Psalm 136:23-24

Psalm 136:23-24

When will it end?

There were many occasions when the fortunes of Israel hit rock bottom. They ran out of food and water in the wilderness. They faced the perils of the Red Sea, as we saw in v13-14. There were endless occasions when they confronted overwhelming enemy forces, and it seemed that their fate was sealed. The ultimate ignominy was being crushed by all-powerful empires such as the Assyrians and Babylonians and later of course, the Romans. The existence of that nation has been a flickering flame against the backdrop of human history and at times the flame has almost been completely snuffed out. 

Modern history is no different, today’s headline news (23/07/2025) has to do with accusations of genocide aimed at Israel because of their treatment of the Palestinians in Gaza. The Jews would argue that they suffered far worse in the holocaust and for centuries before, wherever they went in the world. They might also argue that they are surrounded by Muslim nations none of which show any compassion or concern for their Palestinian brothers and sisters. The leaders would say that they’ve had enough of being persecuted by Hammas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran, Syria, Iraq and the rest. They would also probably point out that it was Israel who gave Gaza to the Palestinians and withdrew completely in 2005 allowing the establishment of an independent state, since when they have been continuously persecuted by the PLA and others. 

Humanly speaking, there seems to be no end to this conflict, and its causes are extremely complex with blame attached to both sides. In the midst of it all, innocent people die, and families are torn apart by grief and fear. All we can do is pray for peace and for justice, and that the One whose “love endures forever” will bring about a righteous settlement and that His Kingdom will restore our broken world. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 106:13

Psalm 106:13 Do not forget We need to remember that Israel’s relationship with the Lord God was based on His laws and their obedience. It was possible for them to live lives that were highly blessed, that incorporated the provision of God in every tiny detail of their national and individual existence. God was prepared to give them everything they needed, He would provide food and water for them and their flocks. He would guide them on their journey. He would protect them from their enemies. He would inspire and direct their leaders. He would keep them from the heat of the sun and the terrors of the desert night. He would take them to the land that He had promised, in double quick time. There was no reason why they could not be in situ in just a few months. Everything they could possibly need was His to provide and He was willing to sacrifice anything to see them gratefully settled in Canaan.  There was just one snag, it all depended upon their obedience and faithfulness. God insis...
Read more
Psalm18:15    A blast of breath    This verse transports us back to the exodus and Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, described in Exodus 14.  The people took an unexpected route away from their captors, no doubt the Egyptians thought it ill-advised as the Israelites found themselves confronted by a vast area of swamp and water known as the Sea of Reeds or the Red Sea. It was insurmountable and their desperate plight intensified when the dust clouds from Pharaoh’s advancing army gathered on the horizon.   There was no escape. Why had Moses led them to this deadly place? They were ill prepared and helpless to fight back.  Somehow their leader remained calm, his words, recorded in Exodus 14:13, are remarkable and highlight the faith of godly Moses. “ Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need...
Read more

Psalm 119:135

Psalm 119:135 His shining face In verse 58 0f the Psalm we commented on the apparent impossibility of being able to see the face of God. And yet this intimacy was something that the psalmists, and other writers, craved. The High Priestly blessing, prayed over the people every day, asks that the Lord make His face shine upon them. In verse 58 we discovered that this plea involved more than just being able to see the face of God, which was impossible; I quote,  “ The Hebrew word for face in the Old Testament can be translated “presence.” Now things start to make more sense! Those Israelites who so regularly abandoned the Lord God were being reminded to seek again the presence of God and the psalmist lets it be known that this is his constant quest. When you think about it, a person’s face reveals a great deal about their character and personality even, maybe, their circumstances or lifestyle. The more we seek the face of God and the more we spend time in His presence, the more like H...
Read more