October 7 One Year Later

The World's Moral Bankruptcy and Israel's Religious Awakening

Since the horrifying October 7 massacre, a new level of antisemitism has been sweeping the nations. Anti-Zionism is the new post-Holocaust form of Jew-hatred.

Many Israeli communities have been devastated with ongoing casualties, murders of hostages, mass funerals and candlelight vigils. Memorial services have become regular occurrences across the country impacting Israel’s collective consciousness.

As the world marks one-year after the October 7 atrocities, the situation in Israel and the wider Middle East remains volatile. One of the most concerning outcomes of October 7 has been the surge in global anti-Semitism reigniting long-standing prejudices, resulting in an alarming spike in anti-Jewish rhetoric, hate crimes and discrimination. Large-scale protests broke out, some devolved into anti-Semitic rants, with pro-Hamas demonstrators openly calling for violence against Jews.

As a result of Israel’s longest ever war, Israel is confronting the most severe mental trauma wave since its founding. The mental health system is already inundated with requests for help. About 30% of the population may develop post-trauma disorders in the next few months, according to an article in The Jerusalem Post.  Yet, a profound religious awakening is happening as the Jewish people become more isolated and are forced to look up to the Almighty.

The attacks of October 7 have forced Israel to confront uncomfortable truths about its vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the United Nations, a global body supposedly dedicated to peace and justice, continues to demonstrate its anti-Israel bias and moral bankruptcy with this shocker of a headline:

One year later, where in the world are we prophetically. . . and how long will Israel be on edge? Many are wondering—did the October 7 sadism and the subsequent multi-front war start World War 3, or the war known in Bible prophecy as the Ezekiel War?

The scale of October 7 was unprecedented in modern Israeli history. We had just finished celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles and on the holy holiday of Simhat Torah, Hamas infiltrated Israel from the Gaza Strip, committing heinous acts of violence, including murdering civilians and babies, hostage-taking and widespread destruction.

Hamas’s breach of Israel's security not only shocked the nation but also ignited another regional war. But the Israelis were given a respite with the stunning news of their counter intelligence pager operation:

Thousands of terrorists in Lebanon were injured, dozens fatally when their pagers and walkie-talkies were detonated— in response to daily rocket attacks by Hezbollah. Israelis living in the North have had their lives totally disrupted by the daily rockets. Hezbollah had become emboldened and was sending rockets down on places like Mount Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal.

Yet there has also been anti-Israeli fallout to their pager triumph. Jew-haters are livid that Israel pulled off one of the most impressive military operations in history! Media report as if Israel is the aggressor but Hillel Fuld hit the target with his Facebook post:

For decades, Israel had been known for its robust security infrastructure, but the surprise and intensity of the October 7 Hamas attack exposed vulnerabilities. Israel’s government, military and intelligence agencies faced a storm of criticism. National unity briefly surged in the immediate aftermath, but soon gave way to contentious debates over how to handle Hamas and the hostages.

Naturally Israel’s economy has also suffered. Tourism, a critical sector, saw a sharp decline as international travelers feared further escalations of violence. Below is a photo of a shop window in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter.

Local businesses, particularly those near the Gaza border, faced closures and financial ruin.

Lives of innocent civilians in Gaza were in upheaval yet, chillingly, many Gazan civilians had also participated, rejoiced and bragged about the most heinous murders of Israeli civilians.

Concerning the scope of the attacks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that "October 7 was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. More than 1,400 Israeli civilians were slaughtered in cold blood—men, women, children, and babies.” And he vowed that Israel's response would be to crush and destroy Hamas, the terrorist organization that the Gazans had voted into rule. Hamas is an anacronym formed from the initials of the terrorist organization, and its noteworthy that in Hebrew the word violence is hamas.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that October 7 was “one of the darkest days in Israel’s history” and that it will “forever be etched in our collective memory as a day of unimaginable horror and heartbreak.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described October 7 as “Israel’s 9/11, a coordinated and brutal assault that shook the nation to its core.”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the attack on October 7 was “a massacre, not just against Israelis but against humanity . . .It was an attack on the values of civilization.”

But now prophetic events are taking a major jump forward with the latest Palestinian-fronted resolution demanding that the Israeli army and Jewish residents evacuate to pre-1949 line within a year. Also recently the UN marked an "International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terror" with an exhibit but glaringly absent from the display were -- you guessed it -- Israelis as victims of terror. In a video tour of the exhibit, outgoing Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan reminded his followers that soon it will be a year since the most horrific terror attack since the Holocaust. “Yet,” Erdan said, “the disgraceful U.N. did not see fit to include even a single Israeli terror victim in the exhibition for this day of remembrance. It's simply a disgrace. There are no words left to describe how morally corrupt and twisted the U.N. is."

Some Christian and Messianic leaders have suggested that the geopolitical alignments that have been strengthening after the October 7 attacks — including Iran's support for Hamas — mirror the alliances described in Ezekiel 38. Invasions and breaches of Israel’s borders reflect the prelude to greater biblical prophecies involving Israel, reinforcing the idea that October 7 was a precursor to the final battles before the Messianic age.

Social media platforms have alarmingly become rife with conspiracy theories, hate speech and misinformation, creating a toxic environment that emboldens extremist viewpoints. Jewish individuals face shocking harassment in public spaces, workplaces and universities, and all of this harassment is far too reminiscent of the hate atmospheres that led up to the Nazi Holocaust.  Many Jews feel unsafe to express their identity publicly. In fact, the Almighty is allowing all of this anti-semitism to drive the Jewish people home.

Governments, educators and international organizations have been slow to respond to the new rise in anti-Semitism, which further deepens the sense of alienation felt by Jewish communities. In some cases, political leaders failed to adequately condemn the hate crimes, instead opting for neutral statements that failed to directly address the anti-Semitic rhetoric. This inaction and passivity creates a climate of impunity, where hate speech against Jews goes unchecked and unpunished.

Hamas’ success in executing a large-scale, coordinated attack against one of the world's most security-conscious nations has emboldened terrorist groups across the globe. Terrorist organizations with similar ideological roots like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Islamic Jihad, and other radical groups in the Middle East and North Africa, hailed the attack as a victory and validation of their methods. Because Hamas managed to catch Israel off-guard, to their darkened minds this demonstrates that even the most fortified nations are vulnerable to well-executed terrorist attacks. Other groups are emboldened to plan similar operations, raising even higher global security concerns.

And on top of it all, the ongoing hostage crisis adds another layer of complexity to the war. As Hamas launched its unprecedented assault, they captured approximately 250 Israelis and other nationals, including babies, children, and grandparents. Families of the abducted individuals have been living in constant anxiety and fear, and the emotional toll on Israeli society has been profound. Hostages were dragged to various locations including the Gaza underground tunnels, and the conditions of their captivity have been reported as dire.

Reports suggest that hostages have been subjected to harsh treatment, including physical abuse and psychological trauma.

Efforts have also included addressing humanitarian concerns for Gaza’s innocent civilians. Continual calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza to be allowed through have been a nightmare for Israel to coordinate to get supplies to needy civilians without benefiting Hamas's military efforts. 

While some Arab states condemned the violence on both sides, others distanced themselves from Israel diplomatically, creating a setback to the fragile peace process that had been developing through the Abraham Accords, signed in 2020. The Abraham Accords had represented a major breakthrough in relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

The conflict inevitably resulted in significant international scrutiny of Israel’s military response. Antagonistic charges against Israel emanated from the International Criminal Court (the ICC). Adding another dangerous twist to the war, the prosecutor of the ICC sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant, along with three leaders of Hamas. Israel, for its part, has argued that it acted within its rights to defend itself and that the terrorist organization deliberately placed military targets in civilian areas using civilians as shields. In fact, British Colonel Richard Kemp has frequently praised the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for their efforts to minimize civilian casualties during combat. According to Col. Kemp the IDF takes unprecedented steps to safeguard civilians, more than any other military force in history. Col. Kemp often calls attention to Hamas's use of human shields and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals as complicating factors.

So many Bible believers are on tenterhooks wondering what will happen next. Israeli columnist Caroline Glick believes that an extraordinary religious awakening is happening now in Israel:

“Something significant has happened in Israel over the past year. It’s like the saying about alcoholics—they have to hit rock bottom before they begin the process of recovery and healing. For Israel, October 7th was rock bottom,” Caroline said in a YouTube interview. “What occurred on that day was so heinous, barbaric, and sadistic that it sparked an immediate and overwhelming return to faith among the Jewish people.

“This resurgence of faith is deeply visible. In pop music, for instance, many songs now contain biblical references and sound more like prayers than typical rock songs. Soldiers going into battle are engaging in more fervent prayer, and there is even Torah study taking place in Gaza between battles. These practices were present before but were more on the margins of the Israel Defense Forces. Now, they are much more widespread. It’s not just soldiers from religious communities; everyone is participating. Rabbis who do outreach are receiving more requests, even from secular Jews, for tefillin—the leather straps used in prayer—which is traditionally associated with Orthodox men. Young men, some who never had a Bar Mitzvah, are now asking to participate in these rituals.

“This religious awakening is also unifying the nation. Before the invasion, especially in places like Tel Aviv, there was growing intolerance from the political left, where there were attempts to push Judaism out of public life. Those actions caused a lot of anger, but that kind of behavior is unlikely to be tolerated anymore. People are recognizing that the events of October 7th happened because they are Jewish, and if they want to survive, they must face this challenge as Jews.”

In the above interview Caroline Glick also mentioned the account of the rape of Dinah in Genesis Chapter 34. Dinah was avenged by her brothers, the sons of the Hebrew patriarch Jacob. Caroline said many Israelis are talking about the Book of Genesis because the October 7 atrocities involved the rape of Israeli women. Below is an illustration of the abduction of Dinah by James Tissot and also a Wikipedia photo of one of the Israeli women who were abducted on October 7.

In light of biblical prophecy, various potential developments and trajectories could unfold. As the conflict persists, public opinion is being polarized —people and organizations worldwide are increasingly taking sides, leading to further division and potentially violent confrontations.

According to the Bible, increased global turmoil and conflict is to be expected. As described in Matthew 24: 6-8, Jesus warned of "wars and rumors of wars" and increasing violence and disasters as the end approaches. Events in Israel are seen as part of this larger pattern of global upheaval.

Furthermore, the gathering of nations against Israel was predicted by the prophet Zechariah. These verses describe a future scenario where many nations turn against Israel. In Zechariah 12: verses 2-3 the Almighty says, “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.”

Zechariah 14:2 reveals the harsh reality of the future persecution of Jerusalem but also Israel’s eventual vindication. In that verse God stated, “I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.” Some believers may interpret the increasing hostility toward Israel in the global protests and diplomatic tensions as a precursor to those verses.

The stage is definitely set. The Bible predicts in the Last Days the rebuilding of the Temple and also its defilement as a blasphemous event called the “abomination of desolation.” Daniel 9:27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 focus on the future desecration by an Antichrist figure. The current conflict has heightened tensions in Jerusalem and could support a role in prophetic scenarios surrounding the Temple Mount.

Meanwhile many Christians believe that the increasing turmoil in the world is a call to repentance. These days are a reminder that humanity’s ultimate hope lies in God’s redemptive plan and the return of the Prince of Peace, Yeshua the Messiah.

Although some politicians still talk about a Palestinian state, in Israel there is growing skepticism about the viability of two states in such a confined area, with avowed terrorists as neighbors. The longer the conflict persists, the greater the risk of new forms of terrorism emerging.

For those who view history through the framework of biblical prophecy, the current events could be seen as part of a larger spiritual narrative leading toward the fulfillment of God’s purposes for Israel and the world. However, regardless of one’s perspective, it’s clear that the world is entering a time of increased uncertainty and tension, with Israel at the very center of global developments. The savage events of October 7, 2023 have prompted speculation among many people, especially those familiar with biblical prophecy, regarding whether this conflict could be the beginning of World War III or the prophesied "Ezekiel War." Both of these concepts—World War 3 and the Ezekiel Chapters 38-39 War—are significant topics in discussions about the future of global conflict and eschatology. The potential for broader escalation cannot be ruled out. Should Iran continue to attack Israel, this could trigger a response from the United States. If Iran is attacked, Russia, which has close ties with Iran, could be pulled into the fray.

The Ezekiel War, or the Gog and Magog War, described in Ezekiel 38-39, is highly significant in discussions of End-Time events. Ezekiel 38: 2-6 lists a coalition of nations that will attack Israel and these nations’ territories correspond to modern-day Russia, Iran (biblical Persia), Turkey, and others in the Middle East and North Africa. The prophecy describes a time when Israel is living in relative peace and security, and then this sudden coalition arises to invade Israel. But God intervenes supernaturally, and the invading forces are instead destroyed.

Some believe the October 7 attacks are a definite precursor to the Ezekiel War because of the regional actors already involved. However one detail that has not yet materialized before the sudden invasion happens is the scenario of Israel living in peace. Ezekiel 38: 11 describes Israel as living in “unwalled villages,” apparently without security concerns. At present, Israel is in a state of high tension and military readiness, rather than living in peace. This tension would suggest that the conditions for the Ezekiel War are not yet fully in place. But when it does finally happen, Ezekiel 38: 19 -22 describes a supernatural intervention, with earthquakes, plagues and fire from heaven destroying the invading armies.

If future peace agreements, such as those pursued under the Abraham Accords, lead to a temporary calm in the region, the sudden attack described in Ezekiel could occur in the not too distant future. From a geopolitical perspective, the situation remains volatile, and the potential for regional or even global escalation exists, particularly if major players like Iran, Hezbollah, or Russia become directly involved. Then the conflict could spiral into a much larger war, which some might interpret as World War 3 or a precursor to the Ezekiel War.

In light of these prophetic news events, I hope the reader will do three things without delay. First of all, if you've never received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, I urgently invite you to receive Him now in your heart by faith. Every person needs the Saviour or you will die in the excrement of your sins. Recently in Singapore the Pope stated that all religions lead to God, but the Bible states everybody needs the Saviour, Jesus the Messiah. When you receive Jesus, all your sins are transferred to the Redeemer. As the Lamb of God, Jesus died for us and was raised from the dead, according to the Scriptures, and he will return soon according to the Scriptures.

Secondly, I encourage you regularly to appropriate the healing power available in the Gospel. God sent His word and healed us by the stripes and atonement of Jesus, and it’s up to believers to appropriate by faith the healing stripes of the Lord — the Gospel is saving health. God has healed myself and my husband many times, and we are grateful that healing is part of the Atonement.

And thirdly, I urge you to prepare for the soon return of the Lord. All the signs that Jesus gave us are converging and warning us that Jesus will soon return. So whatever you have to do to be ready, do it without delay. If you're in a wrong relationship, get out of it. If you are living in open sin, quickly repent and start to live in light of God’s precepts. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to do to be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus.

To contact Christine Darg or support her ministry, please visit www.JerusalemChannel.tv/donate/