“What does the Bible say about peace in the Middle East?” Over the years, this is one question that the Christian community has found quite challenging to answer.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most complex, controversial, and long-running conflicts this region has experienced. Since the conflict started in the late 19th century, several organizations, including the United Nations, have tried to step in, calm the tension and bring lasting peace. But despite numerous attempts to resolve the discord, the conflict continues even after two centuries.
In my opinion, the United Nations Peace in the Middle East movement seems to be pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel. Is there any hope for God’s people in this situation? Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? In this article, we will answer these questions and more from God’s Word.
Before we start answering questions, let’s do a quick drive-through of Middle Eastern history.
Peace in the Middle East: A Look Through History
United Nations peacekeeping began in 1948. This was when the Security Council approved the deployment of UN military observers for peace in the Middle East. The mission aimed to supervise the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors. It was an operation that became known as the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
Then, the UN deployed over 70 peacekeeping operations. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of military personnel, UN police and civilians have contributed to the UN’s peacekeeping missions. In fact, it’s been reported that over 3,000 UN soldiers died while working to promote peace.
At the 2000 Camp David Summit, US President Bill Clinton sought to support Israel and Palestine in negotiating a peace accord. During the discussions, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak proposed establishing a Palestinian state. But Palestinian Authority chairperson Yasser Arafat rejected it.
Since the peacekeeping attempt failed, thousands of missiles have been launched, soldiers have been abducted, and Israel has experienced many retaliatory attacks from its main adversaries: Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. At one time after 2000, Israel and its neighbors held a tenuous cease-fire. When tensions and military activities flared up, the opposing forces announced a cease-fire rather than negotiate a peace settlement. This is the closest we have gotten to peace in the Middle East.
Now, let’s proceed to answer our questions. First, what did Yeshua teach about us having peace in the Middle East?
Yeshua’s Teachings in the Light of Peace in the Middle East
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
This Bible passage has been a great source of comfort for me in navigating challenging life situations through the years. I believe it also speaks to the issue we have at hand about us having peace in the Middle East.
In this passage, Yeshua was about to leave His disciples physically, and they could not imagine walking the streets of Jerusalem without their Master. Knowing the fear in their heart, Yeshua encouraged them to believe in Him and not be troubled (John 14:1). Yeshua’s statement in John 14:1 is the background to His comforting words in John 14:27.
Image Here (alt tags = “Yeshua’s statement”)
It is clear from God’s Word that Yeshua wants peace for His own people. He doesn’t want us to be troubled. He gave us His peace to navigate all the challenges and hardships we may face in our lives of faith. I believe He also wants us to have peace in the Middle East.
With this understanding, let’s examine whether there is any link between the current situation (absence of peace in the Middle East) and end-time prophecies found in the book of Revelation.
Peace in the Middle East: Any Link with the End-time Prophecies in Revelation?
The book of Revelation, sometimes known as the Apocalypse, describes the epic end-time events that build up to Yeshua’s triumphal return. The events preceding the Day of the Lord are described in Revelation 6: The heavens will be filled with stunning and terrifying activity for all humankind.
Revelation 6:12-14 describes these divine signs as the “sixth seal.” As Yeshua said in Matthew 24:29, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” These divine signs predict the day when God judges the nations (Joel 2:30–31). Following these events, Yeshua will reign over all the world (Revelation 11:15).
The end-time force that will finally control the Middle East will be a resurrected Roman Empire. It is portrayed as a beast in the prophecies of Revelation and Daniel (Daniel 7:17–18; Revelation 17:9–14; 13:1–18).
According to the Bible, a European superpower will seize possession of Jerusalem just before Yeshua’s return. The prophet Daniel predicted the development of a southern empire that would oppose a northern power.
“At the time of the end, the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through” (Daniel 11:40–42).
What does the Bible say about the King of the North? We’ve seen that he is also the “beast,” but who exactly is the beast?
The New King James Bible translates Revelation 13:1 as, “The image of the first beast is based on the seventh chapter of Daniel.” This beast represents the world’s kingdoms. These kingdoms were established on passion and selfishness. They are adverse to Yeshua and have attempted to oppress God’s people throughout history.
Peace in the Middle East: The Future is Glorious
With all this in mind, and in consideration of peace in the Middle East, what’s the hope for God’s people? What is the future going to be like? The prophet Isaiah gives us a clue in his Messianic prophecy, recorded in Isaiah 9:6.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
This prophecy is both about Yeshua’s coming as the Messiah and His future reign on earth. Here, God, through the prophet’s lips, crowned Yeshua with the title of Prince of Peace. The word rendered as “prince” in this passage carries more weight than a male member of a royal family. According to Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionary, it means a captain, general, governor, and ruler.
Isaiah inferred that Yeshua’s shoulders would bear the weight of the entire world’s government – and of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end!
Yeshua has fulfilled the first part of this prophecy through His incarnation. However, when He returns in His second coming to rule over the earth, there will be a permanent end to wars, rifts, and the like. At His second coming, there will be everlasting peace in the Middle East.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
We have a glorious future ahead of us. The sufferings of this present time will pale in comparison with the end-time rule of our Lord and Savior! This is what God’s Word says about us having peace in the Middle East.
Takeaway
The Bible provides answers to all life situations. Above, we investigated what it tells us about the potential of peace in the Middle East. God desires us to have peace on all sides. He gave us His peace and instructed us not to be troubled. This promise is our anchor in challenging times.
Rather than give in to despair, we trust God for a lasting solution to the Middle Eastern conflict as we expect Yeshua’s second coming. When Yeshua returns to rule in Jerusalem, there will be lasting peace in the Middle East.