Editorial - Peace And Safety

by Joseph H Hunting

After forty-three years of terrorist attacks and four all-out wars aimed at the total destruction of Israel, the prospect of peace with her Arab neighbours is almost too good to be true.

A quick survey of Israel's history in Bible times reveals that only rarely were there times of peace. The longest period was for forty years during the reign of King Solomon. On the other hand the Ammonites and Moabites (read modern Jordan), Babylon (read modern Iraq), Edomites, Amalekites, Syria and the Philistines were constantly waging war against Israel. Their modern counterparts are still technically at war with Israel.

The pathway to peace will not be an easy one for Israel. They will need much courage and our prayers to be able to withstand all the conniving and pressure that will be brought to bear especially regarding the use of UN Resolutions 242 and 336 as the basis for peace.

At best, whilst peace in the Middle East is to be sought after, the Bible gives no hope for a lasting peace in the area. Jeremiah speaks of a peace that is fragile: "They have healed the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace" (6:14). And the New Testament warns, "When they say, Peace and safety! Then sudden destruction comes upon them as labour pains upon a pregnant woman" (I Thessalonians 5:3).

On the credit side, the peace treaty signed with Egypt has held, and both nations have gained as a result. May Israel's Arab neighbours follow Egypt's lead.

• < Prev
• Next >