I’m breaking away from our study today because I want to focus on this past week in Israel.  In the span of just over a week Israel has observed Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Day of Remembrance for Fallen Soldiers), and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day).  Israel is a proud land, with proud people, who fully understand the value of statehood and the sacrifice necessary to maintain it.

My friends, though we still have one lesson left in this week’s study, I want to encourage you not to miss next week when we dig into the Bible prophecy of Yom Ha’atzmaut!  To more fully understand God’s plan of the end, you must recognize perhaps the most significant fulfillment of prophecy to date…the re-birth of Israel.  Interestingly enough (and unplanned), we will study Israel’s re-birth almost exactly to the day of her 66th anniversary!

Though Israel was re-born on May 14, 1948, Israelis celebrate their Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) on May 5-6.  (Keep in mind that, for Jews, a 24-hour day actually begins at sundown.)  They traditionally have barbeques, air shows, large concerts, parades and nation-wide celebration, much like we do in the US.

What I want to leave you with today, though, is some intrigue regarding the United States’ support of Israel becoming a nation.  Please read Joel Rosenberg’s blog, Israel Turns 66.  You will be amazed at the providence of God!  (Thank God for faithful mothers who teach their sons to seek the will of God!)

Enjoy Joel’s blog, then come back tomorrow as we finish up the Daniel 9 prophecy with some fascinating detail about the Eastern Gate!  Things are about to get really interesting!