Britannia Radio

FROM ISRAEL’S PROPHETS: COMFORT AND COURAGE A storm of unprecedented magnitude today seems to be gathering on our planet. And the target of the storm seems to be Israel. With the flotilla episode, the media war has gathered even more momentum. Jerusalem is the most explosive issue now simply because Israel wants to build where the Arab Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be the capital of their future state. ONLY TRUE SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL. However, according to the Prophet Zechariah, it is comforting to know that those who trouble with Jerusalem as a “burdensome stone” will ultimately not get away with it (Zechariah 12:3-6). Still, it is difficult not to want—and expect—support from any in the community of nations. But the only real source of support, however, is from the One who said He planted Israel in the Land “with all My heart and with all My soul” (Jeremiah 32:41). Isaiah 41:8-13 “But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, you whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham who loved Me—you whom I shall grasp from the ends of the earth.. .Fear not for I am with you…Behold, all who become angry with you will be shamed and humiliated; those who fight with you shall be like nothingness and shall perish….For I am Hashem, your G-d, who grasps your right hand, Who says to you: Fear not for I help you!” [TANACH , The Stone Edition] ISRAEL, A “LIGHT TO THE NATIONS” Alarmed “watchmen” on the “walls” of Jerusalem today are currently accessing Israel’s safety and warning jeopardy. It appears Israel is being isolated from all the other nations—and unfairly blamed for everything. The so-called “peace process” has actually escalated trouble for Israel and jeopardized its very existence. No wonder these “watchmen”—as the Prophet Isaiah encouraged—are constantly and continually praying for “the [real] peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm122:6). But the G-d of Israel is not sleeping! In fact, He has asked, in fact, that He be given no rest until Jerusalem is made a “light for the nations” (Isaiah 49:6)—a “bright light.” Isaiah 62:1-7 “For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be still, until her righteousness emanates like bright light, and her salvation blazes like a torch. Nations will perceive your righteousness and all the kings your honor; and you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of Hashem will pronounce. Then you will be a crown of splendor in the hand of Hashem and a royal diadem in the palm of your G-d. It will no longer be said of you ‘Forsaken One,” and your land it will no longer be said “Desolate Place’; for you will be called ‘My Desire Is In Her,” and your land ‘Inhabited,” for Hashem’s desire is in you, and your Land will become inhabited. As a young man takes a maiden in marriage, so will your children settle in you, and like a bridegroom’s rejoicing over his bride, so will your G-d rejoice over you.’ Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, have I posted guardians [watchmen, Soncino] all the day and all the night, continuously , they will never be silent. ‘You who remind Hashem, be not silent! Do not give Him silence, until He establishes and until He makesJerusalem a source of praise in the Land.’” Yes, there will come the day when after Israel has felt “forsaken,” that all Gentiles will acknowledge Israel as a nation with “Land” favored uniquely by Hashem—“a praise in the Land.” A COMFORT TO KNOW PROPHETS ANTICIPATED. What is a comfort to realize is that the Prophets prophesied and anticipated ahead of time that after two thousand years being scattered all over the world—the miraculous regathering would be a “travail”—“not peace.” The progress of the return would be a process mingled with pain.. Jeremiah 30:3-7 “Thus said Hashem, G-d of Israel, saying…For behold, days are coming—the word ofHashem—when I will return the captivity of My people Israel and Judah, saidHashem, and I will return them to the land that I gave their forefathers, and they will possess it. These are he things Hashem spoke concerning Israel and concerningJudah. For thus said Hashem: ‘A sound of terror have we heard; of fear, and not peace. Ask now and see if a male has ever given birth. Why, [then] do I see that every man put his hand upon his loins life a woman in childbirth [travail, Soncino] and all faces turn pallid? Woe! For that day will be momentous, there is nothing like it; it will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he shall be saved from it.” The Prophet Jeremiah concludes this passage by saying: “Behold, the storm of Hashem…until He has upheld the plans of His heart. In the end of days you will be able to understand it.” (Vss. 23-24) PROMISE TO ABRAHAM, ISAAC—AND JACOB. What is really encouraging, is focusing on the promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3; 7:16;26:24) which is really a prophecy to be fulfilled through Jacob’s posterity. Genesis 28:13-14 “And behold! Hashem was standing over him, and He said, ‘I am Hashem, G-d ofAbraham your father and G-d of Isaac; the ground upon which you [Jacob] are lying, to you will I give it and to your descendants. Your offspring shall be as the dust of the earth, and you shall spread out powerfully westward, eastward, northward and southward; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you and by your offspring.” ENEMIES OF ISRAEL TO BOW TO ISRAEL. But those “families of the earth” who are now enemies of Israel will first have to acknowledge Israel’s exaltation and place in G-d’s Plan before they will be blessed in any measure. Isaiah 60:14 “The sons of your oppressors will go to you submissively, and all who scorned you will prostrate themselves at the soles of your feet; they will call you ‘City ofHashem, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” For those peoples of earth who will refuse to acknowledge Hashem as Jerusalem’s King for the Feast of Thanksgiving, there will be consequences. First, no rain. Then, if they persist, plagues according to Zechariah. Zechariah 14:16-19 “It shall be that all who are left over from all the nations who had invadedJerusalem will come up every year to worship the King Hashem, Master of Legions, and to celebrate the festival of Succos. And it shall be that which of the families of the land does not go up to Jerusalem to bow down before the King,Hashem, Master of Legions, there will be no rain upon them. But if it is the family of Egypt that does not go up and does not come [to Jerusalem], there will be no [water] for them; the same plague will come to pass with which Hashem will strike the nations that do not go up to celebrate the festival of Succos. This will be the punishments of the Egyptians and the punishments of all the nations that will not go up to celebrate the festival of Succos.” BLESSING ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH. Interesting, some now acknowledge that Israel and Jewish people are presently blessing the world—with amazing contributions in science, medicine and economics, etc.(frequently honored with Nobel Peace prizes). But is that the only way they are to fulfill the promise to be bless “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 28:14)? Only the beginning! These contributions are only proverbially the “tip of the iceberg” of what Israel will be doing in the near future. Isaiah 60 “Arise! Shine! For your light has arrived, and the glory of Hashem shines upon you. For, behold, darkness may cover the earth and a thick cloud [may cover] the kingdoms, but upon you Hashem will shine, and His glory will be seen upon you. Nations will walk by your light, and kings by the brilliance of your shine….5 Then you will see and be radiant, your heart will be startled and broadened, for theaffluence of the West will be turned over to you, and the wealth of nations will come to you….10 Then the sons of foreigners will build your walls and their kings will serve you…..11Your gates will be opened continuously, day and night they will not be closed; for [them] to bring you the wealth of nations….12 For the nation and kingdom that does not serve you will perish…14 The sons of your oppressors will go to you submissively, and all who scorned you will prostrate themselves at the soles of your feet; they will call you ‘City of Hashem, Zion of the Holy One of Israel’….18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor plunder and calamity in your borders. You will call [G-d’s] salvation your protective walls, and [His] praise to be your gateways.” People of all nations will eventually see that Israel and the Jewish people prospering and will humbly ask how to “get with the Program.” Zechariah 8:23 “Thus said Hashem, Master of Legions: in those days it will happen that ten men, of all the [different][ languages of the nations, will take hold, they will take hold of the corner of the garment of a Jewish man, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that G-d is with you!’” THE TURNING POINT OF CLIMAX IN THE “VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT” But before Israel will be exalted to bless the nations—there will be a climax. Prophetically, it is a battle in the “Valley ofJehoshaphat” presented by the Prophet Joel. Of course, there was an ancient battle in King Jehoshaphat’s day. Evidently that battle was a portrait of what will happen when “all nations” are gathered against Israel. King Jehoshaphat was “afraid” when he realized Moab and Ammon were gathering for war against Israel (2 Chronicles 20:1-13). So he prayed! A Levite came to him with the answer from Hashem: “Do not fear and do not be intimidated before this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but G-d’s” (vs. 15). In response, Jehoshaphat set up men to sing to Hashem. “As soon as they began their exuberant song and praise, Hashem set up ambushers [liers-in-wait, Soncino] against the children of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir who were attacking Judah—and they were struck down” (vs. 22). The place of this battle was then called “Valley of Blessing” (vs. 26) and they came triumphantly ”to Jerusalem with lyres and harps and trumpets, to the Temple of Hashem” (vs. 28). THE ARAB CONFEDERACY TO BE BLOWN AWAY. Ever since Israel has been regathering His people to His Land, it should be no surprise that an Arab confederacy has been formed against Israel. Psalm 83 is prophetic—as well as an issue for prayer. Psalm 83:2-9 “O G-d ,do not hold Yourself silent; be not deaf and be not still, O G-d; For behold,Your foes are in uproar and those who hate You have raised their head. Against Your people they plot deviously, they take counsel against those sheltered by You. They said, ‘Come, let us cut them off from nationhood, so Israel’s name will not be remembered any longer!’ For they take counsel together unanimously, they strike a covenant against You: The tents of Edom and Ishmaelites; Moab and Hagrites; Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Phillistia, with the inhabitants of Tyre. Even Assyria joined with them, they become the strong arm of Lot’s sons, Selah.” This prayer will be answered: “O my G-d, make them like the whirling chaff, like stubble before the wind….” (vs. 14) As enemies of Israel, they will be blown away—so that “then they will seek Your Name, Hashem.” (vs. 17) ALL NATIONS TO COME AGAINST JERUSALEM. When “all the nations” come against Jerusalem—when it will seem all might be lost after coming so far—Hashem will fight for Israel as in ancient “day of battle.” Zechariah 14:1-3 “Behold, a day is coming for Hashem, when your spoils will be divided up in your midst. I will gather all nations to Jerusalem for the war; the city will be captured, the houses will be pillaged and the women will be violated; half of the city will go out into exile, but the rest of the people will not be eliminated from the city. Hashemwill go out and wage war with those nations, as He waged war on the day of battle.” Hashem’s intervention is described as sending a severe earthquake which divides the Mount of Olives leaving a valley between two sections—northern and southern. Then because Hashem will send a plague, “On that day there will be a great panic of Hashem among them; each one will grasp the hand of his fellow, and his hand will be raised up against the hand of his fellow.” (v. 13). In other words, the attacking nations will dissolve into anarchy. This prophecy should be remembered when things might appear too challenging. THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL SANCTIFIED IN THE EYES OF MANY NATIONS. A parallel prophecy appears, of course, in Ezekiel 38. Although Gog of the land of Magog,” of the country of Gog may be obscure, Magog, Meshech and Tubal are mentioned as the sons of Japheth in Genesis10. In any case, the attack “like a storm” (vs. 9) of “many peoples” (vs. 6) will come from “the uttermost parts of the north” (vs.15). “In Rabbinic literature, Gog and Magog…are frequently referred to as the leaders of a hostile army against Israel before the coming of the Messiah.” (Soncino). Again, this prophecy of Ezekiel confirms “a great earthquake will take place upon the soil of Israel” (vs.19). Again, it is statedHashem will punish the enemy with natural phenomena, ”pestilence and blood; torrential rain and hailstones, fire and sulfur…” (vs.22) Then “each man’s sword will be against his brother” (vs.21). The grand result is that “I [Hashem] will be exalted and will be sanctified and I will make Myself known before the eyes of many nations; they will know that I am Hashem” (vs.23). It will be known that in Hashem’s mercy He gathered Israel back to the Land and pours out His spirit on them: Ezekiel 39:25-29 “Therefore…thus said the Lord Hashem/Elohim: Now I will bring back the captivity of Jacob and show mercy to the entire House of Israel and be zealous for My holy Name…..27 when I return them from the peoples and gather them in from the land of their enemies and become sanctified through them in the eyes of many nations….28 I will bring them to their land and will not leave any of them there. Then I will not hide My countenance from them again, for I will pour out My spirit upon the House of Israel—the word of the Lord Hashem/Elohim.” ALL NATIONS COME TO JERUSALEM TO LEARN ABOUT THE G-D OF JACOB. Most encouraging is that at this climax of time after all nations attack Jerusalem in Israel—it is as though Hashem says (in essence), Now that I have your attention—Jerusalem is where you have to come to find true peace on earth. Isaiah 2:2-4 “It will happen in the end of days: The mountain of the Temple of Hashem will be firmly established as the head of the mountains, and it will be exalted above the hills, and all the nations will stream to it. Many peoples will go and say, ‘Come let us go up to the Mountain of Hashem, to the Temple of the G-d of Jacob, and He will teach us of His ways and we will walk in His paths.’ For from Zion will the Torah come forth, and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem. He will judge among the nations, and will settle the arguments of many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift sword against nation and they will no longer study warfare.” The stone two-story “Isaiah Wall” across the street from the United Nations in New York quotes this very prophecy. But it leaves out something very critical, “the G-d of Jacob, and He will teach us of His ways. . .” The UN will not achieve world peace! After the storm, the reign of world peace will come only by Israel in Messiah’s Kingdom. “[Days’] are coming when Jacob will take root; Israel will bud and blossom and fill the face of the earth like fruit” (Isaiah 27:6). Isaiah 60:18-21 “No longer will violence be heard of in your land, nor plunder and calamity in your borders. You will call G-d’s salvation your protective walls, and His praise to be your gateways….Hashem will be an eternal light for you, and your G-d will be your splendor....21 Your people will all be righteous; they will inherit the land forever….a shoot of My planting, My handiwork, in which to glory.” Finally, from the Prophet Moses, “And Hashem has distinguished you today to be for Him a treasured people, as He spoke to you, and to observe all His commandments, and to make you supreme over all the nations that He made, for praise, for renown, and for splendor, and so that you will be a holy people to Hashem, your G-d, as He spoke” (Deuteronomy 26:18,19).