Is Egypt The Mastermind Behind The Current Israel-Hamas War: Unraveling The Truth From A Messianic Jewish Perspective
Introduction: The Land of Israel in the Eye of the Storm
The land of Israel has always been at the center of divine prophecy, human conflict, and spiritual significance. From the promises made to Abraham to the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus), Israel remains a focal point of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Today, as the Israel-Hamas war rages on, questions arise about the forces behind the conflict. Among the speculations is the role of Egypt, a nation with a complex history intertwined with Israel’s past, present, and future. Could Egypt be the mastermind behind the current war? Let’s explore this question through the lens of Scripture, history, and prophecy, while keeping our focus on the Messianic Jewish perspective.
Chapter 1: Egypt and Israel—A Historical and Biblical Context
Egypt’s relationship with Israel dates back to the days of Abraham. During a famine, Abraham sought refuge in Egypt (Genesis 12:10), setting the stage for a tumultuous yet divinely orchestrated relationship. Centuries later, Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, where they grew into a great nation but were eventually enslaved (Exodus 1:8-14). God delivered Israel from Egypt with a mighty hand, demonstrating His power over the nations and His commitment to His covenant people.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us of Egypt’s role in God’s plan: "In that day, Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance'" (Isaiah 19:24-25). This prophecy points to a future reconciliation, but for now, Egypt’s relationship with Israel remains fraught with tension.
Chapter 2: The Modern Israel-Hamas Conflict
The current Israel-Hamas war is a tragic chapter in the ongoing struggle for peace in the region. Hamas, a militant group controlling Gaza, has repeatedly launched attacks on Israel, targeting civilians and provoking military responses. While Hamas is the immediate aggressor, many wonder if there are hidden hands pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, plays a significant role in the region. It has historically acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, but its true intentions are often questioned. Could Egypt be secretly fueling the conflict to maintain its influence in the region? Let’s examine this possibility through the lens of Scripture.
Chapter 3: Egypt’s Role in Prophecy
The Bible contains numerous prophecies about Egypt and its relationship with Israel. In the book of Ezekiel, God declares, "I will make the land of Egypt a desolation among desolated lands, and her cities will lie desolate forty years among ruined cities. I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries" (Ezekiel 29:12). This prophecy speaks of Egypt’s decline as a world power, but it also hints at its ongoing involvement in regional conflicts.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Yeshua Himself references Egypt when He and His family flee there to escape Herod’s wrath: "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Matthew 2:15, quoting Hosea 11:1). This verse connects Egypt to Israel’s redemption, but it also underscores the nation’s role as a place of refuge and danger.
Chapter 4: Is Egypt the Mastermind?
While Egypt has publicly positioned itself as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict, its actions behind the scenes raise questions. Egypt controls the Rafah border crossing, the only entry point into Gaza not controlled by Israel. This gives Egypt significant leverage over Hamas and the flow of resources into the region. Some analysts suggest that Egypt uses this leverage to manipulate the conflict, ensuring that Hamas remains a thorn in Israel’s side without allowing the situation to spiral out of control.
From a Messianic Jewish perspective, this aligns with the biblical theme of nations opposing Israel while still being subject to God’s ultimate plan. Psalm 83:3-5 describes a conspiracy against Israel: "With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. 'Come,' they say, 'let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.'" While this psalm specifically mentions other nations, it reflects the broader reality of nations seeking to undermine Israel.
Chapter 5: The Spiritual Battle Behind the Conflict
The Israel-Hamas war is not merely a political or territorial dispute; it is a spiritual battle. The prophet Zechariah foretold a time when all nations would come against Jerusalem: "I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it" (Zechariah 14:2). This prophecy reminds us that the conflicts we see today are part of a larger divine narrative.
Yeshua also spoke of wars and rumors of wars, warning His followers to remain steadfast in faith: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Matthew 24:6). As Messianic Jews, we are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and to trust in God’s sovereignty over the nations.
Chapter 6: The Hope of Redemption
Despite the chaos and suffering, the Bible offers hope for Israel, Egypt, and all nations. Isaiah prophesies a day when "the Lord will bless Egypt, my people, and Assyria, my handiwork, and Israel, my inheritance" (Isaiah 19:25). This vision of reconciliation points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises through Yeshua, the Messiah.
Yeshua’s teachings emphasize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He calls us to pray for our enemies and to seek peace (Matthew 5:44). As Messianic Jews, we are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Israel and the nations, sharing the message of hope found in Yeshua.
Conclusion: Standing with Israel in Faith
The question of whether Egypt is the mastermind behind the Israel-Hamas war may never be fully answered. What we do know is that God is in control, and His plans for Israel and the nations will ultimately prevail. As Messianic Jews, we are called to stand with Israel, not only in times of peace but also in times of war.
Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the protection of the innocent, and for the revelation of Yeshua to all people. As the psalmist declares, "He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4). In these turbulent times, may we find comfort in God’s promises and strength in His Word.
