AN EYE FOR AN EYE

Rewarding Hamas with a "state" is most assuredly NOT a solution!  Tried that. For all intents & purposes that was that is how we got the problem with Gaza.  That history is over and Israel is not going back. 

When Trump said that the Palestinians in Gaza should be relocated, the world was shocked. Even Israelies were shocked.  For pragmatist who know history, that shock lasted less than a day. 

Trump is correct. What's shocking is he said the quiet part outloud.  Because he is the President and because he is "Trump," his statement carried enough weight that leaders in Israel were given a window of opportunity to seriously consider that option.  The more they did, the more it made sense, a lot of sense. 

As more Israelies were waking up to the fact that "Two States" was never a solution, the Palestinians shifted their focus to promoting the "World-wide Intifada" that they have been chanting about since October 7th! 

The big question is, what should come of the Palestinians in Gaza, or any Palestinians in Israel who refuse to live peacefully and cooperatively with Israelies in the State of Israel, including Judae Samaria?  The answer is in the bible. 

The bible provides a code for justice. One of the best know examples of fairness or a measured response is found in the Torah. 

Leviticus 24:20 esv -- "If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him." 

Deuteronomy 19:21 esv --"Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. 

Efforts are being made by Israel to expell Palestinians who refuse to live peacefully in Gaza, which IS in the state of Israel, to Arab countries. Israel has never done this, but is there any precedent for doing this? Would this be fair?  The answers are  Yes and yes! Consider these facts:

Jews have been expelled from or forced to leave numerous countries across different regions throughout history. 

Europe

• England: 1290, Jews expelled by King Edward I; only allowed to officially return in 1656.

• France: Several expulsions, notably 1306 and 1394, with Jews not allowed back until the late 18th century.

• Spain: 1492, Alhambra Decree by Ferdinand and Isabella; most Jews expelled.

• Portugal: 1497, forced conversions and expulsions.

• Sicily & Southern Italy: 1492 (Sicily), multiple persecutions in southern Italy; expulsions and forced conversions.

• Hungary: Multiple expulsions: 1349, 1360.

• Austria: 1421, Vienna Gesera; Jews expelled.

• Germany (various principalities): Numerous expulsions in the Middle Ages, especially during the Black Death period (1348–50).

• Russia: Jews barred until 1772, then restricted to the Pale of Settlement; expulsions from various towns continued through the 19th century.

• Lithuania: Expelled in 1495, allowed back in 1503.

• Other: Flanders, Belgium (1125); Nuremberg (1499); Milan (1597).

Middle East and North Africa

• Egypt

• Iraq

• Syria

• Lebanon

• Libya

• Yemen

• Morocco

• Tunisia

• Algeria

• Iran

Though some of these (especially Morocco and Tunisia) did not conduct official expulsion edicts, large-scale violence, persecution, or state-sanctioned pressure led to the dramatic reduction or effective elimination of Jewish communities, especially from 1948–1970. Examples include:

• Iraq: 1950–51, virtually all Jews forced to leave following public anti-Jewish violence and legal restrictions.

• Egypt: Suez Crisis 1956, Jews expelled and assets confiscated.

• Libya: 1948–67, Jews forced to leave, final remaining Jews by 2003.

• Yemen: 1947–50, almost entire Jewish population evacuated, especially during Operation Magic Carpet.

• Syria: Pogroms and repression, mass departures after 1947–48 and later.

• North African nations (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria): mass emigration under pressure between 1948–1970.

Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union

• Poland, Lithuania, Baltic States: Mass deportations by Russian Empire in WWI and Soviet Union during WWII.

• Soviet Union: Mass deportations to Siberia and Central Asia during WWII, especially of Polish Jews.

Asia (outside the Middle East)

• Afghanistan: The last Jews left by 2021.

• Somalia: The last community disappeared by 2010.

Central and South America

• Guatemala: Expulsion of the Lev Tahor Jewish sect from San Juan La Laguna in 2014 (not representative of broader historical expulsions).

This list highlights recognized mass expulsions; Jews also faced numerous forced removals and exclusions from cities, regions, and territories not listed here due to my query's global focus. Expulsions typically occurred in periods of religious, economic, or political upheaval and were often accompanied by violence, property confiscation, and forced conversions.

Last but not least, under the Oslow Accord, Israel itself expelled, under force, the Israelies living in Gaza from Gaza. Israelis were expelled from Gaza in 2005 during the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip. This unilateral withdrawal involved dismantling all 21 Israeli settlements in Gaza. Israelies were forced from their homes, farms and businesses. The graves of deceased Jews in Gaza were even. exhumed. 

Fairness can be measured another way.  There are 17 Muslim-majority countries in the Middle Eastern, covering a total land area of roughly 7.3 million square kilometers (about 2.8 million square miles). There are approximately 49 Muslim-majority countries worldwide as of 2025. There is one Jewish state in the world covering ~21.6 square kilometers. 21.6 compared to 7,300,000!  

Back to the question of what to do with the Palestinians in Gaza. Considering how Jews have ɓeen treated for thousands of years, I think the question answers itself.  The answer is "an eye for an eye."

Is there room for forgiveness? Should any Palestinians be aloud to stay or come back to Gaza? Absolutely.  There are plenty of examples of repentance in the bible as well.  But don't expect that from any Hamas members or it's supporters!  They don't have a speck of remorse in their body. If they can they will do October 7th again & again. They even say so themselves!!  That is why relocating most Palestinians is the only plausible path toward peace in Israel. Heaven knows Jews are in need of peace. 

Of course the true Hope of Israel is the Messiah, who "is 2000 years old." (Stated in Israel’s national anthem, HaTikvah.)  Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord and will usher in the days that Prophet Isaiah wrote of in chapter 11. 

Psalm 118:25-26 -- Save us, we pray, O Lord!

O Lord, we pray, give us success!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 🙏

   

SALVATION BRINGS JOY

Salvation is defined as deliverance or preservation. Salvation spares us from ruin, harm and or loss. Salvation is the act of being saved or protected from something threatening or dangerous. 

In order for "salvation" to have meaning we need to understand the context. The value of salvation is relative to the value of what we are saved from. Ruin from what?  Loss of what?  

Salvation is both an outcome and action.  The act of salvation implies that there is something or someone that we are being saved from. In other words, there is some force that is being defeated.  Who or what is ruining us or threatening us? 

There are a variety of possible threats to our well-being. We can be saved from financial ruin. A physician can save us from a disease or illness. Generally speaking, the term salvation implies being rescued from a significant perilous existential threat. Salvation also implies a savior. 

The concept of salvation and the title of savior has a spiritual or biblical connotation. The prophet Isaiah's Hebrew name is יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yesha'yahu) which translates to "God is Salvation" or "God is my salvation." Isaiah said "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid" (Isaiah 12:2).

Moses told the Hebrews to "Stand still and see the salvation (yeshu'ah) of the LORD" (Exodus 14:13). The Israelites witnessed their salvation.

King David proclaimed "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1). King David declares "The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD" (Psalm 37:39).

The prophet Jeremiah declares the word of the Lord in Jeremiah 30:10-11 esv:

“Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, nor be dismayed, O Israel; for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid.

For I am with you to save you, declares the Lord; I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.

In Genesis 49:18 is Jacob (Israel) is near the end of his life, delivering blessings and prophetic words to each of his sons. Jacob interrupts his ongoing blessings to express a personal prayer or exclamation: "I have waited for your salvation, O LORD". This verse is considered a heartfelt interlude by Jacob, reflecting his reliance on God for ultimate deliverance—not just for himself but for his descendants as well.

As promising and hopeful as salvation is, there is the flipside. Without God, without a savior, there isn't salvation. Without the Lord, there isn't deliverance. Without salvation there is destruction and ruin. There is much to fear. 

This begs the question: Do you want Salvation? If so, the next question to ask is what does one need to do to recieve Salvation? 

In the Book of Jonah, after being saved by a great fish, the prophet Jonah said, "Salvation belongs to the LORD!” Salvation comes from the LORD!

Since Salvation comes from God, if we wish to have Salvation, we must seek God. That is where we find Salvation. No place else. All those other places are idols. Remember what God says about idols. The bible is filled with warnings and examples of what happens when people rely on idols. Just ask Ezekiel or any of the prophets. 

"Joy in the Morning"

"But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation." Psalm 13.5

The bible presents joy as a natural and integral response to salvation—it is both a fruit of being saved and a source of strength, hope, and praise for believers. Salvation is not merely deliverance but also a cause for heartfelt rejoicing and lifelong joy.

The Bible often links trust in God's salvation with rejoicing, showing joy as a natural response to being rescued or saved by God (Psalm 13:5; Psalm 21:6-7).

In the Song of Moses, Exodus 15:2 esv, it reads:

"The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."

The primary Hebrew word for salvation is "yeshuah" (יְשׁוּעָה), which also translates to "deliverance" or "rescue". It is derived from the root word "yasha" (יָשַׁע), meaning to save, deliver, or rescue. 

The Greek name "Jesus" is written as Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous). It is a transliteration of the Hebrew name יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), which itself is a shortened form of יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua), also known as Joshua. The name "Yehoshua" or "Yeshua" in Hebrew is understood to mean "Yahweh is salvation" or "God saves".

Conclusion

This post can be summed up with Psalm 51:12 esv -- "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

What do you think? Is Salvation is worth seeking?

BABBLING ABOUT BABEL

Depiction of the Tower of Babel

Consider how the bible applies today in the context of the Tower of Babel. There seem to be many parallels, and there could be great consequences, like there was in the bible. It is hard to imagine what a comparable judgment would look like today. 

The Biblical Story

The Tower of Babel story is covered in Genesis 11:1-9 in the Bible. These verses describe how humanity, speaking one language, settled in the plain of Shinar and decided to build a city with a tower reaching to the heavens to "make a name for themselves." 

God then intervened by confusing their language, causing them to stop building and scatter across the earth. This passage explains both the origin of different languages and the scattering of people around the world.

The biblical account of the Tower of Babel describes humanity driven by collective ambition, pride, and a desire for security apart from God. 

Many scholars and commentators see significant parallels between this story and the contemporary world. The story of the Tower of Babel and the trajectory of today’s society both raise important questions about pride, unity, technological ambition, and our relationship with higher authority or purpose. The cautionary tale remains relevant as we build our own “towers” in modern times.

The contemporary age’s “towers”—be they digital, scientific, or economic—invite us to reflect on our motivations and to avoid repeating the mistakes of Babel: forgetting humility, seeking glory apart from something greater, or believing that human efforts alone can provide ultimate security and fulfillment. 

The Babel narrative warns against unchecked pride, the idolization of human ability, and the pursuit of progress that excludes humility, ethical reflection, or spiritual grounding.

Babel, Then and Now

The Tower of Babel was a technological marvel of it's day. It symbolized human ambition and achievement. 

Today, technology giants and the development of AI, global communications, and big data are sometimes described as a “new tower”—humanity collectively reaching for unlimited power and knowledge.  

Echoes of the Past

The Bible provides echoes of the past to warn us about today by highlighting timeless principles and prophetic insights that resonate with contemporary issues, moral challenges, and global events. These parallels offer guidance and caution as we navigate modern society.

Biblical Echoes and Warnings for Today

The Bible uses past events, prophetic signs, and moral teachings as echoes—warnings and lessons relevant to today’s world. The scriptures invite reflection on the trajectory of society. The bible encourages adherence to justice, humility, and faith amid growing challenges. Biblical patterns become prophecy anticipated. Lessons from the bible can be applied to:

• Moral and Social Decline

• Justice and Advocacy

• Global Upheaval and Prophecy

• Unity and Division

• Rise of Evil and Deception

• Environmental Responsibility

Biblical history and prophecy are intertwined, offering both caution and hope for navigating against or from within a contemporary crisis.

Image generated by OpenAI's GPT

Modern Consequences

The Tower of Babel warns us about prideful human unity apart from God. Modern global connectivity can foster cooperation. But if it is apart from biblical principles, spiritual and ethical grounding, it may lead to divisiveness. There are warnings of overreach and risks of confusion, misuse, and ultimately to a breakdown of society.  

The consequences of the Tower of Babel story suggest several potential consequences for a modern "tower." I am certainly not the only one to draw parallels between an ancient Tower of Babel and modern society.  Others have already written about this subject and provide a list of what some of the modern consequences might be:

• Breakdown in Communication and Unity: Just as God confused the languages to disrupt communication and scatter the people at Babel, modern parallels include social media creating "algorithm-driven echo chambers" and filter bubbles that isolate individuals into information silos, limiting shared understanding and increasing division. This suggests that modern efforts that rely on unity through technology can ironically foster division and misunderstanding.
• Pride and Hubris Leading to Downfall: The builders of Babel acted with arrogant self-sufficiency, trying to make a name for themselves and challenge divine authority. Similarly, today's tower—representing global digital networks, AI, and human ambition—can collapse under pride and overreach. The warning is that forgetting humility and limits leads to inevitable failure, whether by divine intervention or self-inflicted collapse.
• Control and Oppression through Centralized Power: The Tower of Babel was associated with a united, centralized human order defying God, which led to tyranny and slavery under human rule. Modern political, economic, and technological "towers" risk creating systems of control—such as financial manipulation, surveillance, and restricted freedoms—that ultimately result in social and moral decay.
• Confusion and Fragmentation Instead of Lasting Progress: The tower's destruction halted a project that was, in itself, futile in reaching heaven. Likewise, the modern equivalent's ambitions (technological dominance, global governance, or AI supremacy) could lead to fragmentation instead of lasting unity, as growing cultural, ideological, or informational fractures undermine collective goals.
• A Warning to Build for Shared Good, Not Self-Glory: The Babel story cautions that unity and power must be grounded in humility and shared well-being, lest they become tools for domination and division. The choice is whether modern "towers" lift all or serve narrow interests—this determines whether they endure or collapse.

Conclusion

"Those who ignore the past are destined to repeat it" very aptly applies to the Tower of Babel story. This biblical account serves as a timeless warning about human pride, unity without divine guidance, and technological ambition. The consequences the builders faced—division, confusion, and scattering—highlight the dangers of overreaching and ignoring foundational moral and spiritual limits.

Humanity risks repeating the mistakes at Babel.

As one commentary notes, the story’s importance today lies precisely in showing how humanity remains fundamentally the same over millennia, making the ancient lessons critical for surviving current challenges.