A fool and the apple of His eye ∙

A fool and the apple of His eye ∙

For thus says the LORD of hosts, He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye. – Zechariah 2:8

Jeremiah 31:35-37

 35 It is the LORD who provides the sun to light the day and the moon and stars to light the night, and who stirs the sea into roaring waves. His name is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, and this is what he says:

 36 “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!”

 37 This is what the LORD says: “Just as the heavens cannot be measured and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored, so I will not consider casting them away for the evil they have done. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Over the years, United States presidential administrations of both parties have embraced the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. The IHRA is the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

Kara C. McDonald, a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, on February 1, 2021, announced that the current administration would do likewise. McDonald said, “We must educate ourselves and our communities to recognize anti-Semitism in its many forms, so that we can call hate by its proper name and take effective action. That is why the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism, with its real-world examples, is such an invaluable tool.”

The IHRA’s working definition of anti-Semitism provides a plumb line to assist the public and government in recognizing traditional and contemporary forms of anti-Semitism.

Current examples of criticism of Israel include comparing Israel to the Nazis, calling Israel racist, and applying a standard to Israel that is not applied to other countries. Sadly, a such anti-Israel sentiment often turns into anti-Semitism.

The ability to identify the seemingly innocuous manifestations of anti-Semitism in today’s world is needed to help effectively address them. Others strongly disagree. They contend that it has the effect of branding all criticism of Israeli policy as anti-Semitic. Americans for Peace Now frequently criticizes Israeli policy, stating that the definition is “already being abused to quash legitimate criticism and activism directed at Israeli government policies.” It contends that criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitism.

The IHRA definition delineates that it should not be used to restrict legitimate speech. “However, what it does is clearly state the truth, which is that oftentimes criticism of Israel is a proxy for criticism of Jews” (William Daroff).

REFLECT & PRAY

Is it better and wiser to be on the right side of history, whatever that may be, or on the right side of prophecy?

Father thank You for the choices that You have made.  Thank You for considering me precious in Your sight and giving me the right to be called Your child.

INSIGHT

It is incumbent upon each child of the King to think this through for themselves and take a stand regarding modern manifestations of ancient anti-Semitism. Four thousand years ago, the Father made an unconditional promise regarding the Chosen People, the Nation of Israel.

Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt.

Much talk in the 21st century about being on the right side of history. What exactly is that, and who is to say? Whatever the Father has promised and predicted will surely come to pass. It is far more prudent to be on the right side of prophecy.

In a special way, a very special way, the Nation of Israel is precious to the Father. He set His heart on them and committed to them as He has to no other nation on the face of the earth. They did nothing to earn this. It was the Father’s sovereign choice.

Deuteronomy 32:9-11

 9 For the people of Israel belong to the LORD; Jacob is his special possession.

 10 He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.

 11 Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions.

The world’s nations have disregarded this fact for millennia to their own peril. Nothing has changed!

Zechariah 2:8 After a period of glory, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies sent me against the nations who plundered you. He said, “Anyone who harms you harms my most precious possession.”

Zechariah 2:8 Anyone who touches you touches the apple of his eye.

Deuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

The phrase “The apple of His eye,” which originates from Deuteronomy 32:10, uses the term “apple” to refer to the pupil of the eye, which is particularly vulnerable and requires careful safeguarding. This metaphor symbolizes God’s watchful care over Israel, as they are precious to Him and under His protection (BKC). “God is so closely identified with his people that they are precious to him, and he is zealous to protect them and take care of them (cf. Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Matthew 25:34-45; Acts 9:1, 4-5)” (EBC).

The Hebrew word translated as touches is shalal. Shalal is a harsh, pugnacious word. It has the sense of harming, plundering, insulting, striking, or taking captive. The verb Touches in this context connotes “harms.” Thus it has the sense, “Anyone who harms my people harms what is most precious to me.”

How foolish to attempt to battle with the Father, the Lord God Almighty, and do Him harm. Anyone that tries to harm what is precious to Him does precisely that. The Father is so closely identified with His people that they are precious to Him, and He is zealous to protect them and care for them (Kenneth L. Barker).

Is it possible for the Father to rescind His promises and commitment to the Jewish people?

Hypothetically, what would it take? The Father has unequivocally answered that question for all time and eternity. It would take nothing less than the destruction of the natural and physical laws of the universe.

Jeremiah 31:36-37

 36 “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!”

 37 This is what the LORD says: “Just as the heavens cannot be measured and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored, so I will not consider casting them away for the evil they have done. I, the LORD, have spoken!

They are secure in the Father’s love, and nothing will ever change that as long as the Father lives. The apostle Paul uses the Father’s unwavering commitment to the Nation of Israel to demonstrate that each child of the King is also secure. If Israel is secure, so are we. If Israel is not secure, neither are we.

Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Romans 11:1-29

 1 I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

 2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this?

 7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have – the ones God has chosen– but the hearts of the rest were hardened.

 11 Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves.

 25 I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ.

 28 Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

 29 For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.

As the Father called and designated the Nation of Israel as His Chosen People, the Father has called and chosen each child of the King.

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© Dr. H 2023