It’s not surprising that Jewish holidays often describe attempts to destroy the Jewish people. One example is the upcoming Feast of Purim found in the Book of Esther. Repeated attempts to annihilate Jacob are part and parcel of Hebrew history. It could be Hitler. It could be Haman. It could be Hamas or the even the present anti-Jewish machinations of the Left and Right. All these plots are tailored from the same cloth. Hatred of the Jews and the seeking of their harm? It’s “nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
The famous Passover song “V’hi she’amda” paints a graphic picture of this historical flow. “For not only has one nation risen up to annihilate us, but actually in every generation they rise up to destroy us. But the Holy One blessed be He, rescues us from out of their hand!” Some might accuse the Jewish nation of paranoia, but it is nevertheless a verifiable fact that even paranoid people can have real enemies!
As the shadows of anti-Semitism lengthen across the globe, and as nations take counsel together and devise cruel strategies against YHVH, His Anointed and His Jewish people (see Psalm 2:2, Psalm 83:1-5 and Psalm 105:7-15), it’s encouraging for us to remember that the God of Israel is never taken by surprise in these matters. Whether it involves Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-19), Babylon (Psalm 137:7-9) or modern day Iran (Daniel 10:20), God will ultimately cause even the wrath of man to praise Him (Psalm 76:8-10; Romans 9:17). YHVH loves it when His plan comes together.
When Israel is cornered
The Passover ‘showdown at the seashore’ found in Exodus 14 is an amazing event, full of sound and fury and bursting with significance. YHVH orchestrates a stunning cliffhanger between the chariots of Egypt (Pharaoh’s crack shock troops – the equivalent of Panzer tanks) and three million panicking Jewish slaves fleeing bondage.
The God of Jacob immaculately sets the stage, briefing Moses as would a five-star general. He orders Moses to bring the entire nation of Israel into a desert cul-de-sac, thus giving Pharaoh’s army the impression that the Jewish people are trapped and cornered.
- “Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. You shall camp in front of Baal-Zephon, opposite it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, ‘They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ Thus I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after them” (Exodus 14:2-4).
As far as Pharaoh could see, his own plan was about to be a slam-dunk success. The recent humiliating defeat at the hands of a Jewish desert God would now end up with epic Egyptian glory. Pharaoh’s pride was the door-opener for the judgment of God, as it is written: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18). So “YHVH hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel” (Exodus 14:8).
A rat is caught in his own trap
When Israel’s enemies come at her with gaping mouths, breathing out destruction and attempting to swallow Jacob whole (Psalm 124), YHVH responds. He throws a divine fishhook into the mouth of the foe, snaring him and reeling him in for judgment. This biblical principle is also illustrated in a stunning Last Days context: “I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield” (Ezekiel 38:4).
- The murderous boasts and plans of anti-Semitic tyrants – Iran, ISIS, jihadi terror groups, etc. – these works of evil will spring God’s trap, and it will snap shut on Israel’s enemies themselves
Pharaoh’s destruction actually brings honor to the God of Jacob
YHVH let Moses in on one of His top-secret strategies vis-à-vis the foes of Israel. Based on God’s foreign policy principle in Genesis 12:3, Pharaoh’s rage and cursing of Jacob was positioning the Egyptian king solidly in the divine crosshairs. And the judgment falling on Pharaoh and his armies would bring great honor to the God of the Hebrews: “I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians will know that I am YHVH, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen” (Exodus 14:17-18).
God knows how to bring glory and honor to Himself in ways that are outside the four walls of a church building. The Scriptures are chock full of how YHVH brings glory and honor to Himself on the frontlines of government, in business and through war. Let’s turn up our biblical radar and recognize that God is once again on the verge of bringing glory and honor to His name through the devastation and ruin of Israel’s enemies.
- “At the morning watch YHVH looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty. So the Egyptians said, ‘Let us flee from Israel, for YHVH is fighting for them against the Egyptians.’ Thus YHVH saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw the great power which YHVH had used against the Egyptians, the people feared YHVH, and they believed in YHVH and in His servant Moses” (Exodus 14:24-25, 30-31).
Revealing the arm of the Lord
Yeshua exhorted His followers not to fear the Accuser and his hosts nor to give undue honor to them. “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known … Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:26-28).
As we see the enemies of God rise up against the Jewish people, let’s remember that God is setting the scene for another battle royal – one He will most decisively win:
- He will defeat the foes of Israel
- He will make His power known among the nations
- He will redeem Jacob from the hand of the enemy.
This is the God whom we serve. This is the Holy One of Israel. This is our Father in whom we boast (Exodus 15:1-4).
- “So He saved them from the hand of the one who hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy … Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known” (Psalm 106:10, 8)
How should we then pray?
- Pray for believers worldwide to receive revelation about God’s warrior heart which guards Jacob
- Pray for the Jewish people to meet their Defender and Shield through Yeshua
- Pray for the release of divine strategies of intercession, rescue and evangelism regarding the Jewish people
- Pray for the raising up of Ezekiel’s prophetic Jewish army throughout the earth
Your prayers and support hold up our arms and are the very practical enablement of God to us in the work He has called us to do.
In Messiah Yeshua,
Avner Boskey
Donations can be sent to:
FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES
BOX 121971 NASHVILLE TN 37212-1971 USA
Donations can also be made on-line (by PayPal or credit card) through: www.davidstent.org