Israel celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) on April 22-23, according to the Jewish calendar.  However, on the Gregorian calendar (which we use in the US), Israel’s independence falls on May 14, 1948. Today we pay tribute to that most critical fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

As we look at Israel today, we see trouble all around.  With major backing from Iran, Hamas is re-arming and re-building terror tunnels in the Gaza Strip.  The West Bank is growing in Hamas militancy, as the Palestinian Authority loses popularity with the people due to corruption.  To the north, once Hezbollah is no longer necessary to the Syrian civil war efforts, they will return to Lebanon battle-ready and chomping at the bit to focus their aggressions on Israel.  Iran will be anxious to unleash the 100,000 or so missiles and rockets that are aimed at Israel.

Add to that, world powers are on the verge of allowing Iran to become a nuclear-armed nation, and Iran has constantly vowed to “wipe Israel off the map.”  Say nothing of Russia, Turkey, northern African countries and many Arab Muslim nations who are equally disdainful of Israel.

Sounds like a desperate situation, doesn’t it!  But Israel is used to desperate situations.  67 years ago today, Arab nations, fearful that Israel would declare independence, were prepared to attack.  The US, meanwhile, pressured Jewish leaders to postpone their declaration of independence, threatening to withhold backing.  But David Ben Gurion bravely made the declaration anyway, and Israel became a nation literally overnight on that fateful day…May 14, 1948!

The very next day, five Arab nations indeed attacked Israel.  Terribly out-numbered and scantily equipped for battle, the newborn nation experienced the victorious hand of the Lord, confirming that He was indeed fulfilling His promise in Ezekiel 36:24, 34-36:

For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land….The desolate land will be cultivated instead of being a desolation in the sight of everyone who passes by. They will say, ‘This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations that are left round about you will know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted that which was desolate; I, the Lord, have spoken and will do it.”

Friends, do you realize that Israel being back in their land is the linchpin of end times prophecy?  Ezekiel 36-37 (prophecy of Israel’s rebirth) had to happen before other end time prophecies could take place.  For example, Ezekiel 38-39 indicate that Israel will be living securely in their own land when the northern invasion takes place.  Israel is now back in the land, making fulfillment of the next prophetic events possible!

So, happy 67th birthday, Israel!  May peace be within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. (Psalm 122:6-7)

מזל טוב    Mazel tov!   (Congratulations!)