ARTICLES

Jewish New Year 5786: Hope Rising Amid Hatred

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

Am Israel Chai! The people of Israel live against all odds. With this week’s arrival of Rosh Hashanah, the “Head of the Year,” the nation of Israel is celebrating its 5786th year. Since the attacks of October 7, 2023, this ancient declaration has taken on deeper meaning. It has become a cry of defiance, resilience, and solidarity.

Not speaking as a prophet but as an observer, it is clear that a convergence of global events is unfolding. These events are marked by both hope and hate.

Hopes are reflected in the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, also known as “the birthday of the world,” which rabbinic tradition identifies as the day God created Adam and Eve. Prior to the holiday’s arrival on September 22, fifty thousand people gathered at the Western Wall for Selichot, prayers of forgiveness recited as spiritual preparation for the High Holy Days. Voices lifted petitions for the return of hostages, both living and deceased, and for the protection of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers engaged in the ongoing fight against the hatred of Hamas.

The year 5786 opened with celebration. Rosh Hashanah, which began at sundown on September 22 and concluded after nightfall on September 24, was observed with the sounding of the shofar on both mornings of the holiday and the traditional dipping of apples in honey to symbolize a sweet year ahead.

Events of hatred converged at the same time. One example is found in the continued hostility of the United Nations toward Israel. The U.N. Security Council deliberately scheduled its first briefing on the Hamas-instigated war to coincide with Rosh Hashanah. The 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which includes Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, and Algeria, pressed for this timing, knowing that many Israeli officials would be unable to attend.

Once again, the eighty-year-old United Nations, originally created to foster peace and cooperation after World War II, has strayed far from the noble intentions set forth in its founding documents. According to the Charter’s preamble, its mission is to prevent war, uphold human rights, and advance justice and cooperation among nations. In reality, it has failed to achieve these aims.

The U.N.’s refusal to acknowledge the obvious fact that Hamas launched the war on October 7, 2023, explains Israel’s emphatic rejection of last week’s vote for a Palestinian state. Although the vote called for a peaceful settlement for Gazan Palestinians, none of the 142 nations supporting it expressed willingness to resettle them. Under the Trump administration, the United States continued to oppose a two-state solution in Israel.

On September 21, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that leaders recognizing a Palestinian state after the October 7 massacre “are granting an enormous prize to terror.” He added, “It will not happen.” He also reminded the world that Israel has “doubled Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria.”

Despite the persistent animosity of the U.N. General Assembly, numerous sources of hope reveal the resilience of the Jewish people. Several developments in Israel’s military realm, both technological and human, are remarkable.

One breakthrough is Israel’s Iron Beam, a high-powered laser weapon that intercepts and destroys rockets, mortars, aircraft, and UAVs. Scheduled for deployment by the end of 2025, the Iron Beam will make Israel the first nation in the world to employ laser interception for air defense. This unprecedented technological achievement will join Israel’s existing systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. The Iron Beam will bear the name “Ohr Eitan” (Eitan’s Light), in memory of Captain Eitan Oster, a heroic officer killed in southern Lebanon. Captain Oster’s father was one of the system’s chief developers. Another striking advantage of the Iron Beam is cost: while a single Iron Dome interceptor missile costs around $100,000, the new laser system neutralizes threats for only a few shekels per use.

Amir Baram of the Ministry of Defense emphasized the innovation’s global importance: “For the first time in history, we have the ability to fight with beams of light.”

Another source of hope is the IDF’s Lone Soldiers program. Over the past two years, more than 5,000 young men and women from over 60 nations have left their homes and families to defend the world’s only Jewish homeland. After October 7, their hearts were stirred to fly to Israel and put on the uniform of the IDF. They now serve alongside native-born Lone Soldiers, young Israelis who were orphaned or estranged from their families. What unites them all is an uncommon sense of purpose and a willingness to sacrifice for something greater than themselves.

A further convergence of hope was seen in the September 21 Memorial Gathering for Charlie Kirk. Though he did not wear an IDF uniform, Charlie believed that God had called him to lead a generation of students to love God and the United States. He was also a steadfast advocate for Israel and the Judeo-Christian faith.

After his second visit to Israel in 2019, he was interviewed by Israeli broadcaster Yishai Fleisher, international spokesperson for the Jewish community of Hebron. Charlie drew a sharp distinction between the IDF’s moral restraint and Hamas’s cruelty. He admitted that although he had considered himself pro-Israel before visiting, Western media had influenced his perspective until he saw Israel for himself. He observed that Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005, when Jewish residents were forcibly removed from their homes, was “the biggest mistake Israel ever made.” His most piercing question was simple yet profound: “How can anyone occupy their own land?”

Though Charlie’s voice is missed, his legacy continues. Millions have been inspired to pursue righteous activism. His memorial service broke records, with Turning Point USA estimating over 100 million views, and the numbers are still rising. The proclamation of the Good News of Jesus’ sacrificial love reverberated worldwide, carried by leaders in ministry and politics.

Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and now CEO of Turning Point USA, spoke words of forgiveness that reflected the heart of Christ. “That young man… I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do. I forgive the man who killed my husband.”

The CBN Israel team invites you to join us in prayer and to be a bold voice for truth!

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for a safe Israel during their High Holy Days.
  • Pray for IDF members on the ground in Gaza City during their daunting operation.
  • Pray for Erika Kirk, her children, and Turning Point USA.
  • Pray for the IDF to locate hostages, whether living or deceased.
  • Pray for a total victory over Hamas.

Arlene Bridges Samuels is the weekly feature columnist for CBN Israel since 2020. Working on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as their SE Regional Outreach Director for nine years, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as the Leadership Outreach Director part-time for their project American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel, is published at AllIsrael.com and The Jerusalem Connection, and has traveled to Israel since 1990. By invitation, she attends Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summits as part of Christian media worldwide. In 2024, Arlene and her husband Paul co-authored Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses. www.TheMentalHealthMeltdown.com.

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Victim of Terrorism: Isabella’s Story

In Sderot, a city that has endured years of rocket fire from nearby Gaza, life for Isabella has been one long struggle for survival. A victim of domestic violence and terror attacks, Isabella has faced both personal tragedy and the constant threat of war.

Her hardships began long before the recent conflict. Years of abuse left her physically and emotionally scarred, and by age 50 she had lost all her teeth. Health problems, financial distress, and the loss of her brother—her only source of steady help—deepened her sense of isolation. And on October 7, as terrorists tried to break into her home, she was injured while fleeing to safety, badly hurting both knees.

With little money and very little food at home, she felt trapped, afraid to leave the house except for physical therapy. Where could she turn for help?

Thanks to caring friends like you, she found it through CBN Israel. The generous support of donors made it possible for Isabella to receive dentures that will allow her to eat solid food again and restore her confidence. A CBN Israel staff member even accompanied her to appointments, helping her regain the courage to go outside. She is also receiving regular deliveries of food and groceries, ensuring that her refrigerator is never empty.

“I can finally laugh again,” Isabella says with gratitude.

At a time when many people in Israel are still living in the long shadow of terror and war, it means so much to know friends like you are standing with them.

Through CBN Israel, you can be there for victims of violence with food, medical care, trauma counseling, and hope. And you can bring life-changing relief to Holocaust survivors, refugees, new immigrants, single moms, and others in desperate need.

Please join us in being a true friend to those facing crisis in the Holy Land!

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Jerusalem: The City of God’s Presence

By Stephen Faircloth

No city is mentioned more often in Scripture than Jerusalem. From the moment King David made it the capital of his kingdom, it became the spiritual center of Israel and a focal point for the Jewish people. Prophets spoke of it, psalmists sang of it, and Jesus Himself walked its streets.

Jerusalem’s story stretches back more than four thousand years. The earliest settlement formed around the Gihon Spring, a vital source of water that sustained life on the eastern hill, the area now called the City of David. When David conquered the city from the Jebusites, this hill became biblical Mount Zion and the heart of his kingdom.

David’s son Solomon expanded the city northward, building his royal palace, administrative buildings, and most importantly the Temple. As Jerusalem’s importance grew, and especially after the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., more people settled on the western hill, today known as Mount Zion. King Hezekiah fortified this larger area with a massive wall, parts of which can still be seen.

This was the Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. After the exile, returning Jews rebuilt the city, though on a much smaller scale. During the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, the settlement was again focused on the eastern hill.

Centuries later, under the Hasmoneans, Jerusalem grew once more. New walls expanded the city to include bustling markets to the north. By the time of Jesus, Jerusalem featured two dominant landmarks: the Temple Mount on the east and Herod the Great’s grand palace with its imposing towers on the west. This was the city where Jesus taught, healed, confronted corruption, and ultimately offered His life for the salvation of the world.

But Jerusalem’s glory was not permanent. In A.D. 70, Roman forces destroyed the city and the Temple, tearing down its walls and leveling its sacred spaces. The footprint of the ancient city shifted north and west, and Jerusalem would not surpass its first-century size until modern times. Later generations of Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottomans, and others left their own marks, each layer adding to the city’s complex story.

Yet throughout all its rises and falls, Jerusalem remains a place where heaven and earth seem to meet. Pilgrims still stream to its gates. Jews pray at the Western Wall, Christians retrace the steps of Jesus, and Muslims worship on the Temple Mount. For believers, Jerusalem is more than history. It is a living reminder of God’s presence, His promises, and His coming kingdom.

Jerusalem’s story teaches that no earthly city or structure, no matter how sacred, can replace the God who dwells with His people. Where is your heart anchored today—in walls and rituals, or in the Lord Himself?

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

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Weekly Devotional: Awakened by the Trumpet

“In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord” (Leviticus 23:24-25).

Every year, as summer gives way to autumn, the Jewish people mark Rosh Hashanah—“the Head of the Year.” This festival signals more than just a change of seasons on the calendar; it begins a sacred time known as the “Ten Days of Awe,” culminating in Yom Kippur, “the Day of Atonement.”

Rosh Hashanah traces its roots to the biblical “Feast of Trumpets,” a day when the shofar, a ram’s horn, is sounded to call God’s people to attention. In ancient Israel, the arrival of this feast was a moment requiring deep watchfulness.

Since it fell on the new moon, when only the faintest sliver of light would appear, priests and witnesses had to remain vigilant to confirm its arrival. To avoid missing this holy appointment, rabbis eventually added a second day—underscoring just how vital it was to stay awake, alert, and ready.

This theme of readiness is echoed throughout the New Testament as a picture of the believer’s posture toward Christ’s return:

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

The Feast of Trumpets was not merely about marking time; it was about awakening the heart. The piercing blast of the shofar cut through routine and distraction, calling every soul to return to God with repentance and renewed devotion.

Today, even if we don’t observe Rosh Hashanah in the traditional sense, the message still speaks to us: Be watchful. Be prepared. Be eager for the coming of the King. Our lives can easily drift into complacency, but the trumpet of Scripture sounds a clear call—wake up, stay ready, live expectantly.

The Lord Jesus was offered once to bear our sin. And He has promised to appear again (Hebrews 9:28)—not in humility this time, but in power and glory to gather His people forever.

May we not be found asleep or distracted. May we live each day with hearts tuned to the sound of His coming.

PRAYER

Father, awaken my spirit to Your voice. Help me to lay aside complacency and live in anticipation of Your Son’s return. Keep me watchful, hopeful, and ready. Amen.

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Torah Reading Devotional: Parashat Nitzavim (נִצָּבִים) “You Are Standing”

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20). Read on Shabbat, September 20, 2025 / 27 Elul 5785. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“You are all standing today before the LORD your God, your tribal heads, your elders, and your officers, all the men of Israel, small and great, that you may enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which He is making with you this day, that He may establish you this day as His people and that He may be your God, as He promised you and as He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob” (Deuteronomy 29:9-11).

Moses summons all Israel, leaders and ordinary people alike, to stand together in covenant before God. This is not merely a ritual assembly but an urgent declaration of identity and commitment. They are called to recognize that God’s promises to their ancestors are real and that these promises come with responsibility. The covenant is not exclusive to the powerful but embraces every generation, every status, every person in Israel.

He reminds them that the covenant demands fidelity: leaving behind foreign gods, returning to the one true God, and following His commands. What God requires is within their reach. To choose life and blessings, to reject disobedience that leads to destruction, these choices are set before them clearly. They will remain in the land, not be driven into exile, if they turn to God with all their heart and soul.

In our own lives, this passage invites us to pause and examine our standing before God. Are we aware of the covenants we inherit and accept? Do we live with faithfulness, or do we drift toward apathy or compromise? Standing before God means owning both our privileges and our responsibilities. We may have inherited promises we have not yet experienced but that are still part of our story. We also carry the weight of how we live with the blessings of God, whether we reflect His character in justice, love, and humility.

If you feel distant or unsure, this week offers hope. The covenant remains open to all who turn back with sincerity. Choices of small integrity matter: kindness when it costs something, confession when guilt weighs heavy, consistency when it is tempting to quit. And if you are in a place of fulfilled promises and blessing, remember that how you represent God in these moments is just as important as when you are struggling or facing difficulty. Your covenant faithfulness to God in all situations can display His goodness and wonder before a watching world that may otherwise doubt His existence.

This week, find concrete ways to stand in covenant before God and those around you. Speak truth, practice mercy, or make amends. Let everything you say and all that you do echo what Moses calls Israel to: to be God’s people in word and in action.

PRAYER
Lord, help me stand fully before You today. Grant me courage to embrace both Your promises and the responsibility they carry. May my life reflect covenant faithfulness. Amen.

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Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: A Global Awakening of Faith and Courage

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

A global phenomenon is unfolding, and once again God turns evil into good. Thousands of years ago, Joseph offered this perspective. Betrayed by his brothers and left to die, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt as Pharaoh’s second-in-command. When he reunited with his brothers, he declared, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

The assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, magnifies today’s spiritual confrontation between good and evil. No one could have foreseen that one act of hatred would generate such an immense eruption of grief around the world. Charlie Kirk’s legacy is igniting a fresh movement of faith and courage in the minds and hearts of Christians and others alike. Executed for speaking truth, Charlie’s voice on earth has been silenced, yet untold millions are pledging their voices to carry forward his courageous love for Jesus, his devotion to America, and the Judeo-Christian principles he championed.

Within 48 hours of Charlie’s death, Turning Point USA received 37,000 inquiries about starting new chapters in high schools and colleges. The interest suggests exponential growth, continuing his mission “to lead the fight to save America.” Charlie helped mentor a new generation, demonstrating that truth must never be silenced, courage is contagious, and freedom must be defended at all costs.

Across the globe, countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and India have held vigils, lit candles, and sung hymns as vast crowds wept. The Polish Parliament paused to hold a moment of silence and prayer in his honor. 

President Donald Trump offered a heartfelt tribute: “No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you.” President Trump also announced that Charlie will receive a posthumous Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu honored him as well: “Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”

Israelis, aware of Charlie’s unwavering stance against antisemitism, expressed deep admiration and sorrow. After traveling to Israel for the U.S. Embassy move to Jerusalem in 2018, Charlie returned in 2019 and declared, “The greatest trip I ever took was to Israel and the second greatest trip I ever took was to Israel.” Charlie frequently defended Israel on college campuses and in speeches. “I am a defender of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. When I went to Israel, I saw the Bible come to life. We, as Christians, must honor the Jews.” He and his wife, Erika, even adopted the tradition of Shabbat for their family as a meaningful expression of faith.

Speaking at more college campuses than any other Christian conservative, Charlie often addressed misconceptions about Israel. “I am confronted many times by young Christians who believe that Israel is an oppressive apartheid state that should not exist in its current form. I am here to communicate clearly that we must do a much better job of conveying the geopolitical significance of the state of Israel. The world is a better place because of the state of Israel.” Charlie also condemned antisemitism in vivid terms. “Antisemitism is literally a brain rot that stops your ability to think independently, and you start blaming everything on a very small group of people. That has no place in decent society.”

The Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for his unwavering support, posting a tribute video and writing, “Our hearts are with his loved ones during this painful time. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply his support was felt.” One vigil on a Tel Aviv beach displayed candles and a large sign reading, “When truth is feared, free speech is killed,” echoing Charlie’s warning: “When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence.” Miriam Feirberg, the mayor of Netanya, announced that a main square will be named in Charlie’s honor.

Charlie Kirk’s passing leaves the example of a modern Christian martyr. We would do well to recall one of his earlier observations, which now defines this moment: “You actually see what’s going on, that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and darkness and spirits, that there is a spiritual war here.” Charlie explained that this was the only way to make sense of “what the country is doing to itself.”

Will the millions of flames ignited by his death continue to burn like the memory of September 11, 2001? Let us memorize Jude 1:3, which urges us to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” We must run this spiritual race as if it were an Olympic event. Jesus handed His baton to Charlie. Will a new generation rise to grasp it and honor Jesus as Charlie did? Let us pray and act with purpose, no matter our age.

Our CBN Israel team welcomes you to join us in prayer and to share what you have learned here.

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for Charlie’s wife, Erika, their 3-year-old daughter, and their baby son.
  • Pray for Turning Point staff as they grieve, yet with purpose go forward.
  • Pray for awakenings among those who are making hateful comments.
  • Pray for believers to stay aware of spiritual warfare yet enhance their reliance on the Holy Spirit’s strength and Scriptures.

Arlene Bridges Samuels is the weekly feature columnist for CBN Israel since 2020. Working on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as their SE Regional Outreach Director for nine years, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as the Leadership Outreach Director part-time for their project American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel, is published at AllIsrael.com and The Jerusalem Connection, and has traveled to Israel since 1990. By invitation, she attends Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summits as part of Christian media worldwide. In 2024, Arlene and her husband Paul co-authored Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses. www.TheMentalHealthMeltdown.com.

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Feeding Israel’s School Children

Even before the war, many families in Israel were already struggling to meet their basic needs. Rising costs and economic challenges left thousands of children facing each school day without a proper meal. Now, with more households impacted by displacement and financial hardship, the need is greater than ever.

For children, hunger is more than just physical discomfort. It directly affects their ability to learn, concentrate, and thrive. Without a nutritious breakfast, many are at risk of falling behind in school, which can have long-term consequences far beyond the classroom.

This is where the compassion of friends like you has made a powerful difference. Through the generous support of caring donors, CBN Israel is helping to provide daily meals for children suffering from food insecurity. In partnership with Nevet, an organization dedicated to feeding schoolchildren in need, we are ensuring that tens of thousands of students across the country receive a healthy breakfast every morning before class.

Recently, CBN Israel staff joined the effort by preparing sandwiches and nutritious meals for hundreds of these children. These simple, wholesome breakfasts not only ease the financial burden on struggling families but also give each child the strength and focus they need to succeed in school.

“You made it possible for these kids to study and change their future,” said Tal Efrati from Nevet. “When they eat healthy food, they can concentrate in school. This is how they shape a better future for themselves. And your help allows us to do this for thousands of kids every single day.”

Partners are also helping to subsidize the cost of these meals, enabling schools across Israel to take part in this vital program. As Tal shared, “Thank you for your donation and your help. It helps us a lot to create this program and to increase our activity all around Israel.”

Your gifts to CBN Israel can help fuel a brighter future. You can place food in the hands of children who need it most and giving them the opportunity to grow, learn, and dream again.

Please join us in caring for Israel’s youngest and most vulnerable today!

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Shiloh: A Lesson in Obedience

By Stephen Faircloth

Rising quietly in the rolling hills about twenty-five miles north of Jerusalem, Shiloh once stood as the spiritual heart of Israel. After the conquest of the land, the Israelites set up the Tabernacle and placed the Ark of the Covenant here (Joshua 18:1). For centuries it served as the center of worship and pilgrimage.

Festivals were celebrated at Shiloh, and families from across the tribes traveled the main north-south road through the hill country to offer their sacrifices and prayers. The road itself became a path of expectation, carrying worshipers toward the place where God had chosen to make His name dwell.

It was to Shiloh that Hannah came with her desperate plea for a child. Here the priest Eli blessed her, and here God answered her prayer with the promise of Samuel’s birth (1 Samuel 1). When Samuel was old enough, Hannah returned him to serve the Lord, and in this sacred setting God began to reveal Himself to the young prophet (1 Samuel 3:21). This quiet settlement became the stage for some of the most tender and powerful encounters recorded in Scripture—moments of answered prayer, divine calling, and the unfolding of God’s purposes for His people.

Yet Shiloh’s story also carries a sobering warning. News of the Ark’s capture by the Philistines reached Eli at Shiloh, along with the deaths of his sons (1 Samuel 4). Archaeological excavations reveal a layer of destruction caused by fire in the eleventh century B.C., a date that matches the period of Eli and Samuel. By the time David and Solomon reigned, the Tabernacle was gone, and Shiloh was no longer the center of worship. Centuries later, the prophet Jeremiah pointed to its ruins as a living parable: “Go now to My place that was in Shiloh… and see what I did to it for the wickedness of My people Israel” (Jeremiah 7:12).

Shiloh teaches a timeless truth. The presence of God’s house is not a guarantee of His favor. The people of Israel trusted the symbol of His presence but ignored the God who dwelt among them. Their disobedience brought judgment, and the Tabernacle that once hosted His glory fell silent. Sacred space is never a substitute for a surrendered heart.

Today, visitors to Shiloh can still see the remains of its sanctuary and the evidence of its fiery destruction. Stones and earth bear witness to the message the prophets proclaimed: God desires obedience more than outward ritual, and His blessing rests on those whose hearts remain faithful.

This ancient ruin invites us to examine our own lives.

Are there places where we rely on outward appearances, religious habits, or spiritual memories rather than genuine devotion? Shiloh reminds us that God is not impressed by activity or ceremony but by hearts that love Him and walk in His ways. His presence is a gift, but His favor rests on those who obey.

Is there an area of your life where you are trusting a “symbol” of faith instead of living in daily surrender to God? How might you renew your devotion and obedience today?

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

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Weekly Devotional: Walking the Way of Blessing

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him” (Psalm 128:1).

The phrase “fear of the Lord” can sound strange to our modern ears. We often speak of God’s love and His invitation to draw near but not of fear. Yet in Scripture, the fear of the Lord is not a cringing terror. It is deep and profound reverence, an awe-filled respect for God’s holiness and greatness.

This reverence naturally leads to action. The psalmist tells us that those who fear the Lord are the ones who walk in His ways. To fear God is not merely to feel something; it is to live in faithful obedience to Him. Our obedience becomes the visible proof of our reverence.

Moses gave similar instructions to Israel: “Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only” (Deuteronomy 6:13). To fear God was to serve Him. And within the language of the Old Testament, fear and love were often two sides of the same coin. Deuteronomy commands, “Love the Lord your God and keep His requirements” (Deuteronomy 11:1). To love Him is to obey Him. To fear Him is to walk in His ways.

True blessedness flows from this posture of love and reverence. When we align our lives with God’s commands, we experience the security and joy that come from living under His care. The blessing is not merely material; it is the peace of knowing we are walking in the will of the One who holds all things together.

The world often equates blessing with success or comfort, but Scripture reminds us that the deepest blessing is found in a life surrendered to God. To fear the Lord is to recognize His greatness. To obey Him is to trust His wisdom. Together they lead us into lasting joy.

Where is God calling you to deeper obedience today? What step of trust would show your reverence and love for Him in a tangible way?

PRAYER

Father, teach me to walk in Your ways with a heart that loves and reveres You. Help me to obey Your Word in all I do, so that my life may reflect the blessing of knowing You. Amen.

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Torah Reading Devotional: Parashat Ki Tavo (כִּי־תָבוֹא) “When You Enter In”

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8). Read on Shabbat, September 13, 2025 / 20 Elul 5785. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you take possession of it and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of every fruit of the ground that you bring in from your land that the LORD your God is giving you and put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose to make His name dwell” (Deuteronomy 26:1-2). 

This command opens a section of laws that concern entering the promised land with thanksgiving and responsibility. The offering of first fruits expresses gratitude but also acknowledges that all provision comes from God. When Israel enters the land, they are to bring the best of what the land gives as a symbol both of worship and of recognition that God is sovereign over prosperity.

The ritual of bikkurim requires more than ritual form. It demands posture of the heart: humility, generosity, and awareness that community flourishes when blessings are shared. The portion goes on from there to warn about complacency, and to outline blessings for obedience and consequences for turning away. In framing both gratitude and accountability, Moses invites Israel into a living relationship, not just a contract.

In our own lives entering new seasons—of opportunity, success, or rest—we often forget the importance of first fruits. We may keep for ourselves the best gifts, the best time, the best resources, forgetting that giving first is a way of trusting God, of setting Him first, and of cultivating generosity. When we express gratitude first, it shifts our relationship with what we have from ownership to stewardship.

If you are entering a season of abundance, try offering your best first to God: maybe time, maybe talent, maybe finances, or maybe recognition. Let your first fruit be not what remains but what you choose to give freely. And if you are in a season of want, remember that God’s call to gratitude is not tied to abundance. Even in little, giving what you have with faith honors Him and builds trust.

This week choose one area to offer first fruit: the first day, the first hour, the first portion of income, the first meal, the first words. Let it be an act of worship and trust that ushers in blessing from God.

PRAYER
Lord, help me enter new seasons with gratitude. Teach me to give first what comes to me in faith and recognition of Your generosity. Amen.

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