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By Arlene Bridges Samuels

Most American taxpayers are distressed by the way the United States Congress wheels and deals with our national budget. While members of Congress jockey for political advantage, the unwieldy budgets have now contributed to a colossal $28 trillion debt at this writing. 

Nevertheless, despite its recurring budget power-struggles and often reckless policies, Congress gets it right with one aspect of our budget every year: security aid to Israel. Last Thursday, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee—both Democrats and Republicans—approved its 2022 foreign aid bill, which includes $3.3 billion for Israel’s security aid. It is heartening to know that the U.S. Congress at least operates with wisdom when it comes to Israel’s security. 

While the $3.3-billion price tag may come as sticker shock to some, in fact it is both a bargain and a smart investment. This one expenditure repays more than we contribute in our partnership with the Middle East’s only democracy. In fact, Israel and the U.S. enjoy close, significant cooperation in homeland security, cybersecurity, space, import/export dollars, intelligence, healthcare, scientific studies, energy and water advances, border and maritime security, and much more.

Bipartisan members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee may not be sitting in their meeting with open Bibles referring to the 2,350 verses about money, investments, and tithing. However, they are blessing the Holy Land in practical ways. They know the partnership is a win-win for both nations. God has historically poured out His blessings upon our nation because we governmentally choose a strong relationship with His land and His chosen people. 

In practical terms, our security aid advances through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It is an agreement, not a treaty. Yet it has stood the test of time since 1981 with the first MOU recognizing the “common bonds of friendship between the U.S. and Israel and builds on the mutual security relationship that exists between the two nations.” The MOU is reevaluated every 10 years and was signed in 2016 for the third time. Thirty-eight billion dollars over 10 years was agreed upon, releasing $3.3 billion each year. The 2016 signing put the next MOU in place to cover FY2019-FY2028. As is typically the case, 75% stays in the U.S., where weapons-related equipment is manufactured—providing American jobs. 

Our partnerships with Israel generate more than 255,000 American jobs. Israel has contracts with 1,000 companies in most of our states. The U.S. is the largest investor in Israel, the “innovation nation,” where 2,500 American firms do business. In 2019 alone, Israel’s private businesses invested $36.6 billion in the U.S. 

Working together, our military technology has expanded and become more effective when it comes to tunnels, missiles, and unmanned arial vehicles. As a world leader in research into and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Israel also helps our military and millions of our civilians who suffer with PTSD due to various traumas. 

It is worth noting that Israel’s partnership with the U.S. does not come at the cost of American lives. In one of its important policies, Israel has never requested American boots on the ground, never asking—or expecting—Americans to sacrifice their lives. Instead, Israeli men and women defend their homeland during their compulsory military service right out of high school. 

They do need our security aid, though, because of how much they must spend on their defense. As a frame of reference: In 2019, the U.S. spent 3.4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense. The world average based on 146 countries is 1.8%. However, Israel—geographically the 152^nd smallest country on the globe—spent a massive 5.26% of its GDP on defense that year. 

On many of my trips to Israel leading small groups of Christian leaders, we met with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel for briefings. On one occasion, just yards away in Lebanon, we saw Hezbollah’s yellow flags flying in the breeze while an IDF tank unit briefed us. On other trips, we sat with a group of soldiers for lunch in the Golan and intently listened to their stories. One year on the Syrian border, we heard bombs falling in the distance at the height of Syria’s horrific civil war.

The soldiers, serving in one of the world’s toughest neighborhoods, inspired us with their youth, skills, and attitudes. At the close of our time with them, I always took the opportunity to speak with them. “We are Christians who deeply care about Israel. Thank you for serving on the front lines of freedom. You are fighting terror on behalf of the United States, too.” I always asked a pastor to offer a prayer for their safety before we left. These young men and women expressed their thanks each time.  

Former General Alexander Haig made the following statement while Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan: “Israel is the largest American aircraft carrier in the world that cannot be sunk, does not carry even one American soldier, and is located in a critical region for American national security.” It is a fitting description. Israel is protecting the U.S. from Iranian aggression through their massive intelligence sharing. Hatred from Iran’s leaders is not only aimed at Israel; the U.S. is also in the crosshairs of the largest state sponsor of terror in the world. 

Israeli fingerprints are thought to be on a growing list of operations designed to disable Iran’s nuclear quest and their military capabilities. “Mysterious” events include a large fire at an Iranian shipyard, an oil refinery fire in Tehran, explosions at an Iranian drone factory, and a covert strike that destroyed centrifuges spinning military grade uranium. Kharg, once the largest Iranian Navy ship, caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Oman. A warship called the Saviz was targeted in the Red Sea. 

A few weeks ago, Venezuela, a close Iranian ally, was set to welcome two Iranian ships crossing the Atlantic loaded with fast-attack boats and missiles. Based on satellite imagery, the U.S. insisted that they change course. They did and never anchored in the port of Caracas. However, we cannot always count on deterrence when Iranian ships attempt to berth in the port of Caracas. 

We cannot forget Iran’s goals of domination, powered by Shia Islam’s desire to welcome the Twelfth Imam, their messiah. Israel is on the front lines of freedom not only for the small Jewish state, but also for Gulf Arab nations, the U.S., and others. 

Lest American citizens ignore Iran, some 7,000 to 8,000 miles away, their leader’s plans to ship weapons to Venezuela should give Americans pause. There are 101 Iranian embassies worldwide. Many are scattered all over Central and South America, giving land-based access to the U.S. through our southern border. Indeed, 11 Iranians raised suspicions when they crossed our southern border recently. And this is not unusual. On March 16, 2021, in a congressional Homeland Security Committee meeting, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, a Democrat, unexpectedly acknowledged that “suspected terrorist migrants routinely travel to the southern border.” 

Thousands of desperate Venezuelans are fleeing from their dictator and crossing our open southern border. Yet we cannot assume that all the Venezuelans mean us no harm. Since the early 2000s, the elite Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has lived and worked with Venezuelan military. If innocent Venezuelan families are making it overland to the U.S. border, doubtless the IRGC will not be far behind. 

In closing, an Israeli company called Xtend has invented small unmanned aerial drones used by IDF special forces. The Pentagon just purchased dozens of them—a specialized drone system for our military called “Skylord.” 

In the Christian community, our God is the true Sky Lord, Creator of the universe and the skies. While we want our own military to successfully defend our nation and to remain safe, let us lift our prayers for the U.S. and Israel for protection.   

Join CBN Israel along with other believers across the globe to pray for Israel:

• Pray with thankfulness that the U.S. Congress remains allied with Israel.
• Pray that bipartisan U.S. support for Israel will continue in the decades ahead.  
• Pray for covert and overt safety for the Israeli military.
• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and its regional allies in the Abraham Accords. 

Let us rise to Isaiah’s invitation as watchmen in chapter 62:6 (NIV): “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest.”

Arlene Bridges Samuels pioneered Christian outreach for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). After she served nine years on AIPAC’s staff, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as Outreach Director part-time for their project, American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is now an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel and has traveled to Israel 25 times. She co-edited The Auschwitz Album Revisited by Artist Pat Mercer Hutchens and sits on the board of Violins of Hope South Carolina. Arlene has attended Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summit three times and hosts her devotionals, The Eclectic Evangelical, on her website at ArleneBridgesSamuels.com.

When Huana immigrated to Israel with her husband and two children in 1989, the couple worked in a factory, and for years they were content. They lived in Sderot, and despite rocket attacks from Gaza, the family adapted. But then, her husband started behaving strangely.

One day, Huana got a frantic call from his boss, saying her husband was acting crazy and assaulting people. He was taken to a mental hospital—where he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Added to that, months later, her daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Huana had to work two jobs as the family’s breadwinner. Drowning in debt and despair, she admitted, “I seriously questioned whether I wanted to live…” She made herself keep going for her family. 

Several years ago, Huana’s husband died, and she was now 67. Unable to work, she had difficulty walking, and her 32-year-old daughter needed constant supervision from her. She was barely surviving, weary, and longed for a miracle. And then, you came to her rescue. 

CBN Israel provided Huana with food packages and vouchers, so they could get groceries and other basic essentials during this difficult time. We also purchased brand-new furniture for this widow and her daughter.

And CBN Israel is giving so many like Huana hope in the face of challenges. We are there with compassionate relief, financial aid—and God’s love. Your support is crucial as cries for help persist throughout Israel. You can provide food and necessities for Holocaust survivors, refugees, and more. 

You can bless so many in need—please let us hear from you today!

GIVE TODAY

By Marc Turnage

The city of Hebron played an important role, particularly within the Old Testament narratives. The city features prominently in the stories of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as Joshua and Caleb, and, eventually, David, who reigned for his first seven years at Hebron. 

The prominence of Hebron within the Bible stems from its location along the major north-south road through the central hill country of Israel. Located 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem, Hebron sat at the juncture of two roadways that ascended from the basin of the biblical Negev. One came from Beersheva in the west, and the other came from Arad in the eastern Negev basin. These two roadways came together at Hebron, which sits at 3050 feet above sea level, the highest point in the southern hill country, in the heart of the tribal territory of Judah. 

The hills and valleys around Hebron offer a fertile region with iron-rich soil that enables the growing of grape vineyards, olive trees, fruits, and terraced land for growing wheat and barley. Also, sheep and goats can be grazed in the surrounding region. 

The ancient site of Hebron (Tel Rumeideh) sits on roughly seven and a half acres. A spring on the lower east slope of the tel provided the water for the city. To the east of the biblical tel sits the ancient shrine of the Machpelah, or the Tomb of the Patriarchs. 

The building, whose basic structure dates to the first century B.C./A.D., is built over the cave that traditions ascribe that Abraham purchased to bury Sarah (Genesis 23). Tradition ascribes it as the burial location of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. For this reason, the site has been revered since ancient times, and is a place of prayer for both Jews and Muslims. No significant excavations have taken place at the Machpelah. 

Hebron played an important role in the stories of Abraham, who lived at Hebron, pitching his tent at the “oaks of Mamre.” Sarah died at Hebron, and Abraham, who was a nomad, purchased land in order to bury her there. The Israelite spies spied out the land near Hebron (Numbers 13). 

The last reference to Hebron in the Bible is as the place of David’s initial reign as king of the tribe of Judah. When he was made king over all Israel, he moved from Hebron, where he had reigned for seven years, to Jerusalem where he ruled over the twelve tribes of Israel. David’s son Absalom instigated his rebellion against his father at Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-10).

Marc Turnage is President/CEO of Biblical Expeditions. He is an authority on ancient Judaism and Christian origins. He has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine as one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker and a gifted teacher. He has been guiding groups to the lands of the Bible—Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy—for over twenty years.

Website: WITBUniversity.com
Facebook: @witbuniversity
Podcast: Windows into the Bible Podcast

“Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. … I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths” (Proverbs 4:7, 11 HCSB).

Our modern world often equates wisdom with our intelligence or as the natural result of our life experience. In other words, we have little control over whether or not we are wise. We either possess it innately or automatically gain it through life experience. However, according to the Bible, it’s neither.

In the Bible, wisdom is a skill that can be acquired and learned, but it also requires discipline and practice.

Both Psalms and Proverbs associate wisdom with the “fear” of (or obedience to) God. Wisdom dwells with God and in His Word. Yet it is something to be acquired—to grow in and continually learn.

Wisdom first appears in the Bible in connection with Bezalel and his craftsmen (Exodus 35-36), who were tasked with constructing the elements and vestments of the Tabernacle. They were artisans. They are also the first people to be filled with the Spirit of God.

The way the Bible uses the term “wisdom” in the context of Bezalel shows that it is a skill acquired through disciplined, attentive action, and practice. Yes, God filled these artisans with His Spirit, but their ability came from their discipline, their wisdom.

In the Bible, God does not simply give us a skill or ability that we have not acquired and mastered through discipline and practice. David had practiced his slingshot thousands of times before he confronted Goliath.

Bezalel fashioned countless pieces, working on his art and his craft, before God called him to construct the elements of the Tabernacle. Our acquisition of wisdom, skill, and insight enables God to animate what we have mastered and expand its impact exponentially.

Life experience does not alone produce wisdom; neither is wisdom simply something one has or doesn’t have. Wisdom comes through discipline and practice, through obedience.

We can train ourselves to be wise. At the same time, wisdom—within the Bible—comes from God’s instructions, and learning His Word requires discipline, practice, and skill.

Biblical wisdom does not come to the lazy nor to those who want it quickly. We acquire it through discipline in our lives and in God’s Word. But the promise of wisdom is life.

PRAYER

Father, please grant us Your wisdom. May we acquire it and learn to walk in Your ways. Amen.

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

Even before the expert Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Search and Rescue Brigade arrived in Florida, they had already mapped via satellite the collapsed Champlain Towers South. Carrying with them the hope that their survey would add to the lifesaving efforts of all rescuers on the site, Israel’s “Helping Hand” operation landed near Miami on Sunday. 

Along with 10 reservists from the IDF unit, Israel’s United Hatzalah volunteer organization has placed a team—the Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit—in Surfside to provide emotional support and stability for families whose lives have been shattered, either from the terrible waiting hour after hour or the trauma of known sudden deaths. El Al, Israel’s national carrier, flew the Hatzalah team to Miami. Churches and synagogues are stepping in to help, along with the Billy Graham disaster-trained chaplains. At this writing almost 149 people are still missing and 18 people have died. 

On Monday, Commander Golan Vacham spoke with families at a private meeting. He showed them a graphic that the Search and Rescue Brigade had created, an advanced “methodology to isolate every crumbled apartment unit” and search inside of each. Families wanted to know if the Miami-Dade team had been doing the right things. The Israeli commander did not hesitate to say, “They’ve been doing exactly the right things.” Tragically, despite the heroic efforts on the part of the rescue teams, the unusual complexities involved in this situation are making the task of recovering missing persons a seemingly insurmountable challenge. 

CADENA, a Mexican Jewish NGO specializing in emergency relief, is also on the ground. Moises Soffer, a volunteer with CADENA, echoed the same opinion: “The people [Miami-Dade teams] are doing their best. The structure was unstable; and that’s why it took time to start working.” The IDF, CADENA, and Hatzalah units carry out their missions on a foundational principle of Judaism: “to repair the world” (tikkun olam in Hebrew). In a like manner, Christian groups reach out displaying Jesus’ love in action to those suffering.

On Tuesday, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett promised, “Nobody is giving up hope here. Nobody is stopping. We are dedicated to getting everyone out of that pile of rubble.” Presently, 80 rescuers are working around the clock in 12-hour shifts in a desperate attempt to recover all missing persons.  

The IDF Search and Rescue Brigade operates as part of Israel’s Home Front Command. The Command activates in various emergency situations in Israel and specializes in civilian protection. In crisis or war, the Home Front Command instructs the civilian population on how to cope with the threats facing that nation. 

The Search and Rescue unit was officially formed in 2013. It serves not only in Israel but has flown to disaster areas globally to help in rescue and recovery from terror attacks and natural disasters of all kinds. This emergency unit operates overseas in disasters under one of the IDF’s four pillars or codes of operation: “Universal morals and values based on the value and dignity of human life.” 

Reaching back decades, IDF personnel have been providing compassionate, humane help since 1953. The IDF has sent 27 humanitarian missions around the globe, with professionals in search and rescue, engineering, and medical skills. They have helped Cambodian refugees, as well as earthquake victims in Mexico, Greece, Turkey, and India. In the aftermath of catastrophic Hurricane Katrina, they shipped 80 tons of humanitarian aid to Americans. Israelis set up a field hospital during the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s. Another field hospital became famous in 2010 when a devastating earthquake hit Haiti; the IDF delegation that quickly set up in Port-au-Prince treated 1,110 patients, performed 319 successful surgeries, and delivered 16 babies. Some grateful Haitian mothers named their babies, “Israel.”

Despite the tsunami of slanders that pour out of the United Nations against Israel, The Times of Israel reported in 2016 that the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) named Israel’s  IDF field hospital unit as the world’s top emergency medical team. Israel was the first country to earn this ranking. 

The military group’s commander, Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Ofer Merin, commented that the field hospital is “not just some medics and doctors spread out in the field,” but that it’s a “national treasure”—one with the capabilities of an advanced, permanent hospital yet able to be set up almost anywhere in less than 12 hours. Despite the fact that Israel and Syria have no peace treaty, for example, the IDF set up the “Operation Good Neighbor” field hospital in 2013 at the height of the horrific civil war on the Israel-Syria border. Due to Israel’s “repairing the world” mindset, they ignored the decades of Syria’s attacks on Israeli civilians living in the Golan Heights and Galilee. 

In 2011, under dictator president Bashar Assad, pro-democracy Syrian forces had revolted against his oppressive government, but the end results were—and remain—horrifying. Assad’s cruelty, including the use of chemical weapons, is incomprehensible but true. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians were killed, 6 million were displaced within Syria, and 6 million escaped to other nations creating an enormous refugee catastrophe. One Syrian woman who was treated at the border hospital said, “They teach us that Israel is the country that hates us the most. But we came and saw with our own eyes what they are giving us here. Israel is everything to us as a result of what it is giving us.” 

In a tangible demonstration of humanitarian aid, the IDF gave medical treatment to several thousand who reached the border, focusing especially on children. Here is a short list of additional aid provided: 22 generators, nearly 2,000 tons of food, and over 8,000 packages of diapers. More than 2,000 containers of medicine and 25,000 boxes of medical supplies helped 685 Syrian children who received medical care. 

The IDF help extended beyond their field hospital. Staffing a 2015 trip to Israel sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation, I saw Israel’s humanitarian outreach to wounded Syrians firsthand. Ziv Hospital in Tzfat (Safed) was the closest permanent hospital for the IDF to transport Syrians in critical condition. The hospital was on our itinerary, and the staff took us to several wards filled with Syrian children and their parents. Through a translator, we talked with some of the seriously injured teenagers, who said they were surprised and grateful to Israelis. They echoed what Syrians at the field hospital said, that they had been “taught to hate Jews.” 

Israel remains a light of humanitarian aid globally, although tensions are escalating with Iran. Tensions are likely to increase with the June 19 election of Iran’s new president, Ebrahim Raisi. The National Council of the Resistance of Iran (NCRI) describes him as “murderer of over 30,000 political prisoners in 1988. In short, Raisi earned his credentials in the regime as a stone-hearted killer who rose through the ranks of ignorant thugs, with a proven 40-year track record for execution and repression.”

In a world where Isaiah 5:20 is manifesting—where “evil is called good, and good is called evil”—we know that God is using Israel for good in the world. In their rescue missions, the IDF units and all helpers on the ground in Surfside, Florida, whether Jewish or Christian, help everyone. Humanity, not skin color, is what matters. No one is profiled. 

We will not see the Iranian, Syrian, or North Korean leaders sending rescue missions to Florida or anywhere in the world.

The next time the United Nations passes its fact-less resolutions, might they consider remembering Florida and the many other examples of Israeli heroism? Will the many nations that Israeli relief teams have helped vote against the slanderous accusations against Israel? Will they remember Israel’s humanitarian aid, merciful boots on the ground, search and rescue teams, field hospitals, and medical personnel? 

Join CBN Israel in praying for Israel as well as those suffering in Florida:

• Pray for everyone affected in Surfside, Florida, during this traumatic catastrophe.
• Pray for the safety of all rescue personnel—including the compassionate Israeli teams.
• Pray for world media to focus on the unity and heroism of the teams on the ground. 
• Pray for Florida’s state and local leaders and engineering experts to make wise decisions about other oceanfront structures. 
• Pray that Israelis will continue to fulfill their God-given calling to help “repair the world.”

As we pray, let us remember Isaiah 58:10: “And if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”

Arlene Bridges Samuels pioneered Christian outreach for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). After she served nine years on AIPAC’s staff, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as Outreach Director part-time for their project, American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is now an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel and has traveled to Israel 25 times. She co-edited The Auschwitz Album Revisited by Artist Pat Mercer Hutchens and sits on the board of Violins of Hope South Carolina. Arlene has attended Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summit three times and hosts her devotionals, The Eclectic Evangelical, on her website at ArleneBridgesSamuels.com.

They had once been homeless, living on the streets, with many of them survivors of drug or alcohol addiction. This group of men had successfully completed a rigorous live-in rehabilitation program. Now, in a half-way home in Israel, facing the Mediterranean Sea, they were given a place to start over. It was an important step on their uphill climb to a normal life. 

They use their time here to encourage each other in coping and adjusting to a healthier lifestyle. And as part of their recovery, each resident contributes financially to all the household bills—working whatever jobs they can. But then, COVID-19 hit, bringing all sorts of added challenges. 

When the pandemic continued far longer than anyone anticipated, it severely hampered the group’s ability to provide for themselves. Donations for the main program dried up. Funds to finance the half-way house were sparse, and the jobs the men relied on slowly disappeared. Plus, due to the enforced lockdowns and restrictions, the possibility for new resources evaporated. 

But thankfully, friends like you stepped in to help through CBN Israel. We provided an emergency grant to help the rehabilitation program and half-way home pay their rent, including any related house bills and expenses. And we gave these men a safe place to continue their recovery, using what little money they had for their basic needs until new work options opened. 

CBN Israel also provides a lifeline to single mothers, elderly Holocaust survivors, immigrants, and other vulnerable individuals. Your support can deliver food, shelter, medical help, financial aid, and other assistance to those who need our help. 

Please join us in blessing those who struggle to survive in the Holy Land!

GIVE TODAY

By Marc Turnage

The first seven and a half years that David reigned, he reigned in Hebron, which sat in the heart of the tribal territory of Judah, David’s tribe (2 Samuel 5:5). As he expanded his rule to all of Israel, he decided to conquer the city of Jerusalem, which until this time was ruled by the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-10). Why did David select this city? 

Geographically it sat off the major north-south route through the central hill country; it did not have natural roads leading east or west from it. He selected it, however, due to its location. The city, on its southern end, was bounded by the Hinnom Valley, which formed the boundary between the tribal territory of Benjamin (Saul’s tribe) and Judah (David’s tribe). Also, by virtue of it not being captured by the Israelites, no tribe could lay exclusive claim to the city. It offered a place where he could consolidate the political and religious center of his kingdom.

The city of Jerusalem that David conquered covered about eleven acres. It sat on what is known as the eastern hill. To its east, stood the Mount of Olives, which is separated from the eastern hill by the Kidron Valley. To its west stands the western hill, which is separated from the eastern hill by a valley known as the Tyrpoean Valley. To its south lies the Hinnom Valley. To its north lay the upper heights of the eastern hill, where Solomon built his palace and the Temple. 

The Bible identifies the eastern hill, specifically the northern portions, as Mount Zion. This can be confusing for modern visitors to Jerusalem because in the Byzantine period (4^th-6^th centuries A.D.) the western hill was mistakenly identified as Mount Zion, and that nomenclature has stuck. In the Bible, however, the eastern hill, especially its northern area, where the Temple came to be built, was referred to as Mount Zion.

Today, the eastern hill sits outside of the Old City walls, even though it is the oldest part of Jerusalem. It is referred to as the City of David. As we hear in Psalm 125, the mountains surround Jerusalem; while the psalm brings to our minds the beautiful image of God surrounding his people, strategically, this was to Jerusalem’s detriment. On all sides of the eastern hill, hills higher than it surround it. So why was the city built here? Because of its water source, the Gihon Spring. This karstic spring continues to flow even today. Recent excavations have uncovered a large fortification built around the spring to protect it. 

Excavations of the City of David have uncovered remains dating back over four thousand years. The excavations of the City of David reflect the history of the city; its role as the capital of the kingdom of Judah; its destruction by the Babylonians; its smaller size in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. Its water systems. Structures from the first century, and evidence of its destruction by the Romans in A.D. 70. It was here that the exiles remembered when they were dispersed and longed to return (Psalm 137).

Marc Turnage is President/CEO of Biblical Expeditions. He is an authority on ancient Judaism and Christian origins. He has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine as one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker and a gifted teacher. He has been guiding groups to the lands of the Bible—Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy—for over twenty years.

Website: WITBUniversity.com
Facebook: @witbuniversity
Podcast: Windows into the Bible Podcast

“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance” (Acts 26:19-20 NKJV).

A key difference between the cultural world of the Bible and much of our modern world is that we tend to think and express ourselves in abstract ways today. We often place more importance upon our inner psychology, defining thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a far more abstract manner. The world of the Bible expresses itself in a more concrete form.

We tend treat repentance as something psychological. I’m sorry for what I’ve done. We may acknowledge that we should not continue in the behaviors that we previously did, but the shift is mostly inward. The Bible looks at repentance differently. Repentance is not something you feel; it’s something you do.

When Paul stood in front of Agrippa, he spoke about his ministry to Jews and Gentiles. His message: Turn to God and do works in keeping with repentance. It’s active, not inward. Now, one might argue that external action begins inside the psyche of a person. And that can be true.

But the Bible does not define repentance as a feeling; rather, repentance is an action whereby one turns to God and performs deeds worthy of repentance. For the biblical mind, the manifestation of repentance, true repentance, appears in our actions, usually our actions towards others.

When we read Paul’s statement, “do works befitting repentance,” we should ask, what exactly are those? We find a similar phrase on the lips of John the Baptist in Luke 3.

John outlines that the fruits consistent with our repentance manifest themselves in our obedience to God, especially in how we care for others and particularly the poor: He replied to them, “The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same” (Luke 3:11 HCSB).

We run the risk in our modern world of turning repentance into something purely inward, private, between God and us. Yet, according to the Bible, if we want to repent, we must act, turn to God in obedience, and perform deeds worthy of repentance.

Repentance is not something we do once and then are completely done. Jesus challenged His followers to repent on a daily basis. Repentance is a lifestyle and a posture of humility toward God, recognizing that the fruit of our repentance is usually directed toward others.

PRAYER

Father, we turn to You today. We humbly submit ourselves to Your will today. Today, we will actively seek to perform deeds worthy of our repentance. Amen.

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

For generations, toy balloons have been a source of fun and joy. That was certainly true in Israel—until Hamas turned these instruments of amusement into implements of terror.

Beginning in 2018, Hamas terrorists in Gaza began tying explosives to balloon bouquets, hoping the winds would blow them toward Israel’s civilians in nearby kibbutzim. Those winds also began carrying balloons to nearby fields—burning thousands of acres of thriving crops that provided food, fruits, and flowers—thereby destroying farmers’ livelihoods.

In the most recent balloon arsons that occurred this past week, three acres of lemon trees burned down in one location, as did an acre of clementine trees. Along with wheat fields and tangerine orchards, a total of 30 acres went up in smoke on this occasion alone. Ashes replaced vegetables, charred land replaced green leaves, and blackened fields replaced fertile soils.

Who but terrorists could concoct such an idea? 

These deadly balloon bouquets—marking the first conflict since Hamas initiated the war that ended just last month—are being met with a clear policy response from the IDF: air strikes. Newly elected Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has declared repeatedly over the years that incendiary balloons would be considered on the same threat level as rockets and therefore would require the same swift response. The most recent balloon Intifada (uprising) set 26 fires in southern Israel—all aimed at civilians. 

Rabbi Shmuel Bowman, Executive Director of Operation Lifeshield, observes, “While Palestinians have been enthusiastic to burn and destroy this land they claim to own, Israelis are determined to protect and defend our beloved homeland by whatever means necessary.” Operation Lifeshield is an emergency campaign dedicated to saving innocent lives in Israel by providing portable bomb shelters. Since its founding, the organization has provided hundreds of bomb shelters, fire trailers, and ATVs with international assistance—from individuals, churches, CBN Israel, and International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. 

Although arson generates economic damage and frustration, undeterred Israelis begin replanting once again. Nevertheless, the longterm mental and emotional toll on residents is considerable—and undeniable. 

Put yourself in Israeli shoes for a moment. You’re inside your kibbutz home just a mile from the Gaza fence. Your children are playing in the backyard. Colorful balloons float over a flower bed. Tied to something that looks a little heavy, the balloons float to the ground. Glancing out the kitchen window, you see your children running toward the bouquet. In their joy, they have forgotten your repeated warnings to never go near any balloons for any reason. You scream, throw down your dish towel, and sprint outside. Horrified, you know that explosives are tied to the bouquet. You grab your children just in time. Hugging them closely, you call for the specially equipped ATVs. 

In their fast-moving ATVs, Israeli firefighters speed to your kibbutz and disarm an explosive that could have resulted in the deaths of your children. This is a reality for families living in the “Gaza envelope.” Up to a million Israelis live within range of lethal incendiaries and rockets.  The Jewish Virtual Library notes that since Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, terrorists have fired more than 15,000 rockets and mortars putting innocent, Israeli citizens under threat on a nearly daily basis.

In 2007, before Hamas took over in Gaza and terror attacks multiplied, the historic name of this area was simply the “western Negev.” Its seven regional councils include 32 kibbutzim along with towns. The city of Sderot with its 27,000 residents—uniquely targeted by terror attacks—has suffered years of massive rocket fire from Gaza-based terrorists. I have visited Sderot often for briefings.

Kibbutz Nahal Oz is the closest to the Gaza fence—just 875 yards away. Only open fields and a fence separate Nahal Oz’s residents from Gaza. They live in peace until rockets fly, explosive-laden balloons float, or terror tunnels are discovered near their homes. Many times, I have also visited residents living on kibbutzim. I’ve stood at the fences with them, looking into Gaza. Hearing their stories is heartbreaking. Frightened children are often unable to potty train until they are five years old. When her husband is at work, a mom never knows when to take a shower since the Red Alert alarm may go off at any time. And, on hearing the alarm, she knows she has just 15 seconds to figure out which young child to grab first and race to the safe room or a bus stop bomb shelter. Definitely a recipe for nonstop stress.

In a stark, sobering comment, the security chief of this region, Ilan Isaacson said, “We and the IDF are the ‘physical’ Iron Dome of the state of Israel. Everyone in Israel has a good life because we are stopping two million Palestinians from infiltrating. We will get slaughtered if we are not defended.” 

Maybe his comment will help answer Israel’s detractors who scoff at and condemn Israel for defending its civilians. After notifying Gazan residents, the Israeli Air Force targets weapons and launchers that Hamas agents purposely stored and used inside civilian areas. Israel laser-targets terror tunnels built underneath Gaza City, where Hamas leaders and fighters can run and hide without any regard to the damaging effects on their own population. And yes, balloons and helium tanks must be destroyed due to its terrible re-purposing designed to burn and kill.   

Meanwhile, rather than ignoring the needs of their countrymen, Israelis tackle citizens’ problems with therapeutic solutions to heal broken bodies and spirits. Terrorism has turned Israel into a world leader in developing traumatic stress solutions and treatments. A succession of wars has exacted a hefty toll, especially on citizens in the western Negev—both the soldiers who defend them and the civilian security and firefighting personnel. In Israel, the attacks are sometimes incessant, day after day, month after month, and year after year. 

Except for persecuted populations as in Syria, China, Nigeria, and Iran, Israel is a stand-alone nation when it comes to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Is a new moniker needed to describe Israel’s specific trauma? Permanent Traumatic Stress Disorder would be correct. 

The Israeli traumas cannot be minimized. The same is true for the Palestinians who are held in a prison of oppression due to the chaotic actions perpetuated by their terrorist leaders, and who suffer severely from the relentless border conflict. Those militant leaders use donated multimillions for war, rather than for hospitals, schools, crops, and employment to help Palestinians. 

If it is almost constantly under attack, how does an entire nation or a region like Israel’s western Negev heal? A combination of characteristics prevalent among the Jewish citizenry helps. Israel’s culture of life, tenacity, and the ability to rise above the worst hatred and evil demonstrates strength despite sorrow. Israel’s tragedies are a valuable lesson for all of us, as these people choose to live not as victims but as victors. 

Judaism is the bedrock of our Christian faith, and our Christian faith is the bedrock of our lives. Let us express our gratitude to God by helping keep His chosen people safe through CBN Israel. 

Join CBN Israel in prayer this week for both Israelis and Palestinians:

• Pray for Christians to be even more pro-active in tangible ways to join with others to give bomb shelters, fire trailers, and ATVs.
• Pray for freedom and mercy for Gazan Palestinians whom Hamas is using as pawns. 
• Pray for deep healing of traumas for Israeli children who have grown up with rockets, arson balloons, and tunnels for the last 16 years.

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

Arlene Bridges Samuels pioneered Christian outreach for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). After she served nine years on AIPAC’s staff, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as Outreach Director part-time for their project, American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is now an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel and has traveled to Israel 25 times. She co-edited The Auschwitz Album Revisited by Artist Pat Mercer Hutchens and sits on the board of Violins of Hope South Carolina. Arlene has attended Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summit three times and hosts her devotionals, The Eclectic Evangelical, on her website at ArleneBridgesSamuels.com.

By Marc Turnage

Located at the intersection of two significant roads that crossed the land of Israel from west to east, through the Jezreel and Harod Valleys towards the land east of the Jordan River, and north to south, through the Jordan River Valley, Beth Shean’s prominence came due to its location. The importance of its location is underscored by being inhabited from the late Neolithic period until the Middle Ages.

Egyptian sources mention Beth Shean, and it served as an Egyptian administrative center during the 16^th-13^th centuries B.C., when Egypt controlled the region. Beth Shean appears often within the sources during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods where the city is known as Scythopolis (“city of the Scythians”) or Nysa Scythopolis. 

The tribal allotment of land gave Beth Shean to the tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 17:11), but the Israelites were unable to dislodge the people of Beth Shean (Judges 1:27), in part, due to the people of Beth Shean having “chariots of iron” (meaning an iron axel; Joshua 17:16), which gave them a military advantage in the plain.

After the death of Saul and his sons on nearby Mount Gilboa, the Philistines hung their bodies on the walls of Beth Shean (1 Samuel 31:10). The men of Jabesh Gilead, in the Transjordan, later retrieved their bodies burning them and burying them in Jabesh Gilead (1 Samuel 31:12). Like Megiddo, Beth Shean served an important role along significant international roadways, which means that it rarely came under the control of the kingdom of Israel. 

The Gospels do not mention Jesus in Beth Shean, Scythopolis, as he avoided non-Jewish villages and cities. Yet, Luke mentions that on his way from Galilee to Jerusalem he passed between Galilee and Samaria (17:11). Luke’s precise geographic language reflects the geopolitical reality of the first century in which Beth Shean, the Harod Valley, and even the Jezreel Valley lay neither in Galilee, nor in Samaria.

Thus, Jesus passed through this way towards the Jordan River, where he crossed the river, south of Beth Shean, proceeding south along the east bank of the Jordan River, which was inhabited by Jews, until he came opposite Jericho, where he crossed the river again and ascended to Jerusalem.

Visitors to the site of Beth Shean today see primarily the Roman-Byzantine city. The biblical period site resides on the high tel that overlooks the lower Roman-Byzantine city. On the tel, archaeologists have excavated five different temples from the Bronze Age to the early Iron Age. Also, on the top of the tel, excavations have revealed Egyptian and Canaanite presence.

The lower city, most of which dates to the late Roman and Byzantine periods, preserves remains of two large bath houses, with public toilets, a large theater, with portions of the backdrop still intact (reconstruction work has added more to this), a public market, nymphaeum (a public fountain), a public market, and shops. 

Marc Turnage is President/CEO of Biblical Expeditions. He is an authority on ancient Judaism and Christian origins. He has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine as one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker and a gifted teacher. He has been guiding groups to the lands of the Bible—Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy—for over twenty years.

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