Genesis 25:9 —“Then Abraham breathed his last, and died in a good old age… and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah.”
The Jewish-Arab conflict began with the personal struggles of Abraham, Sarah, Ishmael, and Isaac. The roots of modern terrorism and war are buried deep in centuries-old sibling rivalry, marriage problems, conflicts between generations, love stories, political intrigue—and a spiritual battle, waged with righteous motives and deadly zeal.
And yet, for a brief moment after Abraham died, the brothers Ishmael and Isaac came together. Momentary peace blessed Abraham’s burial. In the end, they were just two boys, now grown men, whose father was known as the “friend” of God. Abraham left his sons a legacy of a personal relationship with the Almighty.
We can hope and pray that one day the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael, the Jews and the Arab nations, will find reconciliation and peace when the Prince of Peace reigns in their hearts.
Dear Lord, We ask in Your name that these two brothers can once again be reconciled. That their descendants will embrace their common heritage and be united in faith by a vision, a discovery, a revelation of Jesus as the Messiah, Savior, and one true God. May their eyes and hearts be opened to love their God through His Son Jesus, and to love one another like the brothers they are.
Psalm 122:6: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Peace be within your walls… Peace in Jerusalem is the key to peace on earth. The turmoil…
Pray for those who choose Israel as their home, making aliyah, and for those who greet them and help them make a home. Jeremiah 32:37: Behold, I will gather them out…
Genesis 25:9 —“Then Abraham breathed his last, and died in a good old age… and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the…