A Demonic Assault on Israel

On October 2023, Hamas conducted a demonic assault on Israel. The perpetrators were described by an IDF official as “savage animals.” Yet animal predators generally only kill to survive; they don’t take particular delight in the kind of bloodlust the world witnessed.

I’m not going to catalogue these; everyone knows how to do their own research. But here’s what Justin Peters wrote on X (formerly Twitter),

This is not normal human animosity. The hatred Hamas and its supporters and enablers (a few of whom are in the US Congress) have towards the Jewish people is a demonic hatred. This level of barbarism and degeneracy is nothing short of demonic… Satan and his fellow fallen angels know the scriptures. They know God has a plan for Israel (Romans 11) and they hate it. They know their doom is sure… and it is.

I agree! In fact Charles Lee Feinberg identified antisemitism as satanic in origin.

Déjà vu

Probably the less I say here, the better. The responses were predictable. The world knew Israel would retaliate. There were instant cries for restraint, and excuses for Hamas’ actions. The inevitable “Free Palestine” placards were waved around the world; “Gas the Jews” etc.

There were protests and marches with Palestinian flags being waved in several nations. Several voices openly wondered if Israel’s problem with Hamas had now been dropped at their doorstep—yes, it has! Will nations wake up?

Amidst the predictable laments about Israeli oppression and stolen land, it saddened me that several Reformed Christians found it necessary (at the same time) to assert that the church is true Israel. One person pointed people to O. Palmer Robertson’s supersessionist book, “The Israel of God.”

What motivates a Christian to do this in such a moment? One of Covenant Theology’s saddest failings (in my opinion) is its view that Israel has been replaced. I’ve covered Replacement Theology in past columns. See more links below.

Quotes

I strongly believe that a true child of God will have a distinct, persistent (though often anguished) love for the Jewish people notwithstanding their unbelief. ~ Barry Horner (Future Israel)

I might show you by scriptural evidence that the Jews will probably first be gathered in an unconverted state, though humbled, and will afterwards be taught to look to Him whom they have pierced, through much tribulation. ~ J C Ryle

It is high time for Christians to interpret unfulfilled prophecy by the light of prophecies already fulfilled. The curses of the Jews were brought to pass literally: so also will be the blessings. The scattering was literal: so also will be the gathering. The pulling down of Zion was literal: so also will be the building up. The rejection of Israel was literal: so also will be the restoration. ~ Ryle (Are You Ready For the End Time?)

I believe that God’s purpose regarding our world can only be understood by understanding God’s purpose as to Israel. I believe that all human calculations as to the earth’s future, whether political or scientific, or philosophical or religious, must be failures, if not taking for their data or basis God’s great purpose regarding the latter-day standing of Israel… ~ Horatius Bonar

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget its skill! Psalm 137:5

See also Jeremiah 31:31-37, 33:1-26; Ezekiel 36:22-27; Amos 9:14-15 etc

No lasting peace until Messiah returns

Understandably, there have been cries for peace. However, there never has been or will be true peace, because the heart is desperately wicked (Jer 17:9; 2 Tim 3:1-17).

According to GotQuestions,

World peace is a beautiful ideal, but one that will be realized only when Jesus returns (Revelation 21:4). Until that time, peace throughout the world will never occur.

And until that time we are called to go out into the world and proclaim the gospel to the lost.

Maranatha!