The killing of the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, by the IDF this week brings the war against Hamas into a new important phase. Israel is not expecting Israel’s enemies to capitulate easily, but the opportunity presents itself for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages. The war is not over. But it cannot be understated how significant the killing of the architect of October 7th actually is.
As Prime Minister Netanyahu said this week, “In Gaza, in Beirut, in the streets of the entire area, the darkness is withdrawing and the light is rising. Deif, Haniyeh, Sinwar, Nasrallah, Mohsen, Aqil and many of their partners are no more.
Israel’s defense minister tweeted a Bible verse from Leviticus 25:7 on Thursday to mark the announcement of Sinwar’s death: “You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you.”
But notice the continuing verses of this Scripture in Leviticus:
“You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you. ‘For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.”
As we pray for Israel and its fight against terror, we must not forget the backdrop of God’s promises to His people. The Lord will “confirm His covenant with you.” On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jewish nation had another reminder of God’s favour upon them. Our prayer is that they will indeed be victorious over their enemies.
Here are some special prayer pointers relating to events this week:
– Let us not forget that the international community, including the US and UK, were trying to force Israel to not enter Rafah last May. Israel didn’t heed the request, and by doing so Israel has purged Hamas out of their hiding places and this week taken the head of the snake. Israel’s aims are working. Whilst the US and UK have both welcomed Israel’s successful killing of Sinwar, they must now give Israel full support in continuing its assault on both Hamas and Hezbollah – and if required, Iran.
– Sinwar was an evil antisemite responsible for the mass-murder of Jews in Israel, and also responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. There should be no room in the Western media for voices that speak in support of outlawed terrorist organisations. Sinwar was not a freedom-fighter or a martyr. Pray that our media will have a better sense of judgement when deciding who to give a platform to.
– Pray that this development will result in the release of all the remaining hostages. Pray also that the IDF will take this opportunity to end Hamas’s evil control over Gaza and remove the threat to Israel’s borders so that the regular rocket attacks will end and that another October 7th will NEVER happen again.
– Pray for Israel’s leadership. The media seems intent on portraying Israel’s political scene as fragmented. Whilst it cannot be denied that there are various political views, there is a significant unity in Israel’s military actions. Pray that all Israel’s leaders will have God’s wisdom and that the IDF will be protected in its missions.
Am Ysrael Chai – the nation of Israel lives.
