ENHANCE - 1st Quarter 2024

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HEBREW WORD FOCUS Do we read our Bibles as if they are the most relevant source for understanding the world around us? Does our modern ‘Christian’ worldview have no category or room for war? The current events in the Middle East are a wakeup call for all Christians to take more seriously the reading of our whole Bibles. Do we have an un- Biblical view of the future, that a ‘good God’ wouldn’t allow judgment, hardship or suffering? We must not be ignorant of the fact the Bible warns us that wars will come. They should not unravel our faith in the goodness and power of God. One of the biblical names of God is Adonai Tzevaot ‏ְיְהָֹוָ‏ ה ‏ְצְ‏ ‏ָבָ‏ אֹות which means “The Lord of the Armies/Hosts”. This powerful name of God, found 235 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, is spotlighted in the following, ‘David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the Name of Adonai Tzevaot, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied”’ (1 Samuel 17:45). David courageously and wisely chose not to compare himself to Goliath, but rather to compare Goliath to the Almighty Lord. This word Tsevaot is the plural of Tsava – the Hebrew word for ‘army’ (still ‏ָצָ‏ ‏ָבָ‏ א used in modern Hebrew to refer to the IDF). “Tzava” can refer to either an army or a great multitude or host, as is the case in Genesis, “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the Tzavaot (host) of them” (Genesis 2:1). This root family is about commanding (often militarily) over a large number. An army carries out the desire of its commander (see Joshua 5:13-15, 2 Kings 6:16-17). Other words in the same family of words sharing the primary root letters include: Tzava ‏ָצָ‏ ‏ָבָ‏ א - to wage war / to serve - to be inclined, desire, be pleased From these root letters we also get the verb meaning “to command an army”- hitzbi. ‏ְצְ‏ ‏ָבָ‏ א Tzeva As we read in Exodus, the Lord refers to the great mass of Israelites he delivered out of Egypt as his “Tzava”: “Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my Tzevaot (hosts/ divisions/ multitudes), my people the Israelites.” (Exodus 7:4). God is a trustworthy, mighty God – a God who is zealous and protective of his own people: “For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, Adonai Tzevaot” (Jeremiah 51:5). Adonai Tzevaot can give protection and victory in battle: “For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your 8 ENHANCE •1 st Quarter 2024 Melissa Briggs MA Hebrew University of Jerusalem Melissa is an experienced Hebrew teacher with a desire to make the rich language of the Scriptures accessible to Christians. Visit: www.explorehebrew.co.uk The Lord of Hosts ‏ְיְהָֹוָ‏ ה ‏ְצְ‏ ‏ָבָ‏ אֹות Israel’s true hope is the Lord of Hosts Adonai Tzevaot enemies, to give you the victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4, also see Joshua 6:2). He sees everything and will hold everyone accountable for their actions, “The Lord guards [keeps/watches over] all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked” (Psalm 145:20). Jesus did not promise our lives on earth would be free of war or tragedy. In fact, he warned us of the opposite, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have shalom. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). It is critical we set this reality firmly in our minds, so our faith in God is not shaken when we see these things, “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen” (Matthew 24:6). Yet, God is deeply compassionate, and carefully outworking his redemptive plans. We should read the recent reports of bloodshed in Israel (and other countries) with great sadness, anguish and empathy – mirroring the heart of God towards suffering and injustice. The Lord assures us that the glorious eternal future will be one without war, “…They will beat their swords into ploughshares … Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). God takes wickedness seriously and will judge it, but takes no pleasure in needing to punish the unrepentant, “Say to them, ‘As I live’, declares the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live …’” (Ezekiel 33:11) ‘“Vengeance is mine”, says the Lord’ (Deuteronomy 32:35). He will bring recompense and restore justice and righteousness on this earth, “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). Should we do everything we can, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to promote shalom? Absolutely! Should we attempt to compromise with evil? Certainly not! Our true hope – and Israel’s true hope – is Adonai Tzevaot. He has ultimate sovereignty over everything on heaven and earth. He shall have the final say. He brings his salvation, comfort, and healing as he masterfully orchestrates (commands!) all of his creation with a unique and powerful authority, “Holy, holy, holy is Adonai Tzevaot; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3). PRE-ORDER MELISSA’S NEW LEVEL 2 VIDEO COURSE! LEVEL 1 VIDEO COURSE FOR BEGINNERS IS AVAILABLE NOW. If you are interested in learning Biblical or Modern Hebrew, please contact Melissa for more details at: www.explorehebrew.co.uk
Bicom analysis Ongoing pressure to release hostages Following weeks of intense fighting, military officials said on Tuesday 19 th December that IDF forces now have control inside Gaza City. In the neighbourhood of Jabalia around 1,000 combatants were killed and another 3,500 people were taken prisoner. Among the prisoners are around 500 suspected terrorists, some of whom participated in the 7 th October massacre. The IDF noted, “since the beginning of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, IDF troops have identified about 1,500 tunnel shafts and underground passages belonging to Hamas. Most of these subterranean structures have been found beneath schools, hospitals, mosques, UN facilities and civilian institutions.” Concerning the southern Gaza Strip, Defence Minister Gallant said, “Khan Yunis has become the new capital of terrorism. The operation will continue until we … put the senior members of this murderous organisation where they deserve to be.” In parallel to the fighting, renewed efforts continue to reach a deal to release more of the hostages. There remain an estimated 136 Israelis held captive by Hamas and other groups inside Gaza. The IDF are cognisant of their failure that led to the killing of three hostages. It has since been revealed that the soldiers that killed them were unaware of the improvised signs for help written in Hebrew found by other troops in the vicinity. In December, talks resumed between Mossad Director Barnea, CIA Director Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani in Poland. Israel is prioritising the release of the women who were meant to be released in the last round, and then men over the age of 60 and those who are ill or with serious injuries. In return, Israel is considering releasing Palestinian prisoners who were convicted of more serious acts of terrorism than in the previous deal. According to Barak Ravid on the Walla news site, Israel is prepared to agree to a one week pause in the fighting in exchange for the release of 40 Israeli hostages. According to The Washington Post, as part of a hostage deal Israel would consider a two-week ceasefire and would also gradually withdraw troops from northern Gaza. Last time, Israel was able to secure the release of 80 hostages in the same timeline, but the ‘price’ for releasing men is considered higher. Footage was released in December of the director of the Kamal Adwan hospital in Jabalia being interviewed by Shin Bet investigators. During that interrogation he revealed the dual purpose of the hospital, also serving as a base for Hamas to conduct operational activity. Video released by the Israeli army shows 9-year-old former hostage Emily Hand embracing her father at a hospital in Israel after being released by Hamas on November 26, 2023 Among his revelations: 16 members of the hospital’s staff also had roles in Hamas’ military wing. They included doctors, nurses, paramedics and clerks. He also said that some of the hostages were held on site. The IDF also conducted a review of shooting in the area of the Greek Orthodox and Episcopalian Church in Shajaiya, on Sunday 17 th December, in which two women were killed. According to the IDF, the review found that, “Hamas terrorists launched a Rocket Propelled Grenade at IDF troops from the vicinity of the church. The troops then identified three people in the vicinity operating as spotters for Hamas, guiding their attacks in the direction of the IDF troops. In response the troops fired towards the spotters and hits were identified. While this incident occurred in the area where the two women were reportedly killed, the reports received do not match the conclusion of our initial review which found that the IDF troops were targeting spotters in enemy lookouts. We are continuing our examination of the incident.” They went on to note, “the IDF takes claims of strikes on sensitive sites very seriously, especially churches that are the holy sites for the Christian faith. The IDF directs its operations against the Hamas terrorist organisation and not against civilians, regardless of their religious affiliation. The IDF takes many measures to mitigate harm to civilians in the Gaza Strip. These efforts stand in contrast to Hamas that does everything in its power to endanger civilians and exploits them, as well as religious sites, as human shields for their terrorist activities.” As Israel contemplated extending the fighting in the south, there was an understanding of the need to keep some infrastructure in place. In order for some entity to eventually take over, the water supply, some municipal services, and schools must be protected. It is likely that the displaced civilian population will need to remain in temporary accommodation for some time, and so (learning the lessons of other conflicts, such as Iraq) some infrastructure must be kept in place. 1 st Quarter 2024 • ENHANCE 9
Page 1 and 2: 1 st Quarter 2024 • No 218 Christ
Page 3 and 4: CFI UK update New chairman for CFI
Page 5 and 6: Prayer report Prayer rally Whitehal
Page 7: The wilderness and the dry land sha
Page 11 and 12: Exhibition report CRE Midlands repo

ENHANCE - 1st Quarter 2024

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