54 Responses

1. Absolutely awesome. I was waiting for a post from you in regards to this news of late. And as I read, I felt quickened to praise the Lord. The Holy One of Israel. How times have become so critical its frightening, yet encouraging. As the Lords Word, is coming to pass right before our very eyes. The scriptures we’ve been podering over and over again,diligently praying for, and studying are now beginning to unfold. Amen. I Never would have guessed how soon Turkeys presence in the region would become so apparent. Right now, all this talk of NATO backing Turkey’s every wish in regards to Patriot missles/Syria is something I feel is going to usher in the Caliphate.

2. Joel…

   As I reflected on this latest entry regarding a future Palestinian State, I began to wonder…when does this Palestinian State become created and who or what authoritative body declares this so? These may be unanswerable questions right now. Would this created Palestinian State happen during the last seven years of this age? Before? Does the “Mahdi/Caliph” make this declaration, the inept United Nations or some other yet to be determined authority? And would the declaration of this Palestinian State cause Israel to seek protection from this state threat (i.e., Palestine) to their existence by going to the Caliph for such a security agreement i.e., “the treaty of death” per the Prophet Isaiah?

3. Joel, thanks for the post. I could not agree more, the church in the western world needs to wake up and stand with Israel for God. The time is short. Jesus is coming soon.

4. Good4U,

   Daniel 11:38-39 says that the Antichrist will divide the land of the God of Israel for gain. So to answer your question, while I cannot say definitively, it would stand to reason that Palestine gains Statehood in the last 7 years. However, keep in mind that the Bible does not say for what gain the land is divided. So it is possible that Palestine gets Statehood before then and the Glorious Land is divided for some other gain.

   Bottom line here, is that Palestine’s statehood is not a sign to come. It is more or less an aside.

   Joel, correct me if you see different.

5. Joel, here in Norway, the support to the terrorists of Hamas and PLO have been very strong in the media and among the politicians in recent years. Remember that Norway stands behind the terrible and ungodly Oslo agreement. And Norway gave Alfred Nobel Peace Prize to the terrorist Yasser Arafat. The man who have most Jewish blood on his hands in modern times after Hitler and Stalin. I’m ashamed of how Norway treats Israel and I believe the Lord’s judgment will also affect Norway.

6. Thanks Ron for your response. Palestinian Statehood is not necessarily a biblical sign to indicate God moving His plan forward to indicate the end of this age per se…but nonetheless a very important parenthesis in overall Middle East policy. It is no small matter, especially to Israel. The question of the Palestinians is just a convenient tool to cause Israel grief for those who despise her. So then if you are correct, Ron, it will the the Antichrist who grants Statehood to Palestine, not the United Nations. I can’t help but wonder if the Palestinian Statehood issue will be the catalyst for the security agreement between Antichrist and Israel which the Prophet Isaiah warns his people not to enter into such a “death treaty.”

   Joel, when time permits in your schedule…I would love for you to weigh in with your learned opinion on this question. Thanks so much.

7. I expect Palestinian statehood in first half of the 7 year covenant, it will make possible the “Peace and safety” soon to occur just before the “sudden dstruction” of the Great Tribulation in the second half (1 Thess 5:3).

   Another similar passage is Amos 1:6-8. Jews will be taken captive and sold as slaves to Edom and to the Greeks in the second half (Joel 3:5-6).

8. Even though they are a minority, for I recall reading in the Jerusalem post, just before the US Presidential election, 15% of respondents said that a Romney Presidency is what they favour – I submit that the best solution forward is what FDR had in mind for Vietnam, and it being applied where needed.

   Joel, what do you have when it comes to the Shepherds and Commanders, that Micah mentions in Micah, chapter 5, because I can see them playing more than one role.

   I’ve asked a professor over at Brandeis university (a while back I asked him about Nebudchadnezzar, and the chapter where he praises the God of Daniel), about this, and I am waiting for his reply.

   Blessings!

9. When you interviewed Adan Octar ( Harun Yahya ) about the how the mahdi will spread islam does he have scripture to back up his claim that he would spread it by peace or do the islamic traditions say otherwise?

10. Sorry to keep goin off topic but im trying to learn about the quran and its manuscript history. I was wondering if you can provide us with a sermon on this topic after your studies and readings of the scholaly book I see that your studing on your web site. Thank yoy sir sorry for any inconvience.

11. Wouldn’t you know that Israel’s latest defensive war against the Hamas minions would result somehow in a setback for Israel? Why should all but a handful of the world’s nations recognize Palestine after what Israel has just had to endure? But, truthfully, hasn’t this kind of craziness been in the works since the days of George H.W. Bush when somehow he saw a logical connection between ousting Sadaam Hussein from Kuwait and getting Israel to cede land for “peace” by getting Israel to the Madrid Peace Conference? No matter what happens in the Middle East these stupid linkages are going to occur. Linkages that hurt Israel, especially, and strengthen and embolden the enemies of us all. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

12. Aaron, I found the information from the link below, which is a sermon by John McArthur, to be quite informative regarding Islam and the antichrist.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sci_WFp8ec

13. It is difficult for anyone to ignore the United States of America as being one of the major entities which bring about a Palestinian state in Israel. We have been pushing for this far too long. Romney had agreed to a “two state” solution which is in opposition to the will of God. In 1945 Franklin Roosevelt assured the Arabs there would be NO state of Israel at all as long as he was president. He died only seven days after sending a letter to the crown prince agreeing in writing to this and getting assurance S.A. would sell America their oil.
    Our leaders who believe in ‘replacement theology’ (a doctrine of demons)do not believe Israel has any right to the land they are in; this is FOOLISH! Psalm 105:7 – 11 says the covenant God made with Israel concerning the land is: “forever,” “for a thousand generations,” and “an everlasting covenant.” Judgment comes to anyone who dares to “part,” [divide] GOD’S land, (Joel 3:2).

14. I think Canada, and not America will be one of the mighty nations that will stand by Israel in the end times

15. The Czech Republic could be instrumental too, on the side of Israel. They voted “no” on the UN resolution to recognize Palestine, demonstrating amazing courage. So did some of the Islands in the South Pacific. The 8 or 9 nations, including the U.S., who stood with Israel in this might be of more significance prophetically than we presently understand.

16. Joel,

    If the Palestinians were to repent en masse, what should they actually do once this happens? Are you saying that they should give up their homes and lands and leave them to Israelis, and go where? Would they have the right to live in peace with Israel in the (their) land or is that scripturally forbidden? Is that what you are really advocating to them? I wonder if Americans would ever do this if we wanted to restore the ancestral lands of the Indians….?

    “So while it is clear that Jesus comes back to stand with and defend the oppressed and persecuted nation of Israel, perhaps even more shocking to some is the fact that the Bible also specifically describes the utter devastation and judgment of Gaza and the whole of the Palestinian territory.”

    The picture you have painted of God defending oppressed and persecuted Israel who is surrounded by unjust nations who are killing them is not really accurate of the current situation. The Israeli armed forces kill far far more Palestinians than the other way around. The differential in victims is huge. Israel is a nuclear power, it has gun ships, tanks, machine guns. The Palestinians are poorly armed and no match. In fact the picture is probably more accurate if you looked at it the other way around – hand on heart and being truly objective. It is factually correct to say that the Palestinians are oppressed and persecuted by Israel far more than Israel is by the Palestinians. If you don’t believe that then you need to research what is going on inside the occupied territories everyday.

    Lastly, how much certainty should you have about applying these verses to this time? How much is this purely speculation? Could not some of the verses also have applied to the time when Israel was demolished by the Romans and abandoned? At that time the population was made to leave and the region was probably emptied.

17. Deanae,

    Please consider what I am saying very seriously. The repentance I am speaking of is anti-Semitism and hatred of Jews. In the case of Hamas, it would be to repent of the vows within own charter to literally annihilate and drive out every Jew. Have you ever read the charter of Hamas? Its more vile than anything Adolph Hitler ever wrote. You speak of the amount of deaths that occur during military exchanges, but this is not the issue. Praise God the more moral side is stronger militarily. The issue is when they take polls and ask the Palestinians if they would like to see every Jewish man, woman, and child killed and driven out, what percentage say yes. One recent poll found that over 70% said that they support suicide bombing to kill Jews. This is not a people who deserve a state of their own, not when they already live in a state of psychosis of their own choosing. So the issue is not which side has more fire-power, as you suggest, but which side has more genocidal hatred versus neighborly qualities. Israel as a nation has shown more restraint, more compassion, and more love for their enemies than any other people in human history. If the Palestinian people were to repent as I speak of, and serve the God of Israel, then the two peoples could easily live side by side in harmony. Palestinians would not need to leave. But when you have an overwhelming majority who wish to kill Jews, who continue to inordinately launch missiles into civilian neighborhoods, who continue their eternal war to kill the Jews, then it is the rest of the World who is not being realistic when they demand that Israel accept them as neighbors as a fully functioning state. Does God love the Palestinians as much as He loves the Jews? Of course! And this is precisely why my prayer is that they would all repent and serve the God of Israel.

    Blessings

18. When Jewish people reject Jesus as Messiah, what “holy nation” are they excluded from?

    When Jewish people accept Jesus as Messiah, what “holy nation” are they included in?

    Isn’t the “holy nation” that Jews who accept Jesus as Messiah are included in the very same “holy nation” that Palestinians (a.k.a. Gentiles) are included in when they accept Jesus?

    God has made a very specific political stance. And in God’s timing, the elect Jews and Gentiles who currently have not accepted Jesus will get on board – just as Jews and Gentiles have done for 2000 years.

19. What do you see as conditions necessary for a peaceful settlement between Jews and Palestinians or with the Arab world at large? Or do you think any agreement is against the will of God? “Serving the God of Israel” still has a lot of ambiguity in it. Does that mean the Arab world should convert to Judaism or convert to Christianity? Would convertion allow Palestinians or Arabs to live in Israel ? Do you think a peace settlement outside this convertion scenario is permissible as per the will of God? What do you consider the boundarys of the land which God has given sole right to the Jews to possess as a birthright ? Or in other words, what population of the Arab should convert before which a peace settlement becomes valid? Lots of questions comes up and is a bit of confusing here. Hope you could shed more light on your views.

20. Thank you sonique1 for your words. I submit that Canada’s future will be with closer co-ordination with countries that were in the British Empire, and I conclude from this group will come some of the Shepherds and Commanders that are mentioned in the fifth chapter of the prophecy of Micah.

    Take a look at “Jews, God & History” by Max Dimont, especially early one, where he details the different faces, or schools, of history. Martin Buber is mentioned, and I thank God that he has more in common with Nikolai Berdyaev, Jacques Maritain, and Paul Tillich, than with the founders of the Muslim Brotherhood.

21. Joel, I agree that there is probably support amongst a majority of Palestinians for suicide bombers against Israelis (although not necessarily against Jews). What you have not explained is why this is. You are presenting this as if it was an irrational demonic hatred of Jews. I’m sure that there is a demonic element in any hatred against another nation, or people group, however to characterise Palestinians like this is to completely erase the daily conditions under which they live in the occupied territories. I honestly think you should go and find out how this population has experienced Israeli occupation and rule, the daily humiliations, the economic conditions, the traumas from childhood upwards, the bullying at check points, the land taken by force by settlers, the disproportionate responses of the IDF, the innocent people killed in Israeli reprisals, the Israeli refusal to engage in a genuine peace process, the denial of even a right to be recognised as a country or state etc.

    What I am saying is that when you get the true picture the situation is much more complex than you present here. As Christians aren’t we obliged to present the truth and look objectively at these issues?

    Check out another perspective here which is put together by young people living in Palestine who do not support Hamas, are not particularly religious and do not like Fatah. Checkout Gaza Youth Break Out on Facebook

22. Deanne,

    You have swallowed the propaganda. Typically, you place the onus of blame on the Israelis. While the Israelis are far from perfect, the “disproportion” here is entirely with reagrd to the level of criticism they receive from the World, in light of the almost inhuman restraint, compassion, and generosity of the Jewish people toward those who overwhelmingly wish to kill them.

    The boilerplate claim is that if not for the “occupation” all would be well. Yet the specific command / prophesy that is part of the Hamas charter and which guides this demonic hatred of Jews is from the hadith which states:

    “The day of resurrection will not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and kill them, until only a few Jews will be left hiding behind a tree or a rock, and the tree or the rock will cry out, ‘Oh faithful Muslims, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill them.'”

    This hadith was “inspired” when there was no Jewish state. Where did it come from? No Jews were oppressing any Muslims in the early days of Islam.

    If one is unable to recognize a demonic agenda against the Jews essentially from their inception as a people, then I suppose that blaming them for their own ills would be the logical path to take. Either they are evil and deserving of their own very long history of persecution or they have been persecuted specifically because of their election and history indeed will culminate around the “controversy of Zion” as Isaiah says. Unfortunately, you have chosen the former view.

    Back to the Palestinian people: Again, they will have peace when the majority repent of wanting to kill their neighbors. Its extremely simple. As for that tiny minority of Palestinians who utterly reject Hamas and Fatah, and who reject violence toward their neighbors, God bless them. Unfortunately, until they become the majority, they will continue to be victims of their leadership and the majority who follow their hatred. When you whitewash this simple matter and the disproportionate measure of hatred and violence, as you do, you only empower it. Hatred must be confronted. I pray you will likewise repent and find it in your heart to do.

    Blessings

23. I would also like to add that this conflict goes back much further than most “anti-Israel” perspectives wish to acknowledge. The “Palestinian” desire to kill the Jews goes back to before Israel declared its independence in 1948. It goes back to Arab outrage which caused the mandate for a homeland for the Jewish people to be cut down to a third of its original size, the other two thirds becoming Jordan. It goes back to the Arab leaders in the remaining section forming alliances with Hitler to wipe out the Jews in the Middle East as was occurring in Europe. It goes back to the Arab nations displacing the “Palestinians” in 1948 in order to eradicate the Jews, and when that failed, refusing to give them aid for the express purpose of creating an international propaganda machine known as the “Arab refugee”. It goes back to that same Jordanian nation illegally taking what was supposed to be “Palestinian ” land and making it Jordan, but refusing to allow the Palestinians to occupy it so that the “plight of the refugee” might continue to be an international anti-Zionist meme.

    As Joel said, Israel is not perfect in its handling of all the situations (what nation is, and if perfection were the criteria, how could any nation function?), but Israel’s sins are by no means the cause of the “Palestinian” plight. That plight was self-inflicted long ago and aided by its supposed “friends.”

24. Palestinians were a maritime people from the area of Crete and the Aegean Isles, known as Caphtor in ancient times. They invaded Egypt in the 12th century B.C. and later were driven out to where they settled in southwest Canaan, a land given to the 12 tribes of Israel.

    It takes two to tangle; both sides are guilty of war crimes. Isaiah 1:1-24 is a prophecy on modern day Israel. God takes no pleasure on their sacrifices held in the third temple soon to be built (vs 11-14). Their hands “are full of blood” (15) and Jerusalem has “become a harlot” where “murderers” live. Another scripture is Isa 59 where they “shed innocent blood” and “ruin and destruction mark their way” (NIV). Zep 3:1-5 applies to Jerusalem when Jesus walked the earth.

    I believe an all out war in the Middle East is necessary before a peaceful settlement between Israel and her enemies. Don’t be surprised if chemical and nuclear bombs are exchanged in the coming war. The threat of extinction will shock both sides into wanting peace. Most likely this false peace will permit the building of the third temple and Jacob’s trouble soon afterwards.

    Israel is surrounded by unjust nations who want to destroy her, she must defend herself against all these aggressors until God allows Gog’s invasion. Israel is “like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of cucumbers” (Isa 1:8).

    Arabs, as a whole, need not convert to Judaism or Christianity for a peaceful Middle East settlement. Eze 38:8, 11, 14 refers to the false peace in the land when Israel’s enemies attack her from all directions. This invasion is the beginning of the Tribulation that ends with the return of Christ to destroy Israel’s enemies and establish lasting peace. This is when Arabs and all nations will worship the God of Israel.

25. Joel,

    I could respectfully say the same thing about propaganda – its just that yours is Israeli propaganda. I am looking at history without any particular ideological or religious lens. However if we are discussing alleged Islamic anti-Semitism, taking the wide view of history, hatred against the Jews was not a historical feature of Islam. The Jews lived side by side with the Muslims for centuries, and when Spain became a fully “Christian” land under the Visigoths many of the Jews left to live with the Muslims because they were not persecuted by them like they were under the “Christians”. The persecution against Jews historically kicked off in modern times in 1948 in reaction to the Arab Israeli war, and there was a mass exodus to Israel of displaced Jews.

    You have still air brushed out the experiences of injustice, suffering and humiliation by the Palestinians. It all looks demonic if you discount the injustices that have occurred to the Palestinians. But when you factor in the injustices and the daily humiliations that Palestinians live under then the anger and hatred makes more sense, and is less irrational and demonic.

    Hamas didn’t use to be in power, they are now in power as a result of a hardening of attitudes after the failure of every previous peace attempt. We know historically that when people are not given hope then the extremists take over. I think if you check the record Israel has never stopped taking Palestinian land during any of the peace deals previously mooted. In other words Joel, whether the Palestinians wanted to have a peace deal or not, they would have to accept that Israelis could kick Palestinian farmers off their land at gun point under the protection of the Israeli army. Israel has never stopped taking and building on it. Even last week the government expanded its building programme to jeopardise the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. In other words even if the Palestinians repented of their hatred against Israel they would have to accept the fact that their people would continue to be expelled from land to make room for settlers. What actually is the offer on the table from Israel? How would Americans respond to this if this was their situation? Call to arms?

    The fact that you do not understand the injustices that are behind the Palestinian grievances is played out in your writings and perspectives quite often. For example, in another article you have contrasted the strong Turkish reaction to a stray missile from Syria into their borders to their support for Hamas in the missiles that they fire on Israel. You equate the two situations as if they were the same. However, you have not taken into account that from a Turkish point of view Turkey is not occupying Syria, controlling its population with military check points, imposing an economic blockade, and driving Syrians off their land.

    Joel, I’d like to respectfully invite you to really find out what the life is like for Palestinians in the territories in your studies of the region. There are too many preconceptions out there in the US media about what is or isn’t the case.

    Blessings

26. Deanne,

    Actually Turkey does occupy Kurdish land and does persecute the Kurdish people. But lets not let facts get in our way…

    Having lived in Israel, as well as the West Bank, Egypt and Jordan in the early 90’s, and having watched various pro-Palestinian / anti-Israel documentaries, etc. I am quite familiar with the reality on the ground. I have sat with Arabs, Druzies and Jews. I do not claim that Israel is perfect. But it is an issue of proportion of blame. Do Palestinians experience suffering? Of course. But who is primarily to blame. In light of the reality of some of what we have discussed, if the answer is anything other than the Palestinian leadership both political and religious of the past 60 + years, who have promoted hatred on a systemic level, then the one answering is either highly ignorant or an outright anti-Semite. Your repeated justification and excuse making for violence and hatred, and your inability to recognize what you are justifying, is quite frankly disgusting and places you in the latter category of an anti-Semite. I have little doubt that your mind will ever be changed. Hatred is not an easy thing to root out. I would also invite you to consider Andrew Bostom’s The Legacy of Islamic Anti-Semitism as well as Alan Dershowitz’s book The Case for Israel and his documentary of the same title.

    There never came against Israel a more antagonistic nation. They oppress us with the most oppressive measures to lessen our number, reduce us, and make us as despicable as they themselves are. King David, may he rest in peace, saw through Divine Inspiration all the calamities that were destined to come upon Israel. Nevertheless [even though he saw all the other troubles], he still began to shout out and lament in the name of the whole nation against the oppression that would be occasioned by the Ishmaelites. David said, “Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!” [Psalms 120:5]. —Maimonides in reference to Muslim anti-Semitic persecution, 12th century

27. Joel,

    I’m sorry, it is with great respect that I have to correct you about the allegation that I am anti Semitic and hateful. I may not share your political views or perspective but it is deeply offensive to call someone anti Semitic and hateful. It is shocking how quickly this is used against people who don’t agree with Israeli foreign policy. I don’t have an iota of anti Semitism in me.

    Neither have I made any excuses for violence. I am trying to explain that you cannot accurately and fairly comment on the conflict without understanding the injustices on both sides and not just focus on the one. People don’t fire rockets into Israel just because they have a demonic anti Semitic spirit rooted in Islam, but because – potentially – that person lost a brother, a father, a mother or even family from an Israeli attack. They might also think that they are defending their land from being taken over by “zionists” i.e. Israelis who want to take Palestine over, and this threat is real. Frankly – its not right – but Palestinians are not the first people to target civilians in a war. America, Britain, Russia and Germany all did the same thing only 60 years ago. I’m trying to suggest that demonizing one side or the other is a mistake. Israelis have made mistakes and committed injustices and so have the Palestinians.

    I agree that Palestinian leadership has been disastrous and led them into an abyss, but I think it is very difficult to argue that Israel has ever been serious about peace and has certainly contributed towards the situation it finds itself in. There are fundamental injustices underlying this conflict which you don’t acknowledge in your analysis.

    One can and should be able to defend the right of Israel to exist and believe that God has a purpose for natural Israel without necessarily airbrushing historical and current injustices out of the picture. One should also be able to hold honest views that question Israeli foreign policy without being accused of being anti Semitic.

    I’m sure you know there are Jewish people who don’t agree with Israeli foreign policy. In fact most Arabs themselves say that their argument is against “zionists” not Jews.

    You are entitled to your point of view, and I am entitled to mine. But lets not make judgements about the heart of another person by their political views.

    I bless you Joel even if we disagree

28. Deanne,

    I’m sure you believe yours is the more enlightened, nuanced, informed and compassionate position. I’m sure you view me as a typical, ignorant, uninformed, fundamentalist, right-wing, pro-war American, etc. I’m also sure you are convinced that the position you advocate for is not hateful or racist.

    I do not pretend to know anyone’s heart, but based on all that you have stated here, I see an overt anti-Semite.

29. Ok Joel, look, I have more respect for you than to think like that about you. I think that you are an amazing guy who has opened up a lot of revelation to the church and as with anything I will take what is good and weigh what I am not sure is 100% right. Even if your views are different on this issue your ministry has been amazing in advancing end time understanding, and preparing us for the days to come and I want to honour and thank you for that.

    However, I have never been called an “overt anti Semite” before. That’s a first!

    Blessings

30. people treat you the way you treat them. I would advise Hamas to stop shooting rockets and publically change their constitution, the bit about killing Jews. If you want them to treat you better, start by treating them better. Gorbechev dismantled the USSR in 5 years, and brought decades of hatred to and end (and for all you yanks, yes i DO dare to credit that to the russians ;-).

    I disagree with Jennings when he said that israel is not interested in serious peace. If theres 12 million of you and 1.6 billion of them, I think you’d be interested in peace.

    The land belongs to Israel. From the Nile to the Euphrates. God gave it to Abraham in Genesis 14:18 (says it a couple more times too), and when He comes again, He’s going to make sure it belongs to Israel (Is 19:24). It doesnt mean the people already living there will be ethnically cleansed….they’ll just be part of the country.
    This might seem too simple to a “complex issue”, but I do see things simply. God owns this earth. He does whatever He wants. He decides who gets what.

31. This Yank is fine with that. 🙂

    Although I would credit it to Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, President Reagan, and most of all the grace of God Almighty

32. The Middle East is caught up in a conflagration that is literally of Biblical proportions. The countries surrounding Israel are aligning against her, and Iran is poised to be the dominant power in the region.

    The Book of Zechariah predicts just such a scenario in Chapter 12, when the Holy Spirit through the prophet writes:

    Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, When they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. 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, Though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it… In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, And like a torch of fire in a sheaf; And they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: And Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

    Zechariah 12:2-3, 6, KJV

    Only God knows the time and the place, but events in the Middle East point to a fulfillment of prophecy. Now, more than ever, we need familiarize ourselves with the prophecies of Isaiah 17 and 19, Jeremiah 49, Psalm 83, and Ezekiel 38 and 39.

33. Giles,

    Yes I am afraid it is a bit simple to say that. Of course if the Palestinians stopped firing at Israel it would solve the problem for Israelis perfectly, but it wouldn’t solve the problem for Palestinians. Not unless Israel decided that they would like to either repatriate the 1 million refugees in camps or offer some sort of compensation to them, agreed to share Jerusalem, kicked Israeli settlers off the land they have taken and stopped letting them force Palestinians off their land, and allowed Palestine to become a nation state on land that frankly many here believe is given to Israel by divine right. I have not seen much evidence that Israel has been prepared to go that far to reach a peace agreement with its neighbours. But I agree that a unilateral cease fire would be a step forward, a confidence builder. I just don’t know if Israel is a serious partner for peace anymore than Hamas. I suspect that they would stay frozen in their current situation of occupation. But would like to see them do it anyway.

    Joel you state:
    “While the Israelis are far from perfect, the “disproportion” here is entirely with regard to the level of criticism they receive from the World, in light of the almost inhuman restraint, compassion, and generosity of the Jewish people toward those who overwhelmingly wish to kill them. ”

    I’d like to suggest that your analysis is based on a rather selective Israeli government account of the war. Here is another account by a Guardian journalist who reports that Israeli jets have attacked suspected terrorists in built up areas, irrespective of the number of innocent people who get killed.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/gaza-child-killed-nothing-changed?INTCMP=SRCH

    In total 6 Israelis died from rockets, but 126 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces, most of whom were civilians and 32 of whom were children. Some might say that this policy was indeed targeting civilians. Others might say that it was deliberately careless, and others might say that it was at best disproportionate. I think it would take a very blinkered pro Israeli person to describe this as:

    “almost inhuman restraint, compassion, and generosity”

    This is a is just one example of the way in which your analysis and presentation of the issues is one sided and selective. You have not addressed the well documented injustices that play a role in this conflict that Israel has its fair share of responsibility for. As a commentator of the ME, even as a prophetic commentator, it is beholden on you to show some objectivity and be properly informed. I understand that you probably have a theological belief in the right of Jewish Israelis to live in the land which is fine. But should this become a blind spot as well?

    Lastly, it is important to point out that accusing people who are critical of Israeli government behaviour of being anti Semitic is as ridiculous as someone calling you a racist because you don’t agree with President Obama’s policies. It really is that silly.

    Unfortunately Israel frequently uses the “race card” to deflect criticism and undermine people who challenge its foreign policies. I don’t disagree with the fact that there are anti Semitic people in the West, but to call people anti Semitic simply because they disagree with the Israeli government is just disingenuous and very silly.

    The thing is, most Christians in Europe, like me, see Israel like any other country capable of doing wrong and mishandling its problems. It isn’t hatred of Jews, its normality.

    Blessings

34. Hello Joel, Thanks for your insights. Good stuff. I have a question. It is obvious that the borders of Israel are nowhere close to where the bible describes them to be. In your studies, have you found anywhere that claims these borders will be restored and the timing of this restoration. Is it when Jesus establishes His Kingdom, or will it start expanding prior to His Coming. Bless you and your family.

35. “For Gaza will be abandoned… Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you so that there will be no inhabitant.”

    Wow! Them be fightin’ words.

36. Hey Rodney,

    After Jesus returns. One of the most significant false teachings (IMO) that is sweeping some circles is the notion that Israel will expand prior to the return of Jesus. When I consider the scriptural case for this, it requires a multiple dramatic twisting of the Scriptures.

    Bless you brother!

37. The eschatological dividing of the land of Israel according to Joel 3:1-3 by no means implies the estabishment of a Palestinian state in the era leading up to the eschatological time of Jacob’s trouble. I believe just the opposite will occur; with an even greater restoration and regathering of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland before their final three and a half year crucible at the end of the age.

38. Peter,

    What would you suggest Joel’s reference to the dividing of the land suggest?

39. The dividing of the land in Joel 3:2 suggests the future time of Israel’s final 3 and 1/2 year desolation explicitly foretold by Daniel, and prophetically described by the types of the Hebrew prophets that await a further antitype, or final fulfillment at the end of the age.

    That being said, the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria granted by eternal covenant to the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, may well be the cause of the mounting controversy and conflict before that final treaty, or covenant of false “peace and safety”.

40. For me I love the Arabs as much as the Jews, the problem I have is the propaganda and the false cause for a Palestinian people, they are Arabs and are blessed outside of Israel through the line of Ishmael, so they are half brothers fighting against their half brothers (Palestinian caused of course). Yet they fight for a cause that has roots in self deceit and lies, even some so called Palestinian Christians fight for the same cause. But as Messianic believers we are called by the Messiah to worship in spirit and in truth. a lot of people could mistake me as some one who despises Palestinians and Muslims. yet this world is upside down. Yeshua said the Pagan was welcome, yet did not say the paganism and worldly spirit was. Which has infiltrated a lot of churches today and mindsets of Christians

41. Here is a really good discussion and insight into the reality of this war in Israel/Palestine. It is worth watching if you care about Israel at all.

    http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/29/the_gatekeepers_in_new_film_ex

42. Deanne,

    If you described and discussed the present situation in Israel as an overwhelmingly humane and peaceful people surrounded by a people who overwhelmingly give themselves over to the dictates of a genocidal death cult and the sometimes heavy handed approach used by some of the Jews in their determination to survive as a people, then I would give you some ear, but your repeated one-sided comments and posts only continue to reinforce my original assessment of you. Only the most naive, or willing anti-Semite would call this “a really good discussion”. Democracy Now and Amy Goodman are perhaps the single most biased sources of anti-Israeli activism there are. Even the film maker rebukes Goodman for her prejudiced and “misleading” performance. Come on.

    The only thing the discussion demonstrates is the hopelessness of the situation with the direct intervention of Messiah.

43. Joel,

    This is an Israeli film maker who to his credit is making this film because he feels it is important for Israel. He has quoted Israeli members of Shin Bet. I guess you feel these people are are anti Semitic too?

    The point that the Israeli film maker is making is that there the way the policy in Israel is being pursued is harmful to both Palestinians and Israel itself. It seems to me that these people care deeply about the survival and well being of Israel but have something to say about the way Israel is behaving. Does that make these Jewish people anti Semitic too?

    I mean seriously Joel.

44. Deanne,

    Unlike yourself, the Israeli film-maker has presented two sides. The clip you highly recommended however was even quite strongly repudiated by that very film-maker for its anti-Israel bias and one-sidedness. From my point of view, never once have you recommended or commended anything which presents Israel in a positive light.

    As for the actual film, I think it would be a great movie to watch, likely demonstrating the hopelessness of the present situation apart from the coming of Messiah. The idea that the solution is the ending of the occupation of the West bank, is equally the result of the hopelessness and exhaustion of the present situation. How do you feel this has worked in Gaza, where Israel ended the occupation some years ago? I assume you will laud it as a great success? Gaza is now own example and our hope?

    Again, the only solution in the natural is for the Palestinians to repent of and renounce their widely held genocidal religious traditions. But since this is not likely to happen, as only a few responsible players are actually calling for this, the only real solution will come when Messiah returns.

45. A new Saladin has born to get palestine.just wait for the great battle like in 12th century

46. Deanne,
    Might we be missing the point? I’m not on Israel’s side because they’re more right than the Arabs or vice versa. That’s the way the world thinks as it tries to mete out its own justice. I’m on Israel’s side because my God is on Israel’s side. Having put Joel straight, do we now need to stop the Lord also from over-simplifying the issue: “For thy violence against thy BROTHER Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off forever. In the day that thou stood on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even you were as one of them…Neither should thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape…For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen; as you have done it shall be done unto you.” Obad. 10-14.
    God says He is just; I will not make Him a liar. This scripture is about the near future, but it is the same spirit that has possessed the Arabs in the past, and they would do this to their brother Jacob this very day if they could. After the two-state solution is enforced and the land is given, in part, to the Arabs, the Arabs will say: “These two nations (political) and these two countries (geographical) shall be mine, and we will possess IT; whereas the Lord was there”.Ezek. 35:10. THE ARABS ARE FIGHTING GOD, not the Israelis. Israel is wrong, and the Arabs are wrong, but God is right! “…set thy face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it…I am against thee…and thou shalt be desolate…Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred , and has shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end.” Ezek: 35.
    This issue between the Jews and the Arabs is spiritual not political. But the devil uses politics to prosecute his agenda. Jesus can’t return to the temple if the temple and Israel don’t exist. The events outlined above have not happened yet, but they are near. The Jews in Israel are there in disobedience to the holy covenant and so they will lose their land again. “And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships.., and there you shall be sold to your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.” Deut:28.68.
    There the Lord will bring them under the covenant again: “And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you says the Lord God. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant…And I will purge out from among you the rebels,,,And they shall not enter into the land of Israel; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezek.20:33-37.
    When All the Jews march back into the land of Israel under the covenant and behind the “banner” (the Ark of the Covenant), they will possess their land forever: “But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west, they shall spoil them of the east together; they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.” Isaiah: 11-14. Psalm 83.
    This is why antichrist shall “be against the holy covenant”. He shall have no strength to touch the Jews in the face of Gods protective covenant until he can cause them to break it by substituting his own seven year covenant.
    As in every war, real people God loves are suffering and dying in Israel today on both sides. But apportioning blame correctly won’t fix it, loving all equally won’t fix it. Only the Prince of Peace will fix it; and He blames the Arabs. “If you are not with me, you are against me”!
    The living God bless you all.
    Tony H.

47. Why don’t the arab nations take in the palenstines if the palestinians are so hard done by and mistreated. It is also disturbing to hear so called christians say that Israel have no right to defend themselves.

48. The answer is the bible says nothing about a Palestinian state. The idea it does is an invention of servants of Satan and those who have given in to his temptation to confuse their own voice with the voice of god.

49. Read the article before commenting.

50. What do you think about Generation Z not beliving in God. Supposedly majority believe the Bible is a history book written by man as an attempt to establish superiority over others. Saying a true God would not talk about destruction and killing others.