9Jewish History
It was really a strange statement. Even then, amazingly and exactly after 50 years that is in 1947, the U.N.O. has separated Palestine and Israel and both were declared independence. But the anti-semitic fever which had been fanned by the Dreyfeus caused a shock to Herzl and European jury. He felt very angry at that and wrote a pamphlet “Der Judenstaat” (the Jewish state), calling for a homeland to the wandering Jewish people. It appeared that God was in it for His people. Because of the importance of the contents, the pamphlet was translated into many languages in large numbers and the result of that, the first Zionist congress was convened. MaxNordeu, one of the distinguished delegates of the congress, prepared a document regarding the aims of Zionists. The opening statement was an acquired definition of Zionism. According to him, Zionism wanted to establish a home for Jews in Palestine basing on the law. Unfortunately, the Jewish people were facing many problems regarding their nation from the very beginning. It is paradoxical that many Jews opposed to have a state of their own homeland as it would ignore the new waves of anti-semitism. Some Jewish people prepared to have a new homeland in Palestine because they could not achieve that as Palestine was in the control of Ottoman of Turkey at that time. Many suggestions were made for the establishment of a state in places like Argentina, North America, the Sinai Peninsula, and Uganda. These proposals were examined and finally rejected.
At the end, the invisible divine’s magnetic power over their homeland was invincible, and it would come into existence. In spite of different opinions about Herzl, he went to the Sultan of Turkey and offered him money to purchase some land for the formation of Jewish nations in Palestine because it was in Turk’s control at that time. For Herzl’s trouble of asking the Sultan a piece of land, he offered three medals of honor, but no land. Still, this man (Herzl) with piercing eyes of a prophet who once commented, “If you will it, it is no dream,” pressed on as if possessed. It is really strange and wonderful how some Jews opposed to have a homeland and some others wished to have it fully with the divine understanding. The Jews used to feel that possessing a
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house was not an ordinary thing in Jerusalem. In spite of many hurdles, Dr. Herzl and some other important persons of different nations tried for the establishment of a homeland to the Jewish people. Another important thing in the study of Dr. Herzl was that in his home library, there was a special Bible presented to him by Mr. A Holland Surrey England on August 24, 1900. While presenting, it was written on the fly leaf of the Bible by Mr. Holland: See Ezekiel’s chapters 36 to 39 (which speak glowingly of the resurrection of the land of Israel and the restoration of the people to the land). On the second fly leaf, Mr. Holland had written references to Isaiah chapter 53 (which describes the fact of Messiah’s death) and Daniel 9:25-27 (which foretells the death of Messiah) and the New Testament fulfillment in Matthew 26 and 27. And what must be particularly meaningful to the author, or the words inscribed for the presentation to Dr. Herzl- Kindly accept these Old and New Testaments, His pure word from a lover of Israel, God’s ancient people. May the God of Israel guide you and your helpers in the work of deliverance.
The result of World War I was that Palestine fell into the hands of the British government in 1917 from the Turkish rule. GeneralAllemby was a God-fearing and staunch believer and a lover of Israel, captured the holy city also without firing a shot. Before he actually attacked the city, he humbly requested the believers to go to England and pray continuously for 3 days. While his army was approaching the city of Jerusalem, the Arab defenders simply threw down their weapons and fled for their safety. General Allemby, in great humility, dismounted and walked into the city while entering. He faithfully declared that he did not want to rule as a conquering hero, the city of Jerusalem, but his savior would one day return to become King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
One day, a group of Galilean farmers went to the British bank in Jerusalem. They wanted to get a loan from the bank for the eradication of malaria-infected areas in their places. The bank people looked into the application, but rejected it. One of the farmers was a Jew, and he knew the
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bank president was a Christian who believed in the Bible. So he directed the president to the book of Ezekiel and read a few lines, “For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and swon” (Ezekiel 36:9). Then the Jewish farmer asked the Christian bank president, “What is that his God is referring to?” The banker said that the farmer was referring to the land of Israel, and in that context God is saying, “I am for you.” The farmer quickly answered and said they needed some money to drain the swamp and work on the soil. The president then consulted the other members in the bank, and the loan was granted. And today, that Huleh Valley stands as one of the spectacular agricultural achievements of the modern state of Israel.
In Jerusalem today, Hadaseah Hospital is considered one of the finest in the Middle East, and the medicines were also prepared with advanced science and technology, to say, comparable to the best in the world. But about fifty years ago (before the advent of modern nation), there was very little hospital care in Israel, except some good treatment from the Christian centers. The Christians treated both Jews and Arabs in the name of Jesus Christ. Israel’s army exhibited her quality, courage, and dedication to her nation. But the man who trained Israelites in the gorilla warfare and night fighting was a British officer, and his name was Orde Wingate. He was also a God-fearing man. In one hand, he carried a rifle, and in the other hand, the Holy Bible. He always carried the Bible literally and believed in God. Wingate was convinced that God intended Palestine should be the homeland to the Jews. Even today, the old generation of Jews in Israel remember Wingate with love and affection for his contributions to the nation. They also remembered him for the agricultural school which was named after him. Even today, there are many streets in Israel on his name.
While there were some Jews who vehemently opposed Dr. Herzl for the formation of a new homeland for them, there was another group who boldly stood and supported Herzl for a separate state. One among such persons was Chaim Weizmann. These two, Herzl and Chaim Weizmann, were responsible
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for the formation of the new modern state of Israel. Chaim Weizmann particularly worked for the cause of Zionism from his early days. He helped the British government regarding the war weapons also. When the British authorities expressed their gratitude and wished to honor him, he whole- heartedly said, “Nothing for me, but for my people a homeland in Palestine.” At last, the constant effort of both Dr. Herzl and Dr. Weizmann became fruitful. The historic British Balfour declaration of November 2, 1917 was as follows-
His Majesty government views with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country. As mentioned already, twenty years earlier, the delegates at the first Zionist congress expressed their willingness for establishing a homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine. The most powerful nation, Great Britain, also agreed for that. The bones, which had begun to make a noise two decades earlier, were now beginning to “shake and come together.” Then, in 1922, five years after the “Balfour declaration,” the international body gave a mandate to Great Britain to establish a homeland for the Jews. Now, “sinews and flesh” are beginning to cover those dead bones.
It was the time Dr. Herzl and his followers were seeking for the recognition of Jewish state. Just at that time, thousands of Jews who were being persecuted in Russia, Poland, and other countries returned to their mother land. But they were surprised to see the land completely barren, desolate, deserted, and malaria-infested. That stage was explained by a popular writer, Mark Twain, about one hundred years ago. He said, “There is not a solitary village throughout its whole extent more than thirty miles in either direction.
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There are two or three clusters of bedowin tents, but not a single permanent habitation. One may ride for ten miles hereabouts and not see human beings.”
The long issue of providing a homeland to Jewish people was put before the United Nations at last on November 14, 1947. The members reacted and voted for the partition of Palestine and establish a home state for Jews. Finally, on May 8, 1948, David Ben Gurion, the first prime-minister of Israel, confirmed the nation. Then, in his emotional speech, declared Israel as a free and independent nation among the nations of the world. And also, the bones which Ezekiel saw prophetically 2,500 years ago had made a “noise, they shook, the bones came together, and the sinews and flesh came upon them at last, the bones stood upon their feet.” But there is still one genuine doubt lingering in the minds of many; whether the standing bones that represent Jewish people can surprise the political history of Islamic nations.
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and attend the church regularly.” He also advised me to teach people how to pray for their eternal life and glorify God. I suddenly woke up from my dream and found myself on the same bed. Then I thought God had extended my life for some more years like King Hezekiah with some purpose. This dream story took place when I was at the age of 70. This memorable incident is a turning point in my life. God gave me a chance to visit the Holy Land with my wife. Then, after I returned from that tour, I happened to tell one of my friends what I had seen in Jerusalem and around. He immediately suggested me that I must put all in black and white. I was tempted by his suggestion and prayed to God by shedding tears to grant me the gift of writing and God granted me that. Then, I preferred to pen the historical background of some personalities and incidents in the bible. So far, I have written 5 books and the sixth one is getting ready. They are 1.The Legacy of God’s People 2. Quest for the Living God 3.Offsprings from the Tabernacle
4.The Redemption Plan of God and the title for the fifth book is “The Everlasting Kingdom of God” And the Name of the Sixth book is Jewish History.
My prime aim of writing this biblical history is that the matter maybe useful to theological students and young preachers to know more about the history behind the characters and the events in the bible. In addition to all this, I built a church in a village near Vijayawada for a good congregation with my pension money and it’s name is “Jehovah-ji-reh.” Another church is under construction in the village of my Grand Father Near Markapur, Prakasham District. In memory of my eldest son who died three years back in the U.S.A.
Then, two years ago, God prompted me to visit an elementary boarding school that I studied 65 years ago. I was surprised to see the pathetic condition of the students, probably my third generation and provided them with decent clothes and Christamas dinner with some support of UECF from New Jersey, U.S.A. Some interesting believers are reading my books in some countries in their computers through WWW.UECF.NET, (United Evangelical Christian Fellowship), a non-denominational church and I am a member of that church.
When I began my sixth book with the title “Jewish History” I actually became week and lost somemore eye sights. They my Grand Son an eleven year old boy Sohan Simon Koduri came to rescue to help me per typing the articles, for telling me correct spellings for certain word when I could not see at all. To speak the trough I could not have published my sixth book without his help. He did the maximum help which is beyond his age. Though he is my Grand child I sincerely extend my thanks to him and pray for his prospours life. He is really God fearing boy from the age.
Now I am seventy-seven years old, still praying for God me strength and good health, so that I can glorify Him through my books in future to the best of my ability basing on the dictum “Service to Humanity is service to Divinity.” May God bless us all. Yours in Christ, SUNDARARAO TSAPPIDI
Israel Becomes an Unwalled Nation
“And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages, I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them, dwelling without walls and having neither bars nor gates” (Ezekiel 38:11).
This article might appear to Israelites as untasteful and divert their attention to different thinking. Whatever might be their attitude, all believers of the world love Israel and Jerusalem, particularly because she is a Holy Land and thus pray for her peace forever. These believers whole-heartedly under the impression that God will certainly fulfill all the biblical promises He had made to His beloved people. In the meantime, Israel, like other nations in the world, has been struggling with problems like sin and immorality. Keeping all such things in view, the main purpose of this article is to show the desperate need of our Lord Jesus Christ to come to the rescue of Israel. This article also illustrates how the present issues of sin and immorality would lead the nation, possibly to the fulfillment of prophetic events regarding the future of Israel.
It is no doubt very interesting to watch the sensational news about Israel without a reference to the nation’s military power. But as far as the size is concerned, she is equal to any other nation on Earth. In this connection, let us look into one of the end times prophecies of Israel. “After many days, thou shalt be visited in the latter years, thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword and is gathered out of many people against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely, all of them” (Ezekiel 38:8).
Let us examine some important words mentioned below- dwell safely and Israel. Before we examine the confusing statement, let us study the concerned part of the scripture deeply. The above said prophecy is addressed to “Gog”, the land of “Magog”, the chief prince of “Meshech and Tubal” (Ezekiel 38:2). To speak the truth, it is not possible to give the true picture of Gog, the land of Magog, the prince of Meshech and Tubal, but what is important in
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this context? It is about their invasion of Israel in the last days. The invasion has taken place primarily from the nations of north of Israel, and also several countries from the south of the Holy Land, the aggressive countries like Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, Ethiopia, and many other countries. The most fascinating news about the attack of all these nations is that God Himself forced them to do so.
In Ezekiel 38:4, it is said “and I will turn thee back and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth and all time army, horses, and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords”. So, Israel shall be invaded in the end days. Even then, all Israel at that time will dwell safely when all the surrounding nations warned her to obliterate her from the face of Earth. In addition to that, article 22 from the infamous P.L.O., chapter 1964, states Zionism (Israel, the Jewish state) is a political movement originally associated with international imperialism and antagonistic to every action, for liberation, and to progressive movements in a world. It appears to people that she is a racist and a fanatic in her nature. The P.L.O. is aggressive, with the tendency of expansionism, and the intention of colonialism. It is a naked truth that the liberation of Palestine will destroy the Zionist and imperialist presence, and at the same time it will contribute to the establishment of peace and harmony in the Middle East. So, the Palestinians look for the support from countries of the world, for liberation of their home land.
Such type of proclamations by the Palestinians would never give the hope of dwelling peacefully and safely. Another saying of Ezekiel asks us to swallow and digest “And thou shalt say I will go up to the land of unwalled villages, I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them, dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates.” “Unwalled village”, “A people who are at rest safely, and dwell without walls,” Israel. It is not possible to allow herself to be unwalled and at the same time unarmed. As readers, we can understand the quantum of hatred that the surrounding nations have
Israel Becomes an unwalled Nation
towards Israel. Following is a speech given by the Iranian president during 2012. The Zionist regime and the Zionistsare”cancerous tumors”; even if one cell of them is left, if one inch of Palestinian land is left, in the future this story (the Israel existence) will repeat. The nations of the region will soon finish off the usurper Zionist in the Palestinian land. A new Middle East will definitely be formed. With the grace of God, and the help of other nations in the new Middle East, there will be no trace of Americans and Zionists. The statement of the president is not the only one against Israel, but many people are whole- heartedly supporting the total destruction of Israel and wanting to wipeout the nation in the world map. No one can understand this evil plan of the Middle East but Israel only. In such dangerous circumstances, how can Israel remain peaceful without military support and how, according to Ezekiel’s prophecy, will it be an unarmed nation at peace?
As Israel is threatened by the neighboring nations, she has decided to have a strong military camp. Accordingly, she has planned and at present, Israel ranks 10th in the world in maintaining military power after the U.S.A., Russia, and China, but ahead of other powerful countries like Germany, Brazil, Palestine, and Egypt. Having 10th place among the powerful nations is really most amazing if we consider her population, which is about 7.8 million only, and she is the 45th country in the availability of soldiers. Israel has a strong military force of 3.6 million. But this figure is dwarfed by China, which has 750 million, India, 615 million, and America, 145 million. Israel’s considerable military power is then more surprising if we think of her 51st rank among the nations in land mass. Again, Israel ranks 14th as far as land weapons are concerned. She has acquired an extraordinary 5th rank in total aircrafts and 15th in defense spending. Israel has proved herself as the most dangerous and can defend herself from any unexpected attack. She has done and proved her efficiency for more than 6 decades. But her position of self-sufficiency seems to be decreasing day by day and the country is becoming a passive peacemaker due to some genuine reasons. The main reason is forsaking God. Let us have