exile in which we find ourselves (not being in the land of Israel) is visualized with tombs.

So when we wake up as the house of Israel, recognize our identity and come back into the covenant with YHVH through the death of Jesus, we receive “new life”.

However, we continue to live in “graves” as long as we are not yet back in the land of Israel.

Could it be that this is G-d's view of our life situation among the Gentiles?

It seems so...

For me it is really overwhelming when you see how many places the Bible reports on the return of Israel. It's not just two or three passages. It is a detailed and recurring theme.

Actually, it is also quite logical that there must be this return to the land. It fits into the picture with Judah & Ephraim: the northern kingdom had to leave the land and serve this exile for 2730 years. Now they are repenting and the consequence is that they are allowed back into the Promised Land.

Below you will find a list of Bible passages that report on the repatriation. If you like, take the time to study these really exciting passages in the Bible (there are certainly more passages on the subject):

Deu 30:1-6
Psalm 107:1-6; 147:2
1 Chr 16:35
Isa 11:11-12; 27:12-13; 35ff; 43:1-13; 49:22; 52:6-12; 54ff; 56:8; 62ff
Jer 3:14-18; 16:14-15; 23:3-8; 24:3-8; 29:14; 30:7-11; 31:1-17; 32:37-42; 33:7-26; 50:4-10
Ez 11:16-20; 20:33-38; 28:25-26; 34:11-16+22-26; 36:6-12+24-38; 37:12-28; 47:13-23
Amos 9:11-15
Micah 7:8-20;
Zec 2:4-13; 8:1-13; 10:6-12

You simply cannot avoid discussing it. The prophecies are full of it! Not only Judah, but also Ephraim will repopulate the land of Israel.

And we only have to look at current events to see that the process has already begun.

Do you remember the “leadership role of the family of Israel”? Judah received it from Jacob and it is the House of Judah that is leading the way again this time. As in the desert or in Judges 1, it is this tribe that first began to repopulate the land.

Judah has the family leadership of Israel. And in their history we can see how it can work:

They entered the land physically (not spiritually or only with their hearts) and reached it naturally (on foot, by ship, by plane).

1948 was like a miracle (the founding of the State of Israel). Never before in history has this happened:

A people recolonizing a land and becoming a nation again. And that after such a long time.

YHVH intervened there with a mighty hand. In many wars it was reported how YHVH drove out enemies or gave protection. Iraqi tanks, for example, stood before the Israeli border and turned back because they were confronted by a host of angels.

What will it be like when the rest of Israel comes home?

The Bible tells us (also in Jer 16:14-15):

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. Jer 23:7-8

The Bible says that there will be another exodus - an exodus of His people. This will be so powerful that it will eclipse the first one - when the people of Israel left Egypt.

And where will it go? To Israel!

The punishment is over and the Father is calling Ephraim home. Remember...

What did the prodigal son do when he reached the bottom? He returned home.

Where was the lost sheep that the shepherd was looking for taken? Home!

Where did the Jews (the southern kingdom) go after Nehemiah and Daniel repented by proxy? They returned to the Promised Land!

If there is now to be another exodus, which will be so great that the first one will no longer be talked about, where else should it go?

A very important question is of course: when is the time to return home?

If we study the list of Bible passages (see above) about the return to the Promised Land, we realize that the timing is often very strongly linked to the return of Jesus. And I believe that it is indeed the case that the majority will only come then.

However, I think that even during and before the tribulation there will be some who will set off. It can certainly happen quite naturally, as with the Jews.

I find the parables of the lost sheep and the prodigal son quite interesting in this respect:

The lost sheep was found by the shepherd and carried home.

The prodigal son, on the other hand, recognized his suffering during the famine (tribulation) and made his own way back.

In general, I think it is important that we do not miss the call of the Father. We are called to watch and pray. When He says “Go”, we should be obedient.

What struck me in all the passages about the return of Israel is the close connection to the tribulation period. It's really amazing (and disturbing) because it's a recurring image.

In general, we see how strongly the awakening of Christians to the roots is linked to the end of times and the tribulation:

And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you. [...] When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy G-d, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; Deu 4:27 .30

We also find the reference to Ephraim again and again:

For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our G-d. [...]
Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [...] They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. [...] I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. [...] I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my G-d. [...] Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. Jer 31:6-20

The return of all the tribes is dependent on the great tribulation and perhaps the tribulation is also so that the people can set out on their journey (the time of the hunters).

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. Jer 30:7

There is one thing that makes the return to the land even more explosive. For the Bible speaks of a time of fishermen and a time of hunters.

We remember: the fishers of men, for example, were the disciples who were to fish the northern kingdom again. But what if they don't want to?

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. Jer 16:14-16


So could it be that tribulation is a form of hunters so that the people can (finally) set off: back to life with Him and back to the promised land!

This is of course a hot potato. But to be honest, I have the feeling that it doesn't contradict the Bible. People have often had to react quickly or leave places behind. Let's remember Lot (Sodom and Gomorrah), Joseph and Mary (to Egypt) or the Jews (out of Babylon - cf. Jer 50:8).

The context of Jeremiah 50:8 in particular is strongly reminiscent of the fisherman-hunter principle:

Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks. For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain. Jer 50:8-9

Here judgment is prophesied for Babylon. The people of G-d still live among them.

Are the people perhaps being given a choice here? They can either stay with the flock (and then possibly suffer judgment) or flee as goats from the flock (and thus escape judgment)!

In any case, it is interesting that here too (in verse 6) it is about the return to the land of Israel (to Zion)! So it is again prophetic of what will soon happen.

By the way, I will go into the question of why the tribulation is coming at all.

I very much hope that this important topic has come across correctly.

We must not be afraid, but it is our task and challenge to be ready and to listen to what the Father is saying to us.

It is so important that our hearts are turned towards Israel. Because that is our homeland.

Our role models are not the Israelites who longed for Egypt or Lot's wife, whose heart was still in Sodom. Rather, we should take our cue from Daniel, who also lived in exile. For what did he do there?

Daniel... went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his G-d, as he did aforetime. Dan 6:10

Daniel's heart was set on Jerusalem.

He knew where his home was!

 

[Benaiah468]

G-d is building Jerusalem today, which is also a symbol for the whole of Israel. This is happening in prophetic preparation for the return of the Messiah (Ps 102:17; Zec 14:1-4). And since Zec 12:2-3 is currently being fulfilled, Zec 12:10 cannot be far away!

King of all nations, may Your foreign policy on earth be as it is in heaven, and continue to use Israel to make this possible
(Deu 28:9-10 .13; Ps 9:20-21; 33:10-11; Lk 11:2).

G-d of Israel, anoint Israel's leaders with divine courage to simply say “no” to any outside pressure or demands that are against Your will for Your people at this stage of history (Neh 2:20; Prov 3:7).

Almighty G-d, rule in all meetings between Israeli and international leaders (Ps 103:19).

Lord G-d, so far we are pleased with US President Trump's dealings with Netanyahu and Israel, but do not allow any Israeli to consider America's leader as his “savior” (Ps 146:3; Jer 17:5).

Use the Zionists in the Trump administration to provoke Israelis to more Zionism (Ps 126:1-3).

We ask again: if Trump's plan to relocate most of Gaza's residents is an answer to our prayers that You would deliver Your land from its enemies, let it happen soon and do it suddenly (Ps 10:16; Jer 12:14-17).

Keep Israel from being drawn into Trump's deals with Ukraine and Russia (Prov 26:17).

You told Moses that You created the mouth of man and teach those You send out what to say, so please do just that through Israeli politicians and diplomats when they speak to the world (Ex 4:11-2).

G-d of Israel, establish a connection between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and American Secretary of State Marco Rubio that serves Your purposes for the Kingdom of G-d (Mk 6:7).

Lord of lords, give Sa'ar wisdom in dealing with right-wing pro-Israel groups in the EU (Hi 12:12-16).

Lord Jesus, watch over Num 24:9b in relation to the UN and its outreach (Isa 8:9-10; 54:17).

Christ Jesus, stir up believers to warn their countries of birth of Your judgment that is coming upon many of these countries today as a result of their betrayal of Israel (Ez 29:6-7; Joel 4:1-2).

 

[Benaiah468]

More and more I can understand Paul's frustration. He has seen that YHVH's kingdom has dawned and that Ephraim is allowed back into the covenant.

But what he experiences certainly shocks him: many Jews do not want their brothers in the covenant!

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of G-d, unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving G-d day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Acts 26:6-7

Yes, can that be?

Restoration is possible. The House of Israel and the House of Judah can become one again. And it “works” for the House of Israel - they convert in droves.

But the Jews? They don't want to hear it. They have hardened hearts.

Of course, not all of them are. A large portion of them accept this wonderful work of Jesus (which of course the Jews also need). Even many of the scholars understand that the scriptures are now being fulfilled (cf. Acts 6:7+15:5).

But many of the people - especially the leadership of the Jews - reject the Gentiles and the gospel. As a result, the complete restoration of Judah and Ephraim did not take place in Paul's time.

However, Paul did not admit defeat. Although he and Peter had marked out the areas (Paul went to the Gentiles, Peter to the Jews - cf. Gal 2:7;
1 Tim 2:7), Paul tried again and again in the synagogues and preached the gospel to the Jews there.

But in the rejection of the Jews, Paul then recognized the guidance of YHVH:

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes. […] how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Rom 11:25-33

Perhaps you remember who was named as the “fullness of the Gentiles”?

This passage only appears 5 times in the Bible. Once here in the NT. Four times in the OT. There it says “multitude of nations” which can also be translated as “fullness of the Gentiles”.

The prophecy that descendants will become the “fullness of the Gentiles” is given twice to Jacob (Gen 28:3; 35:11), once to Joseph (Gen 48:4) and once to Ephraim (Gen 48:19)!

Paul knew the OT by heart. He knew why he was quoting this passage here. He did it quite deliberately:

Blindness in part (!) is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles (MULTITUDE OF NATIONS/WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL) be come in.

This is part of YHVH's unsearchable ways! Paul understood that He hardened hearts so that others might find grace.

But when is the time for full restoration?

It is quite striking how often the “third day” appears in the Bible. Time and again, important events happen on a “third day”. And of course, many of them are prophetic through and through.

And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. Ex 19:11

If we bear in mind that one day stands for a thousand years (2 Pe 3:8), then this means that after 2000 years decisive things will happen. This speaks very strongly to our time today - approx. 2000 years after Jesus' life here on earth.

And this explains why so many believers today are waking up, gaining knowledge of their identity and understanding His Torah. It is not only because the guilt of Ephraim has been removed, but also because the third day has dawned:

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Hos 6:2

Today we find ourselves in one of the most exciting times ever. The restoration of Judah and Ephraim has been awaited for thousands of years.

Now the return of Jesus is imminent and He will be King over ONE people: The united Kingdom of Israel!

Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel. Hos 1:11
Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. Jer 31:10

But I think we need to take a closer look at the role of Judas. Because it is one piece of the puzzle that is still missing from the big picture.

The house of Judah has a moving history. Many Christians believe that the Jews did not accept the gospel in the 1st century. But this is of course a very generalized view and gives a false picture of the actual events.

Yes, of course many Jews did not want to know about it. Paul's reports in the Acts of the Apostles are very familiar to us.

But it is not the case that “the Jews” did not accept the gospel, but “only” some of them.

It was even the case that in the first decades only Jews recognized Jesus as the Messiah. It is only in Acts 10 that we read how the Spirit was poured out on Gentiles for the first time. Incidentally, this was beyond the imagination of many Jews at the time. They were shocked!

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:45

As I said: Until then, all believers in the Messiah were exclusively Jews.

But we know what happened in the following centuries - after more and more Gentiles (many of whom were descendants of the 10 tribes) came to believe in Jesus: Anti-Semitism increasingly bore its fruit.

When Christianity became the state religion in the 4th century, all Israelite roots had already been cut off. Jews and Christians who held on to these Hebrew roots were persecuted and killed. Doctrines such as replacement theology (the church had replaced Israel) had also long since found their way into thinking and religious life.

To put it briefly: History was repeating itself. As in Jeroboam's time, a spiritual division took place. On the one hand, a false “Christianity” emerged with its own festivals, priests, buildings, holy days of the week, etc. And on the other side were all those who held on to the biblical truth.

Many people think that this was a separation from Judaism. But to be precise, it was a turning away from the law of YHVH.

As with the division of Israel, not only the Jews held on to the biblical roots, but also some of the Northern Kingdom/Christians:

And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the Lord his G-d was with him. 2 Chr 15:9
For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: […] And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord G-d of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord G-d of their fathers. 2 Chr 11:14 .16

I find it very significant that the Jews in particular were persecuted again and again. Why did Satan have such hatred for them? Perhaps because they were the ones who did not compromise on feast days, Sabbath and unclean food?

Only a few centuries later, the camps were very clearly divided: You were either a Christian in a church that walked in the “lies of Jeroboam”, or a Jew. Christians who kept the Shabbat were few and far between.

Judah received the leadership of the family of Israel from Jacob. And we can see how they also took on this responsibility in a certain sense in the last century.

Please don't get me wrong: I don't want to glorify them. They certainly didn't do everything right. But we need to understand their role, especially today, in order to counter anti-Semitism.

Because it is precisely this satanic spirit (anti-Semitism) that is so widespread and even pervades Christianity - yes, even many Torah-believing Christians - that it is truly shocking!!!

Believing Jews are as much a part of Israel as we are. And it was they who preserved the Torah over many centuries. They were the ones who showed us how to repent in exile. They showed us how to overcome Babylon, come home and rebuild the land. They brought forth the Messiah. Without them, we would have no NT, no Bible!

Because many of them were hardened (towards the Messiah, not towards YHVH!), others could be blessed. And we all know how much Jews had to suffer for this.

Now they have been preparing the land for a hundred years. They cultivate it and defend it. It still costs them a lot of sweat and blood today. Apparently it's part of their responsibility. And I think that's a very tough task! Especially when we consider that we benefit from it!

So who are we to be hostile or suspicious of Jews? Can we allow ourselves to speak negatively about them or judge them for keeping the traditions? Especially we who have been involved in idolatry for centuries?

Just as we have abolished much of the Torah, they have added many commandments. Is one of them better?

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your G-d which I command you. Deu 4:2

They have received the royal blessing. Can we allow ourselves to be jealous of this?

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. Isa 11:13

When we submit to Jesus, we also submit to Judah's leadership! It only works together!

It is no coincidence that people were blessed in the Bible who stood up for Jews (e.g. Lk 7:2ff; Acts 10:2). For what a blessing YHVH placed in the whole nation of Israel:

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Gen 12:3

 

[Benaiah468]

Israel's political leaders are in a very difficult situation today - especially Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. This is made even more difficult by the fact that none of them confess Jesus as their Lord, at least not in public. But our commission to pray for them does not depend on their faith, but on our faith in what G-d has revealed in His Word for His people today.

Lord Jesus, all power in heaven and on earth is Yours (Mt 28:18), and our trust is in You, not in Israel's leaders, so please lead us as we stand in the breach for them (Prov 16:1).

Lord G-d, since Netanyahu is still Israel's leader, grant him Your wisdom and insight to lead Your pre-saved nation in a way that pleases You (Ps 23:3b; Prov 21:1; Dan 2:21b; Zec 4:6-7).

Abba, surround him with wise and insightful counselors and let him listen to them (Prov 11:14; 24:6).

Righteous Judge, let Bibi's trial show Israelis the need for judicial reform (Isa 1:25-27).

G-d, support Justice Minister Levin in his attempt to impeach Israel's unelected Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who constantly interferes as if she were ruling the nation (Eccl 10:5-6a).

Abba, use the Shin Bet [Israel's internal security service] report on the Hamas pogrom of October 7 to show Israel's political and military leaders what went wrong, and help them learn the lessons so that nothing like it can ever happen again (Hi 6:24; Ps 25:5; Rom 8:28).

Lord G-d, make Eyal Zamir, the new Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, a son of Zion (Ps 75:7-8; Prov 16:9), and make him understand that he must read and heed Your Word daily (Ps 119:98; Jer 15:16).

G-d, as He promotes many new officials to important positions, scrutinize every decision he makes to be a son or daughter of Zion and prevent him from making any political decisions (Ps 75:7-8).

We thank You for the excellent work that Defense Minister Israel Katz is doing, and we pray that You will continue to use him to speak the truth and provide for Israel's security (Prov 16:1 .9).

Abba, show Israel how to deal with the revelation that Hamas knew details about IDF people and defenses on the Gaza border because soldiers were constantly using social media (Prov 5:1-2; 10:19).

Lord G-d, arise! Deliver Israeli society from the emotional mind games of Hamas, which holds dozens of Israeli hostages - or their corpses - captive (Ps 124:6-7; Isa 49:24-26; Jer 32:27).

Jesus Messiah, comfort Your people (Isa 61:1-3); heal all the former hostages who are back home and their families from the severe mental and emotional trauma they have experienced (Ps 30:3-4; 147:3).

Bring closure to the families who have recovered the bodies of their loved ones (Ps 23:4).

G-d, guide the families of hostages whose loved ones are still in captivity to cry out to You for mercy instead of crying out to Bibi out of their understandable frustration and anger (Ps 80:20; 86:7).

The more terrorist murderers are released, the more voices are raised in Israel calling for the use of the death penalty to prevent this injustice from ever happening again (Num 35:16-18 .21 .30-31).