Israel Today

This transcript was generated automatically. Its accuracy may vary

Short Summary
The discourse emphasizes that God’s love for Israel endures despite their current unbelief and rebellious actions, as supported by biblical scripture showing God’s ongoing chastisement and eventual restoration of His chosen people. It discusses the complex modern political and social dynamics surrounding Israel, including rising antisemitism, shifting American public opinion, and contentious peace efforts like the Gaza reconstruction plan, while reaffirming the belief that the true faithful remnant among the Jewish people will ultimately be vindicated and restored according to divine promises. The speaker calls for continued support and comfort for Israel, recognizing God’s sovereign use of history and current events to fulfill His purposes.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse on Israel, Biblical Perspective, and Contemporary Issues

Foundational Reason for Loving Israel
– As children begotten by God’s Spirit, believers are instructed to love what God loves, including Israel (God’s chosen people).
– God’s love for Israel does not imply approval of all their actions; God chastises Israel to correct them when they act rebelliously.
– The long period of chastisement (e.g., 1845 years of “savor” or favor) reflects God’s corrective discipline.

Biblical Affirmation of God’s Love for Israel
Romans 11:28-29: Jews are “enemies” concerning the gospel but are “beloved for the Father’s sake” (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). Gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:32: God has allowed unbelief in Israel to bring mercy to all.
Deuteronomy 9:5-6, 26-29: God gives Israel the promised land not for their righteousness but for the sake of their forefathers and His own name. Moses prayed for God’s mercy despite Israel’s stubbornness.
Ezekiel 36:22-24: God regathers Israel not for their sake but to sanctify His holy name before the nations.
Joel 2:18: The Lord is jealous for His land and pities His people.
Ezekiel 38:14,16: References to “my people of Israel” and defense of “my land” reinforce God’s possessive relationship with Israel.

Understanding Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism
– Antisemitism is hatred or hostility toward Jews, recognized officially by the U.S. State Department.
– Anti-Zionism opposes the political movement for a sovereign Jewish state in Israel but is often conflated with antisemitism.
– Some Jews, including Israelis, are anti-Zionists for theological or political reasons, preferring divine intervention or shared land with Palestinians.

Current Trends in Anti-Israel and Anti-Jewish Sentiments (2023-2025)
– Since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents have sharply increased globally, with FBI reporting 68% of religious hate attacks in 2025 aimed at Jews.
– Anti-Jewish hate crimes increased by as much as 140% post-October 2023.
– Public opinion in the U.S. shows generational and political divides:
– Older Americans and Republicans generally more pro-Israel; younger people and progressive Democrats more sympathetic to Palestinians.
– Republicans are divided between MAGA/America First critics of Israel spending and traditional conservatives supportive of Israel.
– Influential media figures promote anti-Israel sentiments even within Republican ranks, causing concern (e.g., Ted Cruz’s warnings).
– Examples of troubling rhetoric include Tucker Carlson hosting known antisemite Nick Fuentes and criticizing Christian Zionism.

Political and Diplomatic Developments Related to Israel and Palestine
– Increasing international recognition of a Palestinian state: as of September 2025, 157 UN members recognize Palestine, though the U.S. with veto power does not.
– The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted extensive operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza and surrounding regions; Israel controls roughly half of Gaza.
– New military technologies like the Iron Beam laser system complement the Iron Dome for defense against rockets and drones.
– Despite conflict, 75% of Israeli Jews feel safer living in Israel than elsewhere.

The So-Called Two-State Solution
– The discourse rejects the two-state solution as not a true solution but a step toward Israel’s destruction, citing Palestinian media and rhetoric.
– Biblical promises affirm Israel’s rightful possession of the land extending from the wilderness to the Euphrates River (Joshua 1:3-4).
– Specific references to Gaza as part of the inheritance of Judah (Joshua 15:20, 47; Judges 1:18).
– Prophecy in Zephaniah 2:4-7 foretells Gaza and surrounding Philistine cities will be destroyed and their land restored to Israel.

Historical and Prophetic Context of Israel’s Chastening and Restoration
– Israel’s wilderness wanderings and delayed entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 14:25, Joshua 5:6) serve as a type for the present generational disfavor and future restoration.
– The current secular or nominally religious Jews are likened to the “caregiver generation,” preserving the land until the faithful “holy remnant” emerges.
– Ezekiel 20:33-44 describes Israel still in a “wilderness condition” spiritually, to be purified and eventually enter into a new covenant with God.
– Zechariah 12:3-10 describes a future time when Jerusalem will be a “burdensome stone” but also when God will pour out His Spirit on the house of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem—the faithful remnant who mourn for Jesus as Messiah.

Distinction Between Groups Within Israel
– Three groups identified in Zechariah 12: Judah (secular leaders), inhabitants of Jerusalem (faithful Jews), and house of David (those with strong faith).
– God first blesses secular Jews (governors of Judah) by granting victories but ultimately pours His Spirit on the faithful remnant.
– The “holy remnant” are those who hold to Abraham’s faith and trust God’s promises (Brother Russell’s comment, Vol. 3, p. 250).
– The secular Zionists maintain the land and state temporarily but are distinct from those with true spiritual faith.

Recent Peace Efforts and Concerns
– The 20-point Gaza Peace Plan initiated by Donald Trump aims for phased ceasefire, demilitarization, reconstruction, and governance transfer.
– The “Board of Peace” international organization, chaired by Trump and including nations supportive of Hamas, oversees Gaza’s reconstruction but faces criticism.
– Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to join the Board is seen as compromising God’s instructions.
– Mixed international responses: some European countries refused to join due to UN Charter conflicts.

Christian Churches’ Position on Christian Zionism
– Patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem condemned Christian Zionism as misleading and harmful to Christian unity and presence in the Holy Land (statement January 17, 2026).
– They assert exclusive representation of Christian communities and oppose political agendas tied to Christian Zionism.

Final Exhortation and Encouragement
– Continued love and support for Israel and Jewish people are urged because they remain God’s covenanted people (Isaiah 40:1-2).
– God has miraculously restored and preserved Israel despite their rebelliousness, using even secular leaders to accomplish His will.
– The holy remnant of faithful Jews is being prepared now.
– Believers are called to comfort Jerusalem and trust God’s sovereign plan.
– The discourse closes with a prayer for God’s overruling in all matters.

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Selected Bible Verses Mentioned:

– Romans 11:28-29: “…they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.”
– Romans 11:32: “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.”
– Deuteronomy 9:5-6, 26-29: God gives the land not for Israel’s righteousness but for His promise to the fathers.
– Ezekiel 36:22-24: God regathers Israel to sanctify His name.
– Joel 2:18: “Then the LORD was jealous for his land, and had pity on his people.”
– Ezekiel 20:34-44: God brings Israel into the wilderness to purge rebels before entering the land.
– Zechariah 12:3-10: Jerusalem as a burdensome stone; God pours out spirit on the house of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem.
– Isaiah 4:3: “And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion…”
– Joel 2:32: “…whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.”
– Joshua 1:3-4: God gives land from wilderness to Euphrates.
– Joshua 15:20, 47; Judges 1:18: Gaza and surrounding areas part of Judah’s inheritance.
– Zephaniah 2:4-7: Prophecy of Gaza and Philistine cities’ destruction and restoration to Israel.
– Numbers 14:25, 32; Joshua 5:6: Wilderness wanderings and generation not entering the land.

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This comprehensive discourse integrates biblical prophecy, historical context, current events, political developments, and theological reflections to explain why believers should continue to love and support Israel despite difficulties, emphasizing God’s ongoing covenant and future plans for His people.

Transcript

Now Israel today why do we continue to love Israel? The simple answer is that as God’s Spirit begotten children, we should love what and who God Himself loves. It’s an important observation that just because God loves someone, that does not necessarily imply that he approves or even likes some of their actions. So what does God do when he loves someone but he does not approve of some of their conduct? We know from his word that he will chastise them in an effort to correct them.

Sometimes this correcting chastisement takes place over a long period of time. Just think of the long 1845 years of this savor that Israel experienced. We find ourselves in just such a mindset. We love God’s chosen people because we read that he does, and yet we might struggle at times to explain some of their actions.

First, we want to establish that God indeed still loves Israel. We will start with a New Testament Scripture, Romans 11, verses 28 and 29 as concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes, but as touching the election, they are beloved for the Father’s sakes, for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. The Apostle Paul informs us that as Christians, the Jewish people oppose our message and do not believe in Jesus as our Messiah. However, we also learn that God loves them, at least for their Father’s sake. The Fathers refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, those to whom God had given his several promises because of their great faith.

He called them to Himself through His covenants, the Abrahamic as well as the added Law covenant, and he will work with them to eventually rehabilitate them, regardless of their current disbelief. We read on Further in Romans 11:32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

In the Old Testament there are quite a few examples, scriptural examples, of God’s abiding with them as a people, as a nation.

We will quote a few In Deuteronomy, the ninth chapter, as they were about to enter the promised land, Moses recounted their rebellious and stiff necked behavior to them, stating that God was bringing them into this land they and that he would assist them in defeating the pagan populace, not for their righteousness, but for their Father’s sake and for his own name sake. We read in part Deuteronomy 9, 5, 6, 26, 27 and 29 not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart do you go to possess their land, but for the wickedness of these nations. The Lord thy God does drive them out from before you and that he may perform the word which the Lord swore unto your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the LORD your God giveth you not this good land to possess it for your righteousness, for you are a stiff necked people. I prayed therefore unto the Lord and said, O Lord God, destroy not your people and your inheritance, which you have redeemed through your greatness, which you have brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin, yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your mighty power and by your stretched out arm.

We read Further in Ezekiel 38 sorry we read further in Ezekiel 36, verses 22 through 24 therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus says the Lord God, I do not this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the heathen where you went, and I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which you have profaned in the midst of them, and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

The Lord in no uncertain terms explains that he will gather them to their ancient homeland, the land promised to their fathers. But he does it not because they are worthy, or that they have been faithful to him. Rather, he does it to vindicate his great name before the rest of the world.

God puts it all very simply when he states that Israel is His land and that the Jewish people are his people. So we read Joel 2:18 then the Lord Then will the Lord be jealous for his land and pity his people. In Ezekiel 38:14 16 we will just call out a few expressions, My people of Israel against my people Israel, I will bring thee against my land.

Antisemitism Israel’s enemies here and abroad Semites is a reference to the descendants of Noah’s son Shem and refers to people living in North Africa and the Middle East. However, it has primarily become a term for just the Jewish people. A working definition of antisemitism from the United States Department reads Sorry, the United States State Department reads Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non Jewish individuals and or their property toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

Anti Zionism is different, although the difference is quite often obscure. One definition of antisemitism reads like this. Anti Semitism is what Anti Zionism is the opposition to Zionism. Zionism is the political movement that advocated for and supports the existence of a sovereign Jewish state in the historical Land of Israel, the modern State of Israel. The term and its application are highly contested and understood differently depending on an individual’s or a group’s perspective.

As peculiar as it may seem, there are Jews, even Israelis, that are anti Zionists. Their reasons differ amongst themselves. For example, some are opposed to the modern State of Israel because they believe that they should wait for divine intervention like the Messiah’s return rather than depend on human political efforts. Others oppose the policies of a single Jewish state in the land, preferring the land to be somehow equally divided amongst Jews and Arabs. Yet we will mostly focus our attention to antisemitism and anti ZIONISM.

Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas slaughter and horrific abuse of innocent Israelis.

Anti Israel and Anti Jewish in the USA the FBI reported that of all the religiously motivated hate attacks in 2025, 68% were against Jews. The Anti Semitic Research center reported 8,000 incidences for 2025.

All the various law enforcement and Jewish agencies report extremely elevated anti Jewish incidences since October 2023 and that it continues to increase as the conflict in Gaza continues. By some accounts they’ve increased by 140%.

Public sentiment the Pew Research center reports a sharp generational divide regarding Israel. 76% of Americans 65 years and older and have a favorable view of Israel, while only 46% of those age 30 and younger have a favorable view. Yet in this 30 years old and younger group, 60% have a favorable view of the Palestinian people.

There’s a political dividend. A Gallup poll found that 83% of Republicans held a favorable view of Israel, independents 48% and Democrats 33%. In a simplified manner, the Democratic Party has two segments. Its liberal or progressive segment is mostly composed of. Sorry, is mostly opposed to questioned military support for Israel.

I have to take a look at a chat for a second.

Well, perhaps I’m speaking too fast.

In a simplified manner, the Democratic Party has two segments. Its liberal or progressive segment is mostly opposed to unquestioned military support for Israel and is more sympathetic with the Palestinians.

In contrast, the moderate segment continues to support the current assistance to Israel. Yet besides this ideological divide in the Democratic Party, there are also generational differences. Younger Gen Z and Millennials align mostly with the progressive or liberal segment much less sympathetic to Israel, while older Democrats have a slightly higher support for Israel.

While the Democratic Party majority are opposed to anti Semitism, that does not transfer to being pro Israel.

Liberal Democrats strongly support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the west bank and Gaza Strip.

In a similar simplified manner, the Republican Party has its two main segments, those of the Make America Great Again sentiment or America First. This group tends to be younger. They are more critical of spending on Israel and question support.

The traditional conservatives tend to be older and more pro Israel.

However, a rather new to public display is a growing divide in the Republican Party being promoted by influential media figures. This group is very outspoken against the United States of America’s support for Israel, so much so that Republican Senator Ted Cruz recently predicted that within five years the Republicans will be hostile to Israel. He also warned several times that anti Semitism is rising to a level that he has never seen before. Whether or not this comes about it is a new development.

A related example of a growing division regarding Israel took place on October 27, 2025 on Tucker Carlson’s Conservative podcast. He was hosting a well known anti Semite, Nick Fuentes. He was very favorable with Fuentes and Carlson stated that the beliefs of Christian Zionists are caused by a brain virus and is a Christian heresy.

While some in the Republican Party criticized him, others brushed it off as of no importance.

Conclusion the security partnership between the United States and Israel had long been one of the few issues in American politics with bipartisan consensus. However, Data from the 2025 Chicago Council survey fielded July 2025 finds Democrats and Republicans divided on the U S Israel relationship and fractured internally along ideological and generational lines.

What are some contributing factors to these stark changes in support for Israel? Of course, the Hamas Israeli war As a result of the October 7, 2023 massacre, Hamas has intentionally prolonged the conflict to successfully use the plight of the Gazan civilians as an ever present photo gallery of suffering to add emotional power to their global media intifada. Yes, there is a phenomena described as a global media intifada. It refers to the widespread pro Palestinian activism and rhetoric, particularly the slogan Globalize Intifada, which calls for worldwide pressure and action against Israel.

It is seen by many as an incitement to violence against Jewish people globally, sparking debate over social excuse me, sparking debate over media coverage and the definition of the term.

This movement uses social media protests and traditional media to spread its message, leading to discussions about censorship, responsibility and the violent history of Palestinian uprisings. In essence, the global media Intifada describes a digital and physical movement amplified by media that aims to internationalize the Palestinian struggle.

What are real world results? Increased antisemitism the slogan’s rise coincides with a sharp increase in antisemitic incidences, amplifying concerns about its potential to incite violence.

Most younger people do not have an accurate, unbiased historical context in which they can try to synthesize current events, and so much depends on their news source.

To make matters even more difficult is the fact that these events are transpiring faster than anyone can keep up with.

And lastly, most Americans do not have a grasp on the religious zeal of the Islamic terrorists, first against the Jews, the Saturday people, and then against the Christians, the Sunday people, Anti Israel and anti Jewish sentiment in the world the Anti Semitic Research center reported a worldwide 21% increase of incidences in the first half of 2025. It is averaging over 500 incidences per month.

However, that figure does not take into account that immediately after October 7, 2023, many Western countries recorded as many as triple the incidences compared to 2022 the year before.

In September 2025, a significant diplomatic shift occurred as several Western nations including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal and Belgium formally recognized the State of Palestine during the UN General assembly session.

This wave of recognition led by France marked a major step toward Palestinian statehood with many joining a UN backed two state solution declaration.

However, the usa, which has veto power, did not vote to recognize a two state status yet. As of September 2025, 157 out of the 193 country members of the United nations recognize a State of Palestine.

Israel’s security in 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces attacked nearly 21,000 targets as part of the Front War of Redemption. The military carried out operations in the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Judea Samaria, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen. Even though Israel has greatly reduced the power of Hamas and Hezbollah every single day you can read of the IDF having to kill or destroy terrorist or terrorist tunnels and fortifications in the Negev. The IDF regularly downs drones carrying armaments from Egypt meant for terrorist Palestinians.

Currently it is estimated that Israel controls about half of the Gaza Strip and Hamas the other half.

Now a note to my translators. Thank you. I want to add a comment here.

We’ll briefly touch on this later, brethren. But as a very recent development we see with this supposed Board of peace plan and 20 point plan by President Trump for including the Gaza Strip regularly there is a shift and movement between over what land in Gaza the Israelis still control. In other words, it’s a shifting amount of territory that the Israelis actually control. Okay, back to the text.

For the first time the IDF deployed a Harari Ultra Orthodox Brigade to Syria. The Harari had previously been exempted from military duty.

A new development meant to work with the current Israeli Iron Dome is the Iron Beam, a new high energy laser weapon systems designed to intercept short range threats like rockets, mortars and drones by shooting a powerful laser beam offering speed of light engagement, an effectively unlimited magazine and very low cost per shot.

It uses 100k fiber laser to track and burn through targets working as part of a multi layered air defense, though it faces limitations in bad weather like heavy clouds or smoke.

Through all of this, 75% of the Jewish Israeli population state that they feel safer living in Israel than anywhere else.

What about the so called two state solution? Well, first of all, it is not a solution. A solution implies that a problem has been successfully solved. For the Palestinians, a so called two state solution would just be the next big step in their efforts to annihilate the Jewish Zionist state of Israel. This is not their hidden agenda.

No, they make it plain in their writings, chantings and media propaganda, although mostly in Arabic.

What does the word of God say about this? He clearly gives the land to Abraham and his descendants. In fact more land than they currently possess, either directly or indirectly. They will obtain more.

In Joshua 1:3,4 every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses, from the wilderness desert, and this Lebanon, even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your coasts.

From these verses we read that God gave to the Israelites all of the coastal land along the Mediterranean Sea. This would include the Gaza strip in Joshua 15 verse 20 and 47.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah, according to their families Ashdod and her towns and her villages Gaza with her towns and her villages unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof, Judges 1:18 also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof and in the future, perhaps the near future, Zephaniah 2 4, 7, Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashgalad left in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied, and Ekron uprooted. Woe to you who live by the sea. O Karithites people. The word of the Lord is against you, O Canaan land of the Philistines, I will destroy you and none will be left.

The land by the sea where the Kirathites dwell will be a place for shepherds and sheep pens. It will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah. There they will find pasture. In the evening they will lay down in the houses of Ashkelon. The Lord their God will care for them.

He will restore their fortunes.

Here we clearly read that the Lord will defeat the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip area and restored to Israel. This indicates that even if there does come a Palestinian state someday, it will not last.

Our attitude toward Israel’s current government we gain a very important insight from an experience Israel had after they left Egypt. Without taking the time to read all the events that led up to the second generation of Israelites being allowed to enter the Promised Land, we will just recap the most important items.

Israel observed the first Passover in Egypt. Israel observed the second Passover at Mount Sinai. Israel believed the lying spies and wanted to return to Egypt.

God would have destroyed them, but hearkened unto Moses and spared them. God decreed that that generation of unbelievers would not enter the Promised Land except for Joshua and Caleb.

In Numbers 14:25, God ordered the people to turn around in order that that generation, 20 years old and upward, would wander in the wilderness the remainder of the 40 years until they died.

God promised that their little ones, those under 20 years old and latter born children, would enter the promised land. Numbers 14:25 32 Commenting on this in Reprint 3086, Brother Russell states, this was a period of partial disfavor with God.

In Joshua 5:1 10 we learn that that second generation crossed over the river Jordan and entered the land. Joshua had to circumcise them before they could partake. The first Passover in 39 years Joshua 5:6 in part for the people of Israel walked 40 years in the wilderness till all the people that were men of war which came out of Egypt were consumed because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord, unto whom the Lord swore that he would not show them the lamp.

After considering the foregoing sequences of events, we learn that the Lord was only using the faithless Israelite adults 20 years old and above the men of war, in order to care for and protect the next generation, their little ones, throughout the 40 years wilderness wanderings to eventually bring them to the proximity of the Promised Land. When this next generation did cross dry shot over the river Jordan miraculously parted even as was the Red Sea 40 years earlier, there would be A new start for the Promised Seed we learned that the Lord did not want the natural seed of Abraham to die out.

But God is not mocked. The rebels were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. We think of them as a caregiver generation used by God for His greater purposes.

In a similar fashion, the Lord is pleased to bless and use the secular or really nominally religious Jews from the time of their regathering to the land in 1878 unto this day, to maintain the land and protect the holy remnant, those Jews who do have sincere faith, those that have a circumcised heart until the future, after the people of Israel have had their final chastisement from the Lord, as shown in Ezekiel 38, Zechariah 12 and Zechariah 14, then will all the rebels have been separated out. They will not be allowed to enter into the new Promised land, Eretz Israel, I.e. enter the new covenant arrangement. Ezekiel 20, verses 33 to 44 Even though excluded from being part of the nucleus of the earthly kingdom with the ancient worthies, these will have a future opportunity like the remainder of mankind.

In fact, the Lord considers the Israelis now, even though they are literally in Israel as a nation, as if they are still in a wilderness condition. So we read Ezekiel 20, verses 34 through 38 and I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein you are scattered with a stretched out arm and with fury poured out and I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face, like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, says the Lord God, and I will cause you to pass under the scepter, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant, and I will purge out from among you the rebels and them that transgress against me. I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel, and you shall know that I am the Lord.

Then to verse 40 Ezekiel 20, verse 40 for in my holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, says the Lord God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me there I will accept them, and there will I require your offerings and the chief of your tributes with all your holy things.

Yes, they are currently in the literal land of Israel, but this is only a stepping stone to the next event, that is being in an acceptable heart condition, a circumcised heart so that they can enter into the new Covenant arrangement.

We think we can see a similar development and separation found in Zechariah 12, verses 3 through 10.

This is a progressive picture from 1878 onward before their final deliverance and recognition of Messiah. In these verses there are three groups 1 Judah, 2 the inhabitants of Jerusalem and 3 the House of David.

There are also several subdivisions of these three, yet only two of these three groups, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the house of David, will receive the God given Spirit of grace and supplication. Verse 10 it is to these two groups that Jesus is first revealed as their Messiah. These two groups comprise what we refer to as the Holy Remnant.

Brother Russell describes them the Holy remnant this way, third volume, page 250 quote the Jews recognized by God as children of Abraham are those who hold to the faith of Abraham and trust in the Divine promises. End of quote.

Reading now in Zechariah 12:3 and in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people. All that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

From the late 1800s, Satan, the God of this world, has tried by any and every means possible to destroy the natural seed of Abraham.

Verse 4 In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment and his rider with madness, and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Horses represent doctrines and teachings. The riders represent those that promulgate those teachings. God smites these horses and riders with madness and blindness. This represents that all the attacks against the Jewish people have had little success in stopping the reestablishment of the State of Israel.

Examples of such teachings the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the Nazis and fascists, the John Birch Society, the Ku Klux Klan, and so forth.

God opening his eyes upon the house or descendants of Judah. God changed his relationship to Israel from the period of disfavor to that of his returning favor from 1878 A.D. onward.

Verse 5 and the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God.

Governors of Judah in verses 5 and 6, governors symbolize leaders. These are the secular Zionists who first led the way back to and in Palestine. Note in verse 5 we read that these governors of Judah say in their heart, that is secretly, that another group of Jews, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, shall be their strength. Why?

Because of the Lord, their God. The God of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Who is the second group? These are Jews who have sincere faith in their God, the God of Abraham.

Inhabitants of Jerusalem verses 5, 7, 8 and 10 inhabitants means those who invested themselves in a permanent dwelling arrangement. Jews committed to the land he promised their fathers. These have part. These are part of the holy remnant.

In verse six in that day will I make the governors of Judah, like a hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf, and they shall devour all the people round about on the right hand and on the left, and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place. Even in Jerusalem, The governors of Judah represent leaders among the secular Jews who are dedicated to maintain the land and the state of Israel despite all the wars in which the Arabs on all sides of them have tried to drive them into the sea.

God has been blessing their efforts. Miraculously and in fact, Jerusalem was restored to the Jewish people in the Six Day War of June 1967.

Verse 7 the Lord also shall save or give victory to the Revised Standard Version Give victory to the tents of Judah first. Let the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

The tents of Judah means a temporary arrangement. The Lord first uses secular Zionists. For a time we read that it is God that enables even the secular Jews success, but it is temporary.

House of David verses 7, 8, 10 and 12.

House means descendants. These are Jews who have a strong faith in God as David had. The inhabitants of Jerusalem, as we have already considered, represent Jews of faith who have permanently invested themselves in Jerusalem. Their glory is their faith in God.

We learn that God does appreciate the sacrifice of the secular Jews and they have had the first successes. However, it is the Jews who have a sincere faith in God upon whom God will pour his spirit.

However, for our topic, it’s very informative to read that it is God who gives the secular Jews their victories first.

This helps us to be supportive of the nation of Israel, even if we cannot agree or condone all that the current government might do.

Verse 8 In that day shall the Lord defend. Throw a covering around the inhabitants of Jerusalem and he that is feeble realize their own weakness among them at that day shall be as David, and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord of hosts before them.

The timing of this verse is still future. It is the same time as Zechariah 14:1:3. It is the time when Jerusalem has been captured. There is a part of the inhabitants that will not be taken captive. That group is the holy remnant represented here by the inhabitants being covered around or shielded.

These Jews of faith that recognize their own helpless condition at that time, call out to the Lord, even as David did in his time of weakness. Like David versus Goliath, these become like mighty ones, and they shall be the leading and guiding messengers for the other Jews of faith. Verse 9 and it shall come to pass in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Verse 10 and I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplications and they shall look upon him whom they’ve pierced, and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn we had to finish this part of the story of Zechariah 12 we do not read that the governors of Judah or the tents of Judah are here. No, this special revealment of Jesus as their Messiah is reserved first for the Holy remnant.

What a marvelous moment in time that will be.

However, we must hasten on to consider a few scriptures on this holy remnant. Isaiah 4:3 and it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem shall be called holy, even everyone that is written among the living in Jerusalem.

Joel 2:32 and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

We need to briefly touch on three further developments that have come to be after we submitted our discourse for translation. Fortunately, we were able to send these to the translators just several days ago.

The 20 point Gaza peace Plan initiated by Donald Trump focuses on ending the conflict through a phased approach. Phase one October 2025 focused on a ceasefire, hostage prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid. Phase 2 January 2026 aims to establish a technocratic governing body, NCAG, initiate full demilitarization, disarming Hamas and start reconstruction.

Phase 1 implemented October 10, 2025 ceasefire and withdrawal an immediate ceasefire and partial withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre agreed lines Hostage prisoner exchange Release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees, humanitarian aid Full entry of aid into Gaza and opening of the Rafah crossing Initial governance Preparation for a temporary non political administration. Phase 2 announced January 2026 Technocratic governance establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to govern the Territory Demilitarization Disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups with the goal of creating a terror free zone Reconstruction the beginning of rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure overseen by a U S led Board of Peace International oversight Deployment of an international Stabilization force to monitor security the plan ultimately aims to transition control to a reformed Palestinian Authority while facing challenges regarding Hamas’s compliance with disarmament and the stability of the ceasefire brethren. It is easy to understand that these stated goals include Israel giving up land and control as well as allowing an international group, which includes enemies of Israel and supporters of Hamas, to supposedly disarm Hamas. Not likely the Board of Peace launched in January 2026 by President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Board of Peace is a US led peace international organization designed to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and manage a ceasefire with intentions to expand into global conflict resolution. It operates as a centralized invitation only coalition chaired by Trump with members including nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.

However, the most recent Board charter makes no mention of Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace on January 21, 2026. He accepted the invitation to participate in the initiative which focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza, despite earlier criticisms regarding the Board’s composition.

This is a very sad and misguided decision that compromises God’s instruction to his people.

Key details about the Board of Peace Purpose Initially focused on Gaza’s reconstruction and stability, the Board’s scope was expanded to address global conflicts and promote peace structure and leadership. The Board is chaired by Donald Trump, who holds significant authority to invite members and approve resolutions.

Funding and Membership the Initiative operates on a voluntary basis invitation only three year term with a reported $1 billion commitment required for permanent membership.

International Response While endorsed by the UN Security Council as a transitional administration for Gaza, the Board operates outside the United nations system, leading to mixed international reception.

Some European nations declined to join due to conflicts with the United Nations Charter. We cannot delve further into these matters due to time restraints. However, this bears watching.

Following is a statement from the Patriarchs and heads of the Churches in Jerusalem on unity and representation of the Christian communities in the Holy Land which we impart.

January 17, 2026 the Patriarchs and heads of the Churches in the Holy Land affirm before the faithful and before the world that the flock of Christ in this land is entrusted to the Apostolic Churches which have borne their sacred ministry across centuries with steadfast devotion. Recent activities undertaken by local individuals who advance damaging ideologies such as Christian Zionism mislead the public, sow confusion and harm the unity of our flock. These undertakings have found favor among certain political actors in Israel and beyond who seek to push a political agenda which may harm the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the wider Middle East.

The patriarchs and heads of churches further note with concern that these individuals have been welcomed at official levels, both locally and internationally. Such actions constitute interference in the eternal life of the churches and disregard the pastoral responsibility vested in in the Patriarchs and head in the churches of Jerusalem. The Patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem reiterate that they alone represent the churches and their flock in matters pertaining to Christian religious, communal and pastoral life in the Holy Land. The Patriarchs and heads of the Churches in Jerusalem. End of quote.

This clearly demonstrates the official position of the Orthodox nominal churches. They are anti Zionism.

They want to control Jerusalem. In conclusion, we continue to love Israel and the Jewish people because they are still God’s covenanted people. He has told us to comfort you, comfort you, my people, says your God. Speak you comfortably to Jerusalem. Isaiah 41 and 2 in part we recognize the miraculous manner in which the state of Israel has both come back into existence as well as stayed in existence.

Against all odds we have seen how God can both chasten his people as well as bless them. He does not approve of any rebellious behaviors, yet he does use whomsoever he will to accomplish his will, even the wrath of man. The Jews of sincere faith, the holy remnant, are even now being developed in the land. God knows their hearts and blesses each accordingly. Let us get continue our God ordained efforts to comfort Jerusalem.

May the Lord overrule anything said amiss.

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