“Because there sit the chairs for judgment; the chairs for the house of David.” Psalm 122-5

In my last blog entry, I wrote: “The truth is that one day, each one of us will face the Judge and will give an account for our lives. Hamas and its allies will have to give an account; the nations will give an account; the government of Israel will also give an account. No one is exempt from standing before the Judge!”

I would like to expand on this idea of the judgment of the nations, and the fact that they will give an account to the Almighty regarding Israel, as well as to explore what the Word says about this, and what can each of us needs to do about it. Once again, I find it interesting that this series of blogs on this specific scripture (which I had planned weeks before the war broke out in Gaza) coincides with events, which are happening today. There are no coincidences in God’s economy!

During this past week, the Israeli government announced its decision to annex about 1,000 acres of what is called by the world, “Palestinian Land”, into Judea and Samaria. The swift condemnation came from all parts of the political spectrum, led by the US and Europe. Jennifer Psaki, the spokesperson for the US Department of State, released a statement saying, “We are deeply concerned about Israel’s plans to seize a large area to be used for expanded settlement building… We have long made clear our opposition to continued settlement activity. We call on the government of Israel to reverse this decision.”

The EU released a similar condemnation: “We condemn the new appropriation of land in the West Bank, relating to plans for further settlement expansion, announced by the Israeli government on Sunday,” continuing with, “Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to render the two-state solution impossible. The EU reiterates that it will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties.”

The nations are angry with Israel, and are increasing pressure on Israel to not only stop building in Judea and Samaria (which is land Israel won in the 1967 war, but never completely annexed), but also to give up more land for “peace”. One needs to note and understand that when we hear talks about giving up more land, this will include parts of Jerusalem as well.

When I write about this, I get angry, as I am sure many of my readers do. Just from the point of view of what just happened between Israel and Hamas and its different terror allies, one may wonder why Israel should give up any more land for “peace”. The disengagement from Gaza was, and still is, a very painful wound for many of us here in Israel; it divided our nation, and fostered a lot of anger between Israelis. Yet, Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in hopes of peace, and as we recently witnessed, instead of peace, we got terror and war in return…and more war will come as promised by Hamas’ leadership.

However, we need to understand that the world is spiritually blind to the truth, and they cannot see, just as a blind person cannot see where he walks, so is the world. The fact is that God’s Word indicates that the Land – HIS Land – will be divided. God’s Word also says that the nations will force Israel to do so, and will be judged as a result:

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations, and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.” Joel 3:2

So what can we do? We can pray! Pray for:

–       Wisdom for our leaders (Each person his/her nation).

–       Pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness for your nation.

–       Pray that God will remove the veil from the eyes of the people of the world.

You can also take a strong stand against the world’s pressure on Israel. You can share with others the truth of what is really happening and the truth of God’s word. Remember that each of us will give an account for all we have – and have not – done.

Make it right with God today; make sure your heart is in the right place and continue to follow Him in the difficult days that lay ahead.

Shabbat Shalom,

Moran