Fools and the apple of His eye ∙∙

Fools 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, presidential administrations in the United States, regardless of political affiliation, have embraced the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. IHRA stands for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

Kara C. McDonald, a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, announced on February 1, 2021, 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 serves as a guideline to help the public and government identify both traditional and modern forms of anti-Semitism.

Current examples of criticism of Israel include comparing Israel to the Nazis, labeling Israel as racist, and holding Israel to standards not applied to other countries. Unfortunately, such anti-Israel sentiment often morphs into anti-Semitism.

The ability to recognize subtle forms of anti-Semitism in today’s world is essential for effectively addressing them. However, others strongly disagree. They argue that this approach brands all criticism of Israeli policy as anti-Semitic. Americans for Peace Now, which frequently criticizes Israeli policy, claims that the definition is “already being abused to quash legitimate criticism and activism directed at Israeli government policies.” They assert that criticism of Israel is not inherently anti-Semitic.

The IHRA definition clarifies 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 essential for each child of the King to thoughtfully consider and take a stand on modern manifestations of ancient anti-Semitism. Four thousand years ago, the Father made an unconditional promise concerning 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.

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, cared for him, and kept him as the apple of his eye.

The phrase “The apple of His eye” originates from Deuteronomy 32:10 and 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 that “Anyone who harms my people harms what is most precious to me.”

How foolish to attempt to battle with the Lord God Almighty and do Him harm. Anyone who 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 cancel 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 illustrate 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 2024