The tumultuous nature of the Middle East has once again come to the fore in the unfolding conflict.
On Saturday, October 7, Palestinian militant group, Hamas, launched a remarkable
assault on Israel in which hundreds of gunmen audaciously infiltrated communities near the Gaza Strip. Tragically, this conflict has already claimed the lives of at least 1,300 Israelis, with numerous
soldiers and civilians, including women and children, held hostage in Gaza. Israel’s efforts to root out militants in Gaza have, regrettably, resulted in the loss of more than 2,000 Palestinian lives.
Nations around the world have reacted to this crisis, and Kenya has made its position clear. President Ruto, in a resolute declaration of support for Israel, has showcased both astute spiritual convictions and political acumen. Support for Israel varies considerably among countries with Christian-majority populations.
While the United States and the United Kingdom are often cited as prime examples of unwavering support, other nations, despite their significant Christian communities, exhibit varying degrees of engagement and backing for Israel. These disparities are influenced by the unique historical political, and cultural contexts of each nation.
It is important to note that support for Israel remains a contentious and debated topic, with various Christian groups and governments sometimes refraining from offering their support, often due to concerns related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a statement issued on a Saturday evening, President Ruto expressed his unwavering solidarity with the State of Israel. He vociferously condemned acts of “terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians, extending Kenya’s deepest sympathies and condolences to all those affected by these tragic events. Some Kenyan citizens may have been taken conflicting sides.
The existence of human beings encompasses five dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual. Some have speculated President Ruto’s response, delivered through his official X handle, is primarily rooted in his strong evangelical beliefs. For many Christians with a deep understanding of biblical history, Israel holds a unique significance.
It is not merely a nation; it occupies a central place in the Bible’s narrative. Matters related to Israel transcend politics and delve deeply into the spiritual realm. The biblical covenant between God and Abraham, with the promise of the land of Israel for his descendants, is reiterated 22 times in the Bible — a fact of immense significance to Christians. Covenants are profoundly important in Christianity, and God’s blood covenant with Abraham, made in Genesis 12:7, holds a distinct place. This covenant pledged to give Abraham and his descendants the land forever, as unlike Adam who partook the forbidden fruit, Abraham was found trustworthy.
Bible scholars firmly assert the land of Canaan was many times larger than present-day Israel. For Christians, the existence of Israel serves as a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His covenants and promises. Indeed, the revival of the Jewish State of Israel is intricately tied to biblical prophecy, particularly the book of Isaiah, where a collection of bones in a valley is revived to form a formidable army. Historical milestones, such as the late 19th Century return of Zionists to Israel, the British government’s Balfour Declaration of 1917, the 1920-1948 British mandate to rule over Palestine, granted by the League of Nations, and the United Nations Partition Plan of 1947 — all culminating in David Ben-Gurion’s proclamation of Israel’s independence in 1948 — are viewed as part of God’s providence.
The revival of the Hebrew language in Europe and Palestine towards the end of the 19th Century and into the 20th century was yet another remarkable occurrence, representing a transition from the sacred Judaic language to the daily spoken and written Hebrew in Israel. The Six-Day War in 1967, in which Israel defeated Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, leading to the occupation of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, is regarded as another extraordinary event affirming God’s providence over the Jewish people. The survival of the Holocaust and the endurance of historical persecution further cement the support for Israel among Christians.
As a result, Israel’s history is seen as the realisation of biblical prophecy and an integral part of Christian faith. Kenya, a nation that has faced its share of terrorism over the years, values Israel as a dependable partner with expertise in counter-terrorism. Israel plays a pivotal role in shaping the foreign policy of African nations in the Middle East, serving as a stabilising influence in the region.
Furthermore, Kenya benefits from economic and technological cooperation with Israel, particularly in fields such as cybersecurity, agriculture, and healthcare.
In May of this year, President Ruto made a historic visit to Israel, where he prayed at the Western Wall of Jerusalem, often referred to as the Wailing Wall by Christians. Ruto’s gesture, as noted by the Jerusalem Post, was described as unconventional for visiting heads of state. Nevertheless, it unmistakably showcased his profound faith.
Additionally, renowned American healing televangelist Benny Hinn, who himself grew up in Jaffa, Israel, disclosed that Kenya’ First Lady, Rachel Ruto, had travelled to California to invite him for crusades across Kenya. Pastor Benny, as he is affectionately known, has a deep-rooted support for Israel. The history of Israel is intricately interwoven with its biblical significance, and it is easy to comprehend why President Ruto, driven by his profound spiritual convictions and Kenya’s historical relationship with Israel, expressed unequivocal support for Israel during this trying period.
It is crucial to acknowledge that interpretations of these biblical prophecies exhibit a wide spectrum of perspectives, with not all individuals or religious groups subscribing to the same views. The interplay between Bible prophecy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is undeniably intricate and a subject of profound debate. While some discern explicit connections, others vehemently dispute such interpretations.
Nevertheless, it is challenging to overlook the evident correlation between the historical journey of the Jewish people and the profound spiritual significance within Christianity, which, in turn, has exerted an indelible ifluence on global politics. The prophesied rebirth of the State of Israel, the remarkable return
of Jews to their ancestral homeland, the enduring conflicts in the Holy Land, and the ongoing over Jerusalem’s status as a contested city all exemplify the profound biblical prophecies that have come to pass. These events collectively underscore the Bible’s significance as a book that transcends sacredness and extends into the realm of historical and geopolitical relevance.
Political commentator