Gaza
Tonight we’ll search the scriptures to learn what’s going to happen with Israel and Gaza in this current war.
Gen 10:19. Gaza is first mentioned as one of the borders of the Canaanites. Where it was located then is where it is still located today.
Jos 10:40-42; 11:21-23. When Israel conquered the land of Canaan, they destroyed up to Gaza, but they didn’t destroy Gaza. The inhabitants of that land were Philistines, Jos 13:2-3.
Jos 15:20, 45-47. Gaza was included in the inheritance of Judah. In Jud 1:17-19 Judah went with Simeon and they took Gaza but they didn’t drive out the inhabitants of the valley.
Jud 16:21. When Samson was captured, the Philistines brought him down to Gaza.
Acts 8:26. Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch on the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza. So, it was around in those days and still is today.
Israel never completely defeated the Philistines who lived in Gaza and they will not drive out all of their enemies in Gaza, today.
In Ps 83:1-8, the enemies of Israel will be confederate against them, and the Philistines are among the nations that will attempt to cut Israel off from being a nation. Some of these are in Gaza.
Amos 1:2, 6-9. Those in Gaza will still be here when Jesus returns. At the Second Advent, the Lord will deal with Gaza, and then the remnant of the Philistines shall perish.
In the meantime, the siege against Gaza, not letting humanitarian aid in to help the starving people, is likely going to be the catalyst that further stirs up Israel’s enemies and turns some of Israel’s allies against them. Even the Lord instructs that they should give bread and water to their hungering and thirsting enemies, Prov 25:21-22.
Conclusion: We shouldn’t cease our prayers for Israel or our support for Jews who will be hungering, thirsting, seeking refuge, naked, sick, and in prison, Matt 25:34-40. We still have that duty because of God’s covenant with Abraham, Gen 12:2-3.
But we shouldn’t expect Israel to succeed in weeding out all the Philistines who currently inhabit a land Israel has never fully conquered. It will take Jesus to complete this job.
And therein lies a major problem. Israel doesn’t view Jesus as their Messiah. Until Israel has suffered immensely in the Tribulation, they never will. Thankfully, a remnant will believe him and Israel will be saved, Rom 9:27-28.