The events of recent days in the Middle East should not take anyone by surprise – at least anyone who reads the Bible. Just a cursory reading of the Old Testament provides ample evidence that there will always be antagonism and dissension between the descendants of Ishmael and those of Isaac. Isaac is the son of promise: the son God promised to Abraham and Sarah. The son through whom the nation of Israel would ultimately come. Ishmael, on the other hand, was the son of Abraham and Sarah’s handmaid, Hagar. It was through the descendants of Isaac that the nation of Israel came into existence, and through the descendants of Ishmael that the Arab nations arose. History proves again and again how antagonistic the Arab nations have been toward the nation of Israel, and, truth be known, how Israel has been just as antagonistic toward them.

The current war being waged between Israel and Hamas is another graphic example of this ongoing strife between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael. It has been prophesied in the Old Testament and is coming to pass before our very eyes. But the question I would pose as we look at the horrific news reports coming out of this war is this: is this war justified? Was the attack by Hamas based on the principles of just war theory? Or would it be better described as holy war? To answer that question, let’s review briefly the definitions of those two terms.

First of all, let’s review just war theory. This theory is used to determine when it is ethically permissible to go to war. The determining factors are:

• Is it for a just cause?
• Is it based on a right intention?
• Is it by a legitimate authority?
• Does it have due proportionality?
• Does it have a high probability of success?
• It is a last resort?

I will quickly admit that I am not knowledgeable enough of Hamas belief and practice to give a definitive response to their understanding of, or concern for, going to war based on the just war theory. But from what I have seen, and what I have read, concerning this war, at least four of the seven questions listed above would have to be answered negatively. And it is very possible that all seven would have to be answered with a negative response.

So, let’s move to the second possibility: holy war. If Hamas has not followed the rules of just war, then perhaps this present conflict would have to be described as something different. So, what exactly is a holy war? Holy war is war based on religious belief, and motivated by one religion’s desire to destroy those of another religious affiliation.

An absolutely crucial matter to be considered is the fact that holy war is never commanded, nor condoned, in the Bible. Some reason that God’s command to Joshua to invade and take possession of what would become the geographical boundaries of Israel was a command to engage in holy war. However, this invasion and eventual possession of the land was not warfare based on religious belief, but rather it was based upon the wickedness of the inhabitants of the land. As a matter of fact, it is reiterated time and again that it was not because of the goodness of the people of Israel, but rather because of the wickedness of the people of the land that God gave the command to completely drive out the inhabitants.

Another major factor is that God never commanded the people of Israel to completely destroy all people, but just the people in the land of promise. So, it was not a holy war in the sense of being based on religion, but it was a just war based on the wickedness of the people of the land.

In conclusion, let’s go back to our topic under discussion. Was Hamas justified in their surprise attack on Israel? Was this attack in alignment with the principles of the just war theory? In my estimation, the answer is a resounding ‘No’. Was Israel just in their response to this attack? Again, in my estimation, the answer is a resounding, ‘Yes’. Why? Because all seven of the questions listed above could be answered in the affirmative to Israel’s response.

I do not claim to be an expert on this subject. I can only offer my personal opinion. But I do feel that my opinion is correct based on my knowledge of the current state of affairs. Also, based on my understanding of Old Testament prophesy, these events should not catch any Christian by surprise, but should rather serve as a wake-up call – the sound of the trumpet is drawing near! Be ready!

Until next time:

Blessings.