“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)
Much of what our Lord was prophesying here had to do with the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple, which would happen within 40 years or so of this prophesy and his imminent death and resurrection.
However there is no reason not to consider that he was also making a double prophecy, which is fairly common in the Bible, extending the meaning here to also warn of the time immediately preceding the Final Judgement.
As watchdogs living in this time and place we should always keep our ears tuned to ‘rumors of wars’ and be aware of the seasons of God’s plans and purposes.
Here’s the latest from the conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.
Ground offensive launched in Gaza City
Israel has initiated a major ground operation into Gaza City, stepping up its military campaign. The assault includes air, sea, and ground strikes targeting what Israel describes as Hamas infrastructure. Thousands of Palestinian civilians are fleeing the area despite severe constraints. AP News
Evacuations and displacement
Israel has ordered mass evacuations of civilians from parts of Gaza City. Given warnings and fighting, many civilians are moving south or west, often under dire conditions. However, large numbers remain, limited by lack of resources, safe routes, or housing. AP News
Human toll and humanitarian crisis
- Significant civilian casualties are reported, notably among children and women. AP News
- Famine or severe food insecurity continues, with deaths attributed to hunger rising. Reuters
- Infrastructure damage is substantial: residential buildings, roads, mosques, and other civilian structures have been destroyed or heavily damaged. Reuters
UN commission report – genocide accusation
A U.N. independent commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing evidence such as killings, displacement, blockade of aid, and destruction of infrastructure (including a fertility clinic) as consistent with attempts to “destroy, in whole or in part, Palestinians in Gaza.” Israel firmly rejects these findings. The Guardian
International response and pressure
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as “horrendous” and “morally, politically and legally intolerable.” The Guardian
- The European Union is discussing or preparing new sanctions or trade restrictions on Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian situation. Reuters
- United Nations and human rights bodies are calling for cessation or serious pause in hostilities. There is also mounting global concern over violations of international humanitarian law. The Guardian
Timeline given for Gaza City control
Israeli military officials have indicated the Gaza City offensive is expected to take several months to conquer fully. They say that the city’s entrenched infrastructure makes operations slower and more complex. The Guardian
Child of God, husband, father, grandfather, rabblerouser, songwriter, pot stirrer, waiting for the King.