Global SITREP A7-23: The Significance of Shechem

Battle in Shechem 22FEB23 (Reuters/Saneen Sawafta)

23 February 2023: The heavy firefight which took place between the IDF and Islamic terrorists in Shechem yesterday, in addition to the hundreds of terrorist attacks in Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem and elsewhere in Israel should be viewed as a significant Indication and Warning (I&W) of what lies ahead. Efforts to calm the situation, even those of foreign origin, are highly unlikely to succeed as the appointed times the prophets pointed to are rapidly approaching their final fulfillment.

To that end we recognize that God controls all things! And so why are the enemies all around Israel on every side and even within the midst of the country rising up against Israel in battle? Do they have no fear of Israel's overwhelming military superiority; that certain death and destruction awaits them in such a conflict? Eschatology Today believes the prophetic text of Joshua 11:20 is instructive as being explanatory for what would ordinarily be a suicidal military endeavor:

"For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord had commanded Moses."

Shechem has a most ancient history for Israel, it's first mention in Scripture is found in Genesis 12, which is prior to when God would re-name Abram as Abraham. In Genesis 33:18-20 Jacob arrives safely from Padan Aram (Haran in Upper Mesopotamia) standing up his tent before the city and purchases that land from Hamor for 100 pieces of currency of the day. And on that spot Jacob builds an altar which he names "El Elohe Israel," or God, the God of Israel. Then in Joshua 24 you can read about The Covenant at Shechem which Joshua gathered all Israel and spoke to them "Thus says the Lord God of Israel..." And the covenant at Shechem is made there, where also the bones of Joseph brought out of Egypt by Israel, are buried. 

The battle which took place in Shechem yesterday was by no means insignificant. It has become part of the continuing saga in the history of Israel. Perhaps even a turning point when compared to recent Israeli history following the evacuation of Israel's settlements in Gaza 18 years ago (2005). In its aftermath rockets of HAMAS targeted Ashkelon, Sderot and other communities at 4 AM Israel time this morning with at least six rockets, declaring that HAMAS patience is "wearing out." Just as quickly the strike aircraft of the IAF began pummeling HAMAS targets in Gaza. 

Thirty minutes ago PM Netanyahu announced, "We have a clear policy - to hit the enemy with full force." 

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