ISRAEL’S ENEMIES REVEALED

by

Gerald K. Duckett

Throughout the course of human history the Jew has been the special target of attack by cruel and oppressive nations that have surrounded the land of Israel. It is nothing new, nor is the persecution of the Jew something unexpected. The Hebrew prophets repeatedly warned of such troubles. History is replete with examples of the horrors the Jews have endured.

The present is also full of anti-Semitic terrorism. It has almost become commonplace to read of synagogues, schools, homes and Jewish organizations being threatened or besieged by thoughtless, hateful groups or individuals who think they are doing the world a favor by physically exhibiting their malice toward the earthly Chosen People of God.

Let it be said at the outset that true, Bible-believing people do not condone such insane actions! But the real question is, "Will the persecutions and injustices directed toward the Jew and Israel ever cease?"

The prophets have told us that Israel can fully expect more and intense times of trouble in the years ahead. Psalm 83 states very accurately the attitudes of nations, particularly in the Middle East, in the years yet future. According to the Bible those nations are saying: "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance."

The Psalmist goes on to identify those nations that have committed themselves to the obliteration of Israel: Edom, Moab, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia and Assyria. An even more inclusive list is published by the Prophet Ezekiel in chapters 30-32. They are: Egypt, Asshur, Elam, Meshech and Tubal, Edom, the Sidonians, Ethiopia, Put, Lud, and Cub. These nations are all geographical neighbors of Israel.

Let us identify these ancient nations spoken of by the Psalmist and the prophet. There is no doubt as to the identity of Egypt. The real question is what will happen to the present-day attempt at bringing peace between Israel and Egypt? The answer from a Biblical standpoint is that any peace treaty will be broken. We know not when, but we do know it will take place; it is a matter of infallible utterance from the Lord through the pages of Holy Scripture.

Asshur is the Hebrew name of ancient Assyria. This nation was made of a combination of Syria and Iraq. The intriguing thing about Assyria (Asshur) is that while it does not presently exist as a unity, talks have been underway since 1979 to re-unite Syria and Iraq into one nation under the "new" name Assyria.

Elam is another ancient name for modern Iran, also known in Scripture as Persia. There is certainly no doubt as to the hatred of the Iranians toward Israel. It is widely accepted that Meshech and Tubal refer to Russia and Turkey. Dreadful things will happen when this vast horde invades Israel in the Latter Days to "cover the Land" (Ezekiel 38).

Edom relates to the land south and east of Israel. As you trace Israel’s history you will find that she has always had problems with the anti-Semites of that portion of the world (Numbers 20:18; Psalm 137:7).

The Sidonians of old are the people of Lebanon who are constantly attacking the northern outposts and cities of the Holy Land.

Ethiopia is not that nation situated on the horn of Africa but the eastern part of the Sinai peninsula. It is the same place to which Moses retreated after slaying the Egyptian and was known in his day as Midian. It was from this Arabic region that Moses took to himself an "Ethiopian" wife.

Last, there are Put, Lud and Cub that make up Libya, Algeria and the western coastal portion of Turkey. The proximity of these countries to Israel can be easily be seen on the map. Their full fury has yet to be unleashed against the Promised Land and there is still much suffering ahead for God’s Chosen People.

But in the end, the Lord will honor His commitments and covenants with His people. Those angry nations who vent their hatred against Israel must face the inevitable judgment of the thrice-holy God. The utter destruction and subjection of these middle-eastern anti-Jewish nations is the promise of God: "And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed" (Ezekiel 30:3-8.)

In the meantime, what may you do to help make Israel’s lot easier? The Psalmist enjoins us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." The promise to those who love the Land and are concerned for it and its people is: "They shall prosper that love thee" (Psalm 122:6).

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