Jerusalem, Israel
JANUARY 2019 PRAYER UPDATE
Israel
and the Nations
An escalation in tensions between
Iran and Israel may soon result in a possible conflagration over Syria. Israel
conducted a rare pre-emptive day strike against Iranian targets in and near
Damascus. (Iran continues to try and bring advanced weapons into Syria by any
means possible, including air transport).
Iran then launched a missile from
Syria towards Mount Hermon on the Golan Heights, while Israelis were skiing,
hoping to hit the Israeli home front. However, the IDF’s Iron Dome anti-missile
defense system intercepted the rocket in mid-air before it could land and cause
damages.
(Iran crossed Israel’s red line by launching the missile at
Israel’s civilian population. Israeli officials have stated that they will not
allow the same mistake in Syria that they made in Lebanon. They have not taken
proper military action against the terrorist militia, Hezbollah, which has
stored up more than 100,000 rockets that can reach anywhere in Israel).
After the recent Iranian missile
launch against Israel, the IDF retaliated with a strike against several Iranian
targets in Syria that, reportedly, killed 17 Syrian forces and 4 Iranian
Revolutionary Guard officers. Now,
Israel stands by to see if Iran will bring the escalation to another level.
On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Israel
successfully test launched one of its Arrow 3 long-range missiles, sending a
strong message to its enemies. Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu stated that “Israel has very strong defensive and offensive
capabilities that are among the most advanced in the world. Our enemies who
seek to destroy us should know that Israel’s clenched fist will reach all those
who seek our ill, and we will settle accounts with them.”
Netanyahu spoke of the close security
cooperation between Israel and U.S. defense industries, especially in the
testing and developing of global advanced weapons systems like the Arrow 3.
Meanwhile, Hamas has been trying to
kill Israeli soldiers with sniper fire on Israel’s southern border, looking to
start a conflict on this second front. Israel has retaliated by launching
strikes on Hamas targets in northern Gaza.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for Israel’s new IDF Chief of
Staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, who just took over this important and
strategic office, and now has a great responsibility to protect Israel’s home
front. He is the one who will be equipping and preparing Israel’s defense
forces, with an eye towards possible conflicts on Israel’s northern and
southern borders.
“I urge, then, first of all, that
petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for
kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives, in
all godliness and holiness. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
During this in-between time, when
the Israeli Knesset has been officially dissolved, and Israelis are preparing
for new elections on April 9th, the Netanyahu government still has major
military decisions to make. It is a vulnerable time for Israel, and God’s
protection over Israel should be acknowledged and declared in intercession.
“May God arise, may His enemies be scattered;
may His foes flee before Him. May You blow them away like smoke – as wax melts
before the fire. May the wicked perish before God. But, may the righteous be
glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” PSALM 68:1-3.
Pray for Israel’s Home Front Command
to operate effectively and efficiently, without incident, and with all
preparations in place in case of a major conflagration against the land and
people. In previous wars, there was confusion as to who was in charge, and who
was coordinating between national and local branches. Pray that the Home Front operations
are stream-lined, and directives are clear, in Yeshua’s name!
DECLARE OVER ISRAEL:
“Blessed are you Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord?
The Lord has rescued you and given you more blessings than any other nation.
God has always been your shelter, defense, dwelling place, refuge, and hiding
place. His everlasting eternal arms are your support. They are under you. He
carries you in His arms! He drives out your enemies, saying: ‘Be thou brought
to naught.’ And, He says: ‘Destroy them!’
Israel, you will live in confidence
and safety. Your enemies will be gone. The dew will fall from the sky, and you
will have plenty of grain and wine. (Dew will drip from your skies instead of
missiles!)
The Lord Himself is your shield and
sword, to defend you, and to give you victory! He is your shield of protection
and help. And, your glorious, triumphant, majestic, finely crafted sword. This
sword wins you victories; the sword of your excellency and thy glory!
Your enemies will cower and cringe
before you. They will bow in fear. They will come crawling, begging for mercy.
They shall submit themselves to you. They shall dwindle away before you!
You will tread on the heights of
your enemies. You will stomp on their backs. You shall trample upon their high
places. You will tread upon their necks.
You, Jacob’s descendants, will live
in peace; secure in your land!
DEUTERONOMY 33:27-29