NATIONAL EMERGENCY WEEK

 

Entrance to the "sealed room" in an apartment. For some years now it has been required that new apartments built in Israel contain a sealed room with reinforced walls. The boxes on the stool at the entrance contain gas masks, and injections for use in case of the release of nerve gas in a missile attack. On the box is the simple designation in Hebrew, "Defense Kit". Within the room are also water supplies, and a radio with which to monitor for the 'all clear' signal.

 

This morning the rising-and-falling wail of the "incoming missile" siren sounded over all of Israel. It wasn't for real this time; a drill rather, for people in businesses and children in schools to practice getting to where they will need to be when they really are coming in. Tonight it will sound again, a practice for families at home. This is all part of a two-day nationwide chemical warfare drill, as part of an entire week devoted to examining and testing the nation's readiness for national emergency. At his weekly cabinet meeting yesterday morning, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke of Israel as being "the most threatened state in the world." After all, the largest stockpile of poisonous gas in existence lies a few miles away in Syria. This week it was finally publically acknowledged what was already known, that the Shi'ite Hezbollah forces based in southern Lebanon are fighting, with Iranian support, in Syria on behalf of the besieged Assad. The Syrian President is also being aided by Russia. But it is also now clearly known that among the leading factions fighting against Assad are jihadists openly linked with al Qaeda. If Israel sees the WMD's headed for either the Hezbollah or Al Qaeda, she will take measures to stop them. Although they are enemies following separate streams of Islam, these two groups harbor a common hatred of Israel. For his part, Assad has, according to a Sunday Times report deployed long-range missiles capable of carrying 1,100 lb. warheads with their coordinates set on Tel Aviv, with orders that they be prepared to fire should Israel attack again.

 

Meanwhile, a Foreign Policy "Middle East Brief" examined the ways in which Iran is continuing to expand its nuclear activities. Israelis were encouraged by a US Senate resolution last week demanding American support should Israel find it necessary to attack the Iranian nuclear facilities. The resolution, which was passed with the approval of all but one Senator read:

 

"If the Government of Israel is compelled to take military action in legitimate self-defense against Iran's nuclear weapons program, the United States Government should stand with Israel and provide, in accordance with United States law and the constitutional responsibility of Congress to authorize the use of military force, diplomatic, military, and economic support to the Government of Israel in its defense of its territory, people, and existence."

 

This Sunday our Benyamin Netanyahu ended his remarks to the Cabinet on "Emergency Week" by asserting, "In the end, no protection can be a substitute for the striking power of the IDF and the stamina and strength of the Israeli public in time of attack."

 

We are grateful for the American Senate's initiative; and we think we understand where our Prime Minister is 'coming from' with his remarks. But of course, neither the support of our allies, nor the "striking power" of our military, nor the "stamina and strength" of our citizens is enough. Yes, we are in need of wise and skilled strategy and timing by our governmental and military leaders, and prudently planned preparations for our citizens. But most of all we are in need of the counsels and protection of God. Psalm 33:11 tells how those counsels "stand forever"-the thoughts of His heart "from generation to generation".

 

We mentioned the boxes for Israeli gas-masks bearing the description "Defense Kit". The word for "defense" here is the word magen which, in the English translation of the Hebrew Scriptures is at least 45 times translated "shield".

 

PLEASE PRAY:

*That Israel will be adequately prepared on the 'home front' for any future attack from outside her borders. Pray for the mercies of God to release His divine counsels into the consciousness of those formulating and implementing these preparations.

 

*For the truth of Psalm 44:3 to come into the awareness of our leaders, "It was not by our sword that we won the land, nor did our arm bring us the victory, it was Your right hand, Your arm and the Light of Your face, for You loved us."

 

 

*THE FOLLOWING AND OTHER MAGEN-"SHIELD" PASSAGES OVER ISRAEL:

Genesis 15:1. "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

 

Deuteronomy 33:29. "Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty!

 

Psalm 3:1-3. "LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, 'There is no help for him in God.' But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head."Psalm 28:7-9. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, and bear them up forever."

Psalm 33:20-22. "We wait in hope for the LORD, He is our help and our shield; in Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You."

 

portions taken from Israel Prayer list