Jerusalem “A Very Heavy Stone”

June 4, 2008

There is mounting concern as to whether that new state will be called Palestine or Hamastan. Hamas has already threatened to overthrow any new Palestinian control of Jerusalem and seize power. They have already achieved that goal with Gaza and wage a continuous war of attrition with Israel. The Jerusalem in question contains the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Garden Tomb, all of the Old City, and the City of David.

In October 2007, former prime minister and now leader of the opposition Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Jerusalem has been the pulsating heart of the Jewish people. Now there are those who come and say, let’s divide this heart. If we leave any part of Jerusalem, militant Islam walks in. That’s the reality of the Middle East.” Islamic terrorists continue to declare they are in a jihad (religious war) fighting Israel and the “infidels.” A hadith (a report of something that Muhammad said or did) says, “Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you” (Sura 2:216, 217).

Michael Anbar, writing for Front Page Magazine.com, said, “Legitimizing Jerusalem as an Arab capital, even if it pertains just to a part of the city, delegitimizes Jerusalem as the exclusive capital of the Jewish people, substantially enhancing the Arab claim that all the State of Israel is illegitimate. This is the main reason for the Arab’s insistence on declaring Jerusalem as an Arab capital. It would be the first effective step in driving out the Jews from their homeland.”

A Unique Muslim Voice Speaks Out in the Wilderness

However, there is a unique Muslim voice in the wilderness. Sheikh Professor Abdul Hadi Palazzi, in an article ”A Muslim Scholar Speaks,” challenged the Islamic claim to Jerusalem by proving from the Koran that God gave the Holy Land to the Jewish people. “The Qur’an [Koran] cites the exact words with which Moses ordered the Israelites to conquer the Land: ‘And (remember) when Moses said to his people: “O my people, call in remembrance the favor of God to you, when he produced prophets among you, made you kings, and gave to you what He had not given to any other among the people. O my people, enter the Holy Land which God has assigned unto you, and turn not back ignominiously, for then will ye be overthrown, to your own ruin (Sura 5:22–23).”’”

Palazzi also says: “Moreover, the Qur’an expressly recognizes that Jerusalem plays the same role for Jews that Mecca had for Muslims. Thus, as no one wishes to deny Muslims complete sovereignty over Mecca, from an Islamic point of view, there is no sound theological reason to deny the Jews the same right over Jerusalem.” Amazingly, he concludes, “Many of us are now ready to admit that hostility for Israel has been a great mistake, perhaps the worst mistake Muslims have made in the last 50 years.”

The Need of the Hour

Israel has experienced many miracles in modern times, just as in Bible times: Israel became a nation, Jews have returned to the Land, and it has blossomed with fruits and flowers. God has faithfully delivered on His promises. Here is a prophetic word that will also be fulfilled: “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples…I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it” (Zech. 12:2–3). Is this that hour?

Unfortunately, some who are called the most powerful people in the world today encourage Israel to consider Jerusalem and “heave it away.” But as discussions highlight, Jerusalem is certainly “a very heavy stone.” It is most definitely time to apply in big, bold, capital letters, “PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM” (Ps. 122:6a).

By Ron Ross, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio Host

Photo Credit: Photoby Isranet