The United Nations: An Institution Corrupted

The UN was established in 1945 with lofty ideals of promoting peace and justice. Yet, as commentator Melanie Phillips so aptly observes, its focus has shifted over the decades into what she has called in a recent article, an "obsessional malice against Israel." This malice is evident in the litany of condemnations, resolutions, and actions disproportionately targeting the only democracy in the Middle East.

Consider recent events: the International Criminal Court (ICC), an arm of the UN's international legal apparatus, issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes. This move, is built on what Phillips calls a foundation of "malevolent falsehoods," - and it is just the latest example of the UN's efforts to delegitimise Israel.

Twisting Truth into Lies

The absurdity of these accusations is staggering. Genocide is defined as the intentional annihilation of a people - an act openly pursued by Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah against Israel. Yet, the UN accuses Israel, which has gone to unprecedented lengths to protect civilian lives in Gaza, of the very crimes committed against it.

According to population estimates by Statista 2024, rather than decreasing the population in Gaza is said to have grown by 2% over the course of the Israel Hamas conflict. So much for Genocide.

The hypocrisy is breathtaking. While the UN singles out Israel for supposed war crimes, it turns a blind eye to the true atrocities committed by tyrannical regimes among its own member states. This echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah, who lamented, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20).

From 2015 through 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted 164 resolutions on Israel and 84 on all other countries in the world put together.

Now, to be clear, we are not saying the Israeli state in its current guise is perfect, nor is it above moral corruption itself. In fact only when Jesus Christ returns will this change, however there does seem to be an unprecedented targeting of Israel by the nations.

A Spiritual Perspective

From a Biblical standpoint, the hostility of the nations against Israel is no surprise. 

• In latter day prophecies we read of how the natians will come against God’s people of Israel. For example:
• In Zech 14:2 we read that all natians will come against Jerusaelm to battle
• In Ezekiel 38:12 we read of these nations coming “To take a spoil, and to take a prey” and that they come “upon the people that are gathered out of the nations”
• In Joel 3:2 we are told God gatheres these nations in order to “plead (or judge) with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel”

The United Nations, as an assembly of these natians exemplifies the spirit of these prophecies. Its actions reveal a deeper spiritual reality: the world's rebellion against God's plan and a hatred of His people, Israel.

Israel: Central to God’s Purpose

The Bible teaches that Israel is central to God’s purpose with the earth. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew” (Romans 11:2). Despite centuries of persecution, Israel has survived and been regathered to its land in fulfilment of prophecy (Ezekiel 37:21-22). This remarkable restoration stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and a precursor to the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

However, this regathering has brought Israel into conflict with the nations—a scenario foretold in Zechariah 12:2-3:
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about... And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces.”

The animosity of the United Nations toward Israel can be understood as part of this "burdening." Yet, just as the prophet declared, those who oppose God’s purpose will ultimately fail.

Ultimately the destiny of the people of Israel will be to become the subjects of God’s Kingdom, once again restored on the earth (Acts 1:6, 1 Chronicles 28:5, Micah 4:8). This will happen when the Lord Jesus Christ will return to save them from the terrible invasion of their land from the nations. He will return and sit on “the throne of his Father David” (Luke 1:32) in Jerusalem. The Kingdom will eventually spread across the whole earth and the prophecy of Revelation 11:15 will have been accomplished:
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever!”

A Call to Watchfulness

For Bible students, the current situation serves as a powerful reminder to watch and remain vigilant. 

As the UN continues its assault on Israel, it inadvertently fulfills prophecy, demonstrating the truth of God’s Word and the certainty of His plan.

Let us remain steadfast in our faith, confident that "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14). 

May we always pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and for the day when Christ will reign as King of Kings, bringing true justice and peace to a weary world.

Join us again next week, God willing, for another Bible in the News