It is not really possible to exaggerate why David Ben Gurion’s declaration – 60 years ago this May, of the independence of the State of Israel for the people of Israel – is one of the most important historical happenings ever to impact the world.Â
Why was the creation of Israel on May 14, 1948 so significant?Â
It was important on many levels for the Jews themselves, but not only for the Jews:Â
It marked the arrival of the Jewish people at a – for them – long-feared unreachable milestone in their millennia-old history – the end of their worldwide Diaspora or dispersion.Â
It signified the total failure of Adolf Hitler – and the myriad antisemites before him: the Vatican, the Crusaders, the Inquisition, the Cossacks, the rulers of Austria, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Belgium, Slovakia, The Netherlands, France, England, Poland, Bohemia, Russia and all the other nations that expelled their Jews – to do away with God’s Chosen People.Â
It established a port of safety – a haven – for a nation whose people for 2000 years had been denied acceptance and lived precariously virtually wherever they sought to dwell among the gentiles.Â
It gave a long-scattered people a single address – a home of their own in which they were reconstituted and could once again build themselves up as a nation in their own right.Â
Within that homeland the Jews, who had been always at the mercy of their host nations, could organize their own defense and victoriously withstand, as they have often had to do, the onslaught of millions of their foes.Â
Ask the Jew living in Israel today why the creation and existence of his or her homeland is so important to them, and you will receive these and perhaps a few other, similar, answers.Â
Of as great significance as all these reasons and, in the thinking of millions of Bible-believing Christians around the world of even greater import, is Israel’s rebirth for the following reasons:Â
It underscores and proclaims aloud for all the world to hear, God’s faithful keeping of His covenant and His word.Â
It heralds the approaching end of this age, the coming of Messiah and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.Â
Apart from the coming of Jesus, Israel’s rebirth – an event without precedent in the history of nations – is the most dramatic fulfillment of prophecy ever to have taken place.Â
It adds enormous weight to the veracity of the Bible.Â
Perhaps the most important thing for Christians about Israel’s rebirth and preservation is the message it sends about the absolute and unshakeable faithfulness of God.Â
Conversely – those Christians who will not see modern-day Israel as the fulfillment of that prophecy, and as a nation whose future is guaranteed by God, cannot themselves be very secure in their own salvation. For if God could change His mind about who should be His Chosen People, then He surely can change His mind about who is saved and who is not?Â
Accurately speaking, what took place 60 years ago was not the creation of the Jewish nation but its resurrection in its ancient homeland, as foretold by its ancient prophets.Â
Questioning one of those prophets concerning the future of His people, God says:
“What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a rod of an almond tree.” Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.” (Jeremiah 1:11-12)Â
The Land of Israel, the Bible further tells us in Deuteronomy 11:12, is “a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.â€Â
He has, indeed, been jealously guarding His Word concerning this land, and His intention to restore its people to the land, and to Himself.Â
Although the return of the Jews to their land began in serious a little over a century ago, the restoration of the land to the Jews really only took place with any sense of certainty 60 years ago.Â
And during these past 60 years the Jews have continued to come back to their land from literally the four corners of the earth even as, for 60 years, the forces of hell have been working to reverse and so thwart this process of restoration.Â
Despite the incessant battle for survival and the overwhelming international prejudice against the Jewish state, in May 2008 the Jews of Israel will be able to proclaim as they sing and dance once more on the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv: “Am Yisrael chai.†(“The nation of Israel lives.â€)Â
And those of us who love Israel, who prefer Zion above our chief joy and who pray for the peace of Jerusalem, will sing and rejoice with them.
Praying also for Israel’s turning to Christ as their Messiah/Savior….also promised by the prophets!!!
Beautiful work Stan,
Thank you for history and the truth of prophesy. We will Pray and sing with the people of Beloved Israel.
Shalom
Stan:
Awesomely put! For centuries the Hebrews had no place to call “home”; due to the nomadic existence forced upon them by the rest of the world. Yes, some were able to find homes in nations such as the U.S. However, they never knew when the Jew hatred from any given group or nation would try to exterminate themselves, their family, or their G-d given identity. To have a nation to call “home” is the only safe nation, however shakey at this time. The true, permanent safety is in the Lord G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. May He continue to complete the work He has begun on behalf of His Chosen!
people fail to realize that its a stage being prepared for the great “ARMEGDON”, a war with the Muslims………..
I am in total agreement with your comments, and as a believer in Yeshua, and though I am a Gentile who has been grafted in, I am also awaiting His soon return. I know that He is true to His Word, and we must never doubt that His Covenant still stands with Israel, and Jerusalem is the place where He placed His name…..Shalom
May G-D bless his people, and land with true Peace in their hearts. My G-D bless America with a President who will be a True Friend to Israel. Pray that McCain calls Huckabee as his runningmate.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISRAEL!
YOUR G-D REIGNS!
PROCLAIM IT AMONG THE NATIONS: THE MIGHTY HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL REIGNS!
HE REIGNS ON HIGH!
HE REIGNS GLORIOUSLY!
HE IS THE DEFEATER OF YOUR ENEMIES!
AND HE IS THE LIFTER OF YOUR HEAD!
HALLELUJAH!
I was too slow in commenting on your poems, Stan, so I will do it here. Thank you for sharing them with us. They are beautiful. How can I call something so painful - beautiful? I don’t know, but I just can. I think because of the tender and poignant way in which you have honoured the memory of those precious souls who were taken in the horror of the Holocaust. Whenever something touches us deeply, however painful, usually there is a fragment of beauty in the midst of the pain. This is what you have done for us, and for them, with your words. Thank you!
“On May 14th 1948 Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion reads the proclamation of nationhood. Striking the speaker’s table for emphasis, he announced, “The name of our state shall be Israel.” The American statement recognizing the new State of Israel bears President Truman’s last-minute handwritten changes. American recognition came shortly after midnight in Palestine, just 11 minutes after the new nation was proclaimed. Israel is a Nation and State, (just like God had declared it would be)!.
My father was an honor guard for President Trumans inuguration and I am so very proud that he was able to be part( even in that little way) of honoring a man that would play such an inportant role in signing Israel in as a State!!. He just passed away 3 weeks ago and his flag has a prominate place in my house because of that!.
I was in Israel in 2004 and was one of the first tourist to use Terminal 3. This terminal is currently built to serve over 10 million passengers per year. I was so impressed by the size and wondered at the time why it needed to be so big!. I heard an Israeli citizen complaining saying, “they should have put this money toward the poor people here”. If only she knew her scriptures. In Ezekiel 37 verses 9-12, it says, an exceeding great army from the four winds of the earth will come forth and be brought into the land of Israel. According to Gods word that terminal will soon need to be enlarged!. His word is right on time with all of His prophets of old!! Hallelujah !!!!!
Baruch HaKodesh.
6th May, 2008…
Hello Stan,
Yet another brilliant article. I do wish you’d consider joining the “NewsWithViews” team, and post these God-inspired articles to yet wider readership via email-posts.
A voice from Israel would be an important addition to the team, a exposure that seems awfully under-exposed at present.
Do consider this Stan, please.
shalom Cobber,
John (from DownUnder)
=====
AMEN STAN AMEN……… EVEN SO LORD JESUS COME QUICKLY
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND YOURS SAFE AND WELL STAN
Am Yisrael Chai Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!
Mazel tov Yisrael! Happy re-birthday to you. May many more of YHVH’s prophesies concerning the people and the land of Israel become a reality in our lifetimes. Am Yisrael Chai!!!
The importance of the creation of the State of Israel for me was that when I heard and read the prophecy concerning her being born in a day, I became very interested in prophecy. It strengthened my faith in God and His Word as truth. Surely, Israel’s rebirth is a God-given witness to His faithfulness and that what He says will be, will be. Amen! Am Yisrael chai, indeed!
Shalom Rav, Mazel Tov Israel, and Maranatha. Adonai keeps His promises!
God be praised. He is the Lord of all and fulfills all His promises.
I have never commented before, but Iwas almost compelled to comment this time. As I read this article, my heart was stirred and became full and overflowing with joy and excitement and anticipation for all Israel and all Christians! I am so thankful for your insight and wisdom!
Yes, happy 60th birthday Israel. I am a little older than you in years, but your birthday is surely a reason to celebrate above all birthdays. Your God is there at all times, even though He may be hard to see at times. I pray for your turning to your true Messiah, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He came once, and died for you (as well as for us all), and He is coming again to claim His Kingdom right there in Jerusalem. And Jerusalem will be “a praise in all the earth”.
Happy Birthday Israel and Jerusalem.. you have served me well and I only hope I can return the favor some day. Please tone down the humiliation of Americans at the border for me.. that serves no security purpose and only hurts everyone who supports you.
Also let me go from my hostel on Ben Yehuda to the beach without being harassed by American Embassy police.. who I know are just doing their job. but my gosh.
Its hard in Israel when you don’t “fit into a box” religiously or otherwise.. but these comments here make me feel better about the state of affairs (I’ve only been away from you Israel for 14 days yet miss you so).
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
Deut 28
Looking forward to that day when Israel is no longer the tail ,but the head of the Nations.
I can see it !
I have been a supporter of Israel for many years. But my son who is a Christian, says I should read Rom. Chap. 9 to see what Paul says about the nation Israel. What is your comment on Rom. Chap. 9?
Dear Stan,
Thank you for the great article. LORD please watch over Israel in the coming days ahead. I have read from another source that President Bush is coming to celebrate by strong arming the leaders of Israel to give large parts of Judea and Samaria. It gets worse also to divide Jerusalem. What part of this is God’s land that our leaders do not understand or care. I know you and many others have warned our leaders about what they are doing. Storms and earthquakes have hit the heartland of America. It appears also that Psalm 83 is about to be fulfilled. The enemies of Israel are about ready to attack. We need to continue to pray without ceasing.
LORD HAVE MERCY
GOD BLESS
LEN WHIITEHEAD
Nell, your son may very well believe in Replacement Theology. Romans 9 should not stand on its own. One needs to read 10 and 11 along with it. In the first few verses of Romans 11 I have written down Revelation 7 as referring to the remnant that God has raised up, though I also see Jewish believers in Yeshua in this present time. We must remember that the nation of Israel has only been temporarily blinded, not permanently cut off. Chapter 11:26 is to be fulfilled just as sure as the nation of Israel was born in a day. Those who believe in Replacement Theology will swear that they do not. And I have even had some of them accuse me of believing in dual covenant, which is a heresy, because I do believe that ALL Israel will be saved. A good site for the study of this is A Voice in the Wilderness. The man knows how to simplify the studies of scriptures while also getting one to open their bibles. Hope this helps.
Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children (Isaiah 66:8).
On Sabbath Eve, the 5th Day of Iyar 5708 (14 May 1948) David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel and appealed “to the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora to rally round the Jews of Eretz-Israel … in the great struggle for the realization of the age-old dream — the redemption of Israel.†President Truman, an outsider unexpectedly elevated to the Oval Office a few years earlier, was immediately notified. Quickly hand correcting a two sentence response without notifying officials of contrary opinion in the State Department or a Special Session of the UN General Assembly, the United States, in the person of Harry S. Truman, was the first to recognize “the provisional government as the de facto authority of the new state of Israel.†In the eleven minutes it took Truman to respond, the two thousand year justification for SPIRITUALIZING His covenants, promises, and blessings to Jews as a people and a nation evaporated! The children of Israel were in the land.
The first person of course is the radiant woman which was none other than the nation of Israel. And fighting against the woman was the great dragon and this dragon is none other the person of Satan in his great diabolical work in trying to destroy the nation of Israel because by that he could make God a liar… Of course he ultimately fails because God will yet proclaim His purpose for Israel. He will yet reveal that purpose. It will yet be unfolded in time to come and the very fact that Israel is a nation today is indicative of the fact that God is going to keep His Word as if there was any doubt (The Valley Church, emphasis added).
There was dancing in the streets, and then the realization that Israel’s rebirth would be through the fire. Arab forces of Lebanon, Syria, Iraqi, Egypt, Tran Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Yemen converged within hours to annihilate the fledgling nation, which in the estimation of British Field Marshall Montgomery would occur within two weeks due to the imbalance in training and ordnance: “1 tank w/o gun (Arabs 40 tanks), 0 war planes (Arabs 74), 5 artillery pieces (Arabs 140), 3 armed ships (Arabs 12)†(Yosef Ofek, Not on a Silver Platter: From National Home to Sovereign State, 1939-1949, 1984). Israel did have access to a few Piper Cubs, from which Jews tossed empty seltzer bottles modified to mimic the sound of falling bombs. They also had a few other small planes where the bombardier, legs strapped to the door, would chuck improvised bombs (some with sewer pipe casings) between his legs football style. Like David in the valley of Elah they had little more than sticks and stones, but they were fulfilling His purpose “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel†(cf. 1 Samuel 17).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISRAEL.GOD BLESS YOU, THE MESSIAH IS ARRIVING!!!!!
It is with great gladness of heart, soul and spirit I think of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He who has promised is faithful and true. He speaks life to a valley of dry, bleached bones. The enemy stands back in horror as bone adheres to bone, flesh and muscle come together, and the life giving Spirit of God breathes again to form the State of Israel. What a mighty God we serve! We worship the God of Israel! He speaks into being what has been long dormant and in appearance seems to be dead. As the nations prepare to fulfill the promised batte of Ezekiel 38 and 39, going all the way because God’s hook is in their jaw, He will once again convince the world, as He rises up as in the day of battle and thunders from the heaven of heavens, that He is God and their is no other! As on Mount Siani the smoke, earthquakes and Presence of God will convince all who inhabit this troubled planet that He rules in the kingdom of men. He raises up kings and He surely knows how to knock them down. Yeshua anxiously waits in the wings to once again sit on the Throne of David! Even so, come LORD JESUS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISRAEL! An eternity of birthdays are assured!