For the first time since the last hostage release over a year ago, it appears Israel and Hamas may be on the verge of a ceasefire deal that would include the release of 33 innocent Israeli hostages. We can all be grateful for that, though we long for the release of all hostages.

However, the deal would also bring about a partial IDF withdraw from Gaza, allow Gazans to return to terror hubs in northern Gaza, and result in the release of 30-50 imprisoned Palestinian terrorists for every 1 Israeli hostage. Who thinks that is a fair exchange?

To worsen the scenario, Hamas would be left in power in the Gaza Strip to reconstitute as Hamas or something similar, leaving Israel under continued terrorist threat.

Why would Israel agree to such a thing? One word: Trump.

I join many Israel-supporting Evangelicals is disdain of the situation. There is a sense of betrayal by President Trump who seems, at least in this action, to have turned his back on Israel. But perhaps it is not so cut and dry. As the consummate deal maker, does Trump see this as part of a bigger, broader strategy in the Middle East? Is he creating bargaining chips that could be used in dealing with Iran? Will this deal be only a rest stop on the road to a bigger peace deal in the Middle East? Only time will tell.

On the positive side of the ledger, a least a few Israeli families may gain much-needed relief in the return of their loved ones. We have all been praying for that, so what an answer to prayer it would be for those families. Yet, prolonged agony for those whose loved ones are not chosen for release.

Regardless, we hold on to these solid truths: God is in full and complete control, and He will never, no never, forsake His people. That must be our anchor, despite our thoughts and feelings about a potential ceasefire/hostage deal.

But, there is something that is not being said about the idea of ceasefire. Not to say it absolutely should apply here, but it does cause me to pause in contemplation.

When the Hebrew people left Egypt, they were attacked by the Amalekites who occupied the land of Canaan. They would become Israel’s arch-enemy for many long years, seeming content only to harass and inflict pain and hardship on the Jewish people.

In that day, God was delivering the Israelites from bondage and leading them to the Promised Land. Much of Deuteronomy lays out laws and guidelines God intended them to apply as they settled in the land He promised them. Things such as boundaries, principles governing warfare, how to deal with murder, laws of morality and divorce, cleanliness of living areas, and social responsibility, among many other things. It was a complete handbook of how to live, survive and thrive in the Promised Land.

But there was one striking command at the end of Deuteronomy 25 the Israelites neglected.

¹⁷ “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, ¹⁸ how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. ¹⁹ Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.
~Deuteronomy 25:17-19

The history of the Amalekites is long and somewhat complicated, so will not be covered here. To cut to the chase, the Amalekites were likely descendants of Esau, and they eventually disappeared from history. Thus, the point is NOT that Hamas (or anyone else) is actually the ancient Amalekites. I’m simply drawing from the principle itself. Namely, blot out the arch-enemy who does nothing but demonize Israel. (Of course, God Himself must give that command!)

Indeed, God gave instructions for the Amalekites to be wiped out completely, because He knew they would continually be a thorn in Israel’s side, preventing them from all the Lord had for them. Today, Iranian proxy groups seem to be modern-day replicas of what the Amalekites were in ancient Israel: thorns in the side to keep Israel from fully experiencing all God has for them.

Perhaps it is a grasp of straws, but I’m wondering what it would be like if Israel were allowed to go in and fully decimate Hamas, begin building settlements in their land, and take over the territory (Gaza) that Israel ill-advisedly ceded to the Palestinians in 2005. After all, the language of terrorists is this: power. They will either take it, or they will be taken by it.

Simply thoughts. We are much better off firmly planting our faith in God’s plan. It is He, and only He, who knows the end from the beginning, and He will surely accomplish all His good pleasure! (Isaiah 46:10)

Pray for Israel…and pray for those involved in negotiation of the ceasefire and hostage release. May God’s will be done!