Philip C. Johnson
October 10, 2023
The war between Israel and Hamas is escalating – so I thought that now might be a good time to ask a few questions. Here are some things that I’m thinking about. Maybe you are too. I am sure I don’t have all the answers, but I think it’s time to start taking a deeper look into what has happened and what may happen in the future.
1.) Who knew what and when did they know it?
Israel’s defense forces and intelligence services seemed to have been taken by compete surprise. But why? The Wall Street Journal was able to find out that Iran was involved pretty quickly. Additionally, Egypt offered intelligence to the Israeli’s about this impending attack, but the information was ignored. Why? And surely, the US has their eyes and ears everywhere. Why didn’t the US know and warn Israel. Or was the attack expected? The dark, cynical side of me wonders if this attack was known and allowed, and if it will be used to justify more war. I’m thinking of Iran.
2.) Who’s joining in this escalating battle?
Iran has already been identified by many as being the one who helped finance, arm and gave the go ahead for this terrorist attack. Now there is evidence that Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militias in Lebanon, is gearing up to attack Israel from the north. And Syria, not wanting to be left out, is also – from what I’m hearing – is firing mortar shells at Israeli positions. How will Israel deal with a multi-front war?
3.) Is there a way to compare Israel’s loss of citizens to something we can understand?
Yes, I suppose there is. Israel is a small nation of 9 million people. Losing over 1000 citizens would be like the U.S. losing 40-50,000 people in a singular terror event. It is devastating to every family who lost a loved one and devastating psychologically to the nation as a whole.
4.) Has Vladimir Putin offered any comments?
Mr. Putin already has his hands full with his war in Ukraine – though it seems pretty self-evident at this point that Ukraine has not been successful in pushing Russia back, even with the hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars in aid and equipment. Of course, everyone knows that this money has not gone just to fighting Russia. There are many Ukrainian oligarchs that are richer than ever at this point. Sadly, all of this has come at the cost of 500,000 Ukrainian lives.
Anyway, Mr. Putin made a statement today that the violence between Israel and the Palestinians shows that US policy had failed in the Middle East. He claims that the US has not taken into consideration the needs of the Palestinians.
5.) What is U.S. President Joe Biden’s stance?
Mr. Biden is currently promising support for Israel and supplying weapons. The US has also sent the largest aircraft carrier in the world into the region. How long and to what extent will that support last, is yet to be seen. Is the U.S. keen on yet another war? Iran would be the likely target and this tragedy in Israel provides the excuse to bring more death and devastation to the world. Even Turkey, a NATO ally is questioning the movement of the US aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford into the region. Erdogan, the Turkish leader, said that the warships will cause “massacres” in Gaza.
6.) Is there a Biblical/Prophetic connection to this event?
If you’re a post or a-millennialist, then this is just a random geopolitical event. For you, all biblical prophecy has been fulfilled by 70 AD with the destruction of the Jewish Temple, with one event remaining, the return of Christ and the New Heavens and New Earth. These people are good, God-fearing people. But nobody is right on all Bible interpretations. To these folks who believe we’re currently living in the “1000-year Millennial Reign of Jesus,” well, I just hope they’re enjoying it.
For me, I believe that there are promises and prophecies that have not yet been fulfilled and yet they will be. One of them is found in Ezekiel 38 where it speaks of a war against Israel that involves Russia, Iran, Turkey and other Muslim nations. While I always advise people to not read too much prophecy into current events, it is also important to understand the times in which we live. The culmination of this 2600 years old prophecy is that Russia, Iran, Turkey and a bunch of other Muslim nations will come against Israel in the “last days” and that God will save Israel Himself – and bring the gift of salvation. It’s worth paying attention to God’s Word and God’s world and the times in which we live.
7.) How should we respond to all people and all nations involved in this escalating conflict?
War is ugly. People are awful. There are reports going around now that Hamas has murdered 40 Israeli babies, beheading some of them. Is this true? I don’t know. I hope not. But this information is being reported by major news outlets. Throughout this conflict (and conflicts before this), some people will express their complete support for the nation of Israel. But I will remind you that no nation is perfect. Others will defend their belief that Palestinians are an oppressed people living in an open-air prison. If you notice, when people speak on either side of this issues, they are usually not speaking to each other.
People do not want to discuss why Israel exists today, both from a prophetic point of view and a geopolitical point of view. Some do not want to discuss why there is a lack of freedom for Palestinians in Gaza. It doesn’t fit their narrative to highlight that Gaza’s elected government is a terrorist group. And that this government spends all of the aid provided to them from around the world to build infiltration tunnels into Israel, to fire rockets into Israel and to wage war against the sovereign state of Israel. Those who are pro-Palestinian definitely do not want to discuss the Hamas charter that claims that their objective is to completely wipe out Israel as a nation and people.
Regardless, each and every person involved in this and any other conflict, are image bearers. We are all created in the image of God and therefore are worthy of dignity and respect. Every person, on any side of this issues needs prayer. And grace. And the peace that only Jesus can provide. It is perfectly fine to have a clear, well-informed viewpoint on the happenings of this world. It is not OK to de-person any group and forget that we are all broken and in need of redemption, grace and Christ.
The Global Nexter 