Israel History

QUESTION: Israel History – What are the key events?

ANSWER:

The History of Israel is rich with moments of high influence and world changing events. From the start of the world to the current day, Israel has witnessed days of greatness and days of great turmoil. Below you will find a non-exhaustive list and description of these key events.

Israel History - Early Biblical Events
Abraham:An early historical figure linked to the world’s top three religions -- Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. He was called by God to operate in faith and obedience in order to father the nation of Israel. From his obedience, Israel was born.

Slavery in Egypt:After Abraham’s great grandson, Joseph, was deserted, enslaved, and imprisoned, he eventually became second in command of the nation of Egypt. However, after his death, a future king of Egypt would forget about him and rage in hatred toward the Israelites. As a result, the nation of Israel would be enslaved for four hundred years.

Freedom from Slavery:After four hundred years in slavery, God raised up a deliverer for the nation in a man named Moses. Moses would dramatically lead the nation out of Israel through the supernatural power of God.

Entering the Promised Land:Forty years after leaving Egypt, Joshua (one of Moses’ leading commanders) led Israel into the land God promised to them through Abraham. The land would be disputed many times during their occupation and the Israelites on a number of occasions would lose control of the land due to spiritual disobedience. Rome eventually ruled the land. This land is still disputed today.

Jesus:The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ took place in Israel during the rule of the biblical land by Rome. Jesus would live a sinless life, heal the sick, and perform many miracles. His presence made Jewish leaders uncomfortable and they would eventually call for his death. Jesus was crucified in Roman tradition. However, He would rise from the dead three days later providing salvation and purity from sin to all mankind.

Israel’s Fall: Israel, in an attempt to control their own land, would eventually fall to the Romans in 70 A.D. The Jews would live in exile once again for almost 2000 years.

Israel History - Modern Israel
Immigrating Back:In the late 1800s, Jew’s from all over the world began to make their way back to Palestine, the biblical land of Israel. Over the next 70-80 years, many activities took place with the purpose of creating a sovereign Jewish state.

World War II:With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Jews from all over the world began to be persecuted by followers of Adolph Hitler who wanted Jews wiped off the planet through mass genocide.

Israel becomes a nation again:In 1948, with Arab opposition rising all around, Israel declares its independence and almost immediately begins fighting for its continued existence.

The Six Day War:Jordan, Egypt, and Syria attack Israel but despite their overwhelming numbers, they are defeated in just six days, giving Israel precious and important land.

The Palestinian Liberation Organization:The PLO is organized in 1968 with the hopes of removing Israel and providing the land for a Palestinian state. Wars and skirmishes break out for years to come as a result, including the Yom Kippur war in 1973 and the present skirmish between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel.

Today:Despite the efforts of many leaders from around the world, Israel remains a hot topic and a controversial nation. Recently Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejadhas called for Israel’s removal as a nation and has made many threatening remarks. Israel vows to protect itself at all costs and does so with the confidence that many Western nations will support them.