As students of Bible prophecy we are looking for the conditions the prophets have defined will exist before Jesus returns to the earth to establish God’s Kingdom.

In the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 we read of the time period of “the latter days”. This is the time when the Jews have returned to their land after a long period of dispersion. We believe this relates to our day for it is only from 1948 that anyone could credibly say the Jewish peoples had revived again as a nation in the territory of their ancient homeland. Ever since then, despite conflict and difficulties they have returned and flourished in the land of their forefathers.

The prophecy speaks about an invasion which takes place - nations from the areas of Russia, Europe, North Africa and the far East - attack the Jews living in Israel during which God acts to defend his people, the Jews. Connecting this prophecy with others such as Zechariah 14, Revelation 16 and Joel 3, we know that this is speaking of the the return of Jesus Christ and his visible manifestation on the earth. He will be the one who will defend Israel, destroy the invaders and establish himself as King over the Kingdom of God in Jerusalem. The dominion of the Kingdom will then spread across the world as nation after nation acknowledge him as their sovereign King.

As it says in the prophec of Psalm 72:11:
“Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.”

Dwelling Safely

Just before the invasion of Isreal though, the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 speaks about the people of the land of Israel “dwelling safely [or confidently]” (v11&28). Its the Hebrew word “beṭaḥ”.

Currently of course the land is certainly not dwelling safely - nor has it really done so since the nation was born in 1948.

In recent years the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza has been constantly launching rockets into Israel on a daily basis. The recent conflict, sparked by the terrorist attacks on October 7th last year is another case in point.
So something has to change for the people of Israel to be “dwelling safely”.

For many years the Israelis have attempted diplomacy. In fact in 2005 they withdrew from Gaza completely. Gaza is not occupied by Israel. The Palestinian peoples though elected Hamas - a decision which eventually led to the horrific attacks on Jewish civilians in October and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by the Israeli army.

Hamas Charter

Hamas’ charter, also known as  “The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement” was issued on August 18, 1988 and has not changed since then.

Within it, it states:

"The land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf [Holy Possession] consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgment Day. No one can renounce it or any part, or abandon it or any part of it." (Article 11)
"Palestine is an Islamic land... Since this is the case, the Liberation of Palestine is an individual duty for every Moslem wherever he may be." (Articl e 13)
"The day the enemies usurp part of Moslem land, Jihad becomes the individual duty of every Moslem. In the face of the Jews' usurpation, it is compulsory that the banner of Jihad be raised." (Article 15)
"Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it." (Preamble)

Its clear from this aggressive stance that any diplomatic attempt with the Palestinians is not going to end in peace without the ideology of Hamas being removed. Its impossible for the situation described in the Bible to exist whilst groups like Hamas hold sway in the area.
Therefore the recent war between Israel and Hamas is of great interest to the Bible student.

Israel rejects Hamas Deal

Its interesting then as we watch events unfold. Unlike previous incursions into Gaza this recent war seems different. 

In response to the Oct 7th attacks, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declared “We will take mighty vengeance for this wicked day”. He has repeatedly stated the goal of “destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities.” (30.10.2023 gov.il) The Israelis resisted for some time the international pressure for a cease fire. At the end of October Netanyahu was quoted to have said “…the Bible says that 'there is a time for peace and a time for war.' This is a time for war. A war for our common future,” (30.10.2023 AA). It seems the Israelis are committed to dismantling Hamas in order to bring peace.

And this assumption seems to be playing out.

This last week Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, rejected a peace proposal from Hamas.

The Mail Online reported this in an article entitled “Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Hamas' 'delusional' hostage deal proposal and insists 'total victory' is the only path to peace” dated 8th February.

The report went on to say: “Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas's 'delusional' proposal for a hostage deal last night and pledged a 'total victory' was the only path to peace. The Israeli Prime Minister slammed the terrorists' demands as 'bizarre' and said to agree to them would 'only invite another massacre' when they are 'a finger away from a decisive victory’... the terror group demands also call for a complete withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza and would effectively allow Hamas to rebuild its military and remain in power.

It also states that a third of Palestinians freed in exchange for the hostages would be those handed life sentences. Mr Netanyahu responded unequivocally, stating: 'Surrendering to Hamas' delusional demands that we heard now not only won't lead to freeing the captives, it will just invite another massacre.' 'We are on the way to an absolute victory,' Netanyahu said, adding that the operation would last months, not years. 'There is no other solution,' he said as he called for the 'total elimination of Hamas.' He ruled out any arrangement that leaves Hamas in full or partial control of Gaza and said that Israel is the 'only power' capable of guaranteeing security in the long term.”

It seems then Israel is on the cusp of victory and in removing Hamas from power. Could this then pave the way for them “dwelling safely” as the prophets of the Bible have told us they would?

Ultimate peace is coming

We know from our studies that ultimate peace will only be possible when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth. In Isa 9:6 he has the title “The Prince of Peace”.

It is only after the great battle with the nations and the establishment of the Kingdom that peace will truly be experienced by God’s people of Israel.

Ezekiel 28 tells us about that time “Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. And they shall dwell safely (beṭaḥ) therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence (beṭaḥ), when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them rounad about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.” 

So we watch and wait for that day, with Bibles in hand knowing that God’s kingdom is coming soon.

Join us again next week for another Bible in the News