When Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the Western Wall on Thursday, few would have recognised that it was a foreshadow of what was about to happen a few hours later.
Thursday was the official deadline of President Trump’s 60-day ultimatum to Iran’s supreme leader. At 2am on Friday morning, Israel unleashed “Operation Rising Lion”.
One person who did know, of course, was Benjamin Netanyahu. Visiting the Western Wall, Netanyahu slipped a handwritten note between the ancient crevasses. Since Israel struck Iran, Netanyahu posted a photo of the note on social media, revealing what he had written. His note quotes Numbers 23:24 in Hebrew, which in the English translation reads:
“Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion” (KJV)
Netanyahu’s act wasn’t just ceremonial. It was a declaration of faith by the Israeli leader, who clearly demonstrated hat the imminent military action was part of a battle that needed Sovereign leading. Israel’s enemy – the Iranian regime – is just as evil as all those who have desired to wipe out the Jewish people in previous generations. In a similar manner to Israel’s leaders in the Bible, those who feared God turned to Him to lead them into battle.
Notice the phrase “the people”. This is symbolic because it is does not solely reference the armies of Israel, but it is on behalf of the Jewish people, who themselves are rising up like a great lion.
Notice the continuation of this verse:
“Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, And lift up himself as a young lion: He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, And drink the blood of the slain.”
Israel is an old lion, but it is also a young lion. Being over 3,000 years old, the lion is ancient. But the restored nation is also 77 years young. Who can fathom how an ancient lion can rise up like a youth? But this is the miracle of Israel today.
The warning in this verse, of course, is the way in which the lion’s prey will be devoured. Israel is not against the Iranian people – in fact many Iranians are against the Tehran regime. But the attack against Iran will be unpalatable for many. Israel will be told to restrain. Others will exploit Israel’s actions and curse the lion. But the lion is rising and will be victorious. And the Lord is on Israel’s side.
