David Ben-Gurion (First Prime Minister of Israel) publicly pronouncing the Declaration of the State of Israel, May 14 1948, Tel Aviv, Israel, beneath a large portrait of Theodor Herzl, founder of modern political Zionism, in the old Tel Aviv Museum of Art building on Rothshild St. The exhibit hall and the scroll, which was not yet finished, were prepared by Otte Wallish. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Israel is celebrating its 69th birthday. Festivities, beginning in the evening, continue throughout the day. Happy Birthday Israel!
Wow! This year has finally arrived, the year all true believers have been waiting for, whether some realize it or not. I could write an entire Bible study just on this year alone, but I won’t! Rather, with the Lord’s help, I will point out just a few things that should make our readers realize that this year is God’s appointed year to make the change from this present Dispensation of Grace to the seven-year judgment of the Tribulation period. Are you ready?
2017 is exactly 120 years from 1897 when Theodor Herzl convened the First Jewish Congress, which set in motion the ultimate restoration of the Jewish people to a right relationship with their God. Just as a 120-year warning was given preceding the judgment of the flood in “the days of Noah,” so the Lord God also graciously gave mankind living today a 120-year warning of impending judgment to come.
2017 is exactly 100 years from 1917 when the Ottoman Turks were driven from the Holy Land. “100” is the Bible number signifying “calling; choosing; election.”
[2017 is exactly 70 years from 1947 when the United Nations ended the British Mandate over the Holy Land, making it possible for the Jewish people to re-establish their nation the following year. “70” is the Bible number signifying “the restoration of Israel.”
2017 is exactly 50 years from 1967 when the Six Day War was fought, restoring the city of Jerusalem and the entire west bank to the nation and people of Israel. “50” is the Bible number signifying “the Jubilee; freedom; liberty; restoration.” See Leviticus 25, the entire chapter.
2017 is the year 5777 on the Jewish calendar. “777” is the Bible number signifying “the exceeding fullness of the wrath of God.” Are our readers aware that the father of Noah was 777 years of age? See Genesis 5:31-32. Are our readers also aware that America’s new President, Donald Trump, on the day he was inaugurated, his age was 70 years, 7 months, and 7 days? [777].
The numbers which identify this particular year of the century are quite unique. There have been no year numbers like them since 1917, one hundred years ago. 1 + 7 = 8. 1917 was a year of drastic CHANGE. Likewise, 2017 will be a year of amazing CHANGE.
Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day – begins immediately following Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, in memory of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This transition from somber remembrance to joyous celebration helps serve as a reminder that the State of Israel owes its existence to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
This remarkable ability to grieve for the fallen and then rejoice in the miracle of the Jewish State is manifest in the State of Israel, where the people continue to look to the future with hope and optimism.
The state ceremony that ushers in Yom Ha’atzmaut take place at Mount Herzl, Israel’s military cemetery, by the grave of Theodor Herzl, a founder of Modern Zionism. The flag, which was at half mast for Yom HaZikaron, is raised to the top of the pole. The celebration includes soldiers marching with flags creating various formations, hundreds of dancers, and of course, fireworks. The program is televised on Israeli channels.
Many museums and cultural institutions across the country open their doors to the public during, and there is a wide variety of events and activities for families. A most popular tradition for Israelis is to barbecue, the Mangal, and go hiking in nature reserves. Parks are packed with people grilling their meat as a thanksgiving for the State of Israel.
Another popular event on Yom Ha’atzmaut is the annual International Bible Contest, a worldwide competition on the Tanach (Jewish Bible) for high-school students held at the Jerusalem Theater. The competition, broadcast live on Israeli TV and radio, is sponsored by the Israeli government and is attended by the prime minister.
As well, each year, the Israel Air Force displays its military strength with a flyover across the country. Residents from north to south check the schedule ahead of time to know when the planes will pass over their neighborhoods.
‘Our Story is a Story of Hope’
In his special message for Israel’s 69th Independence Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the “moment of triumph for our people,” the day the state was founded.
“We had been scattered around the world for millennia. And then we returned to our ancient homeland, to build a safe haven, where we could live, and thrive,” he said.
While “many doubted that this tiny State of Israel would survive,” as the nascent state was “surrounded by hostile enemies, who attacked us again and again. So perhaps, for some, this skepticism was warranted. But survive we did.”
Not only did the new state survive. “Much more than that. We thrived,” he declared jubilantly.
“Today Israel is strong, democratic, prosperous. And I have no doubt that in the coming 69 years, Israel will continue to thrive, be strong and prosperous,” Netanyahu said.
“Our story is a story of hope, not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity. We persevered through adversity against all odds. Anyone fighting for a just cause, fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds, could draw inspiration from our story,” he stressed.
“Happy Independence Day to all of our friends around the world,” he concluded.
By: United with Israel
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