Read Time: 3 min 49 sec
─────── October 4, 2025 ───────
Good morning!
We’ve gotten a lot of questions about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Buckle up as we condense nearly 4,000 years of history into just 300 words.
We’ll also have our lighter fare, including a crossword and a fellow TPO reader’s small business to support. If you only want to hear from us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, just click here:
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Where reason cannot wade, there faith may swim.”
Thomas Watson
BREWING QUESTIONS
WHAT YOU’RE ASKING
What’s Going on with Israel and Palestine, and How’d We Get Here?
Nearly two years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants broke through Israel’s border, killed ~1,200 people, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel immediately declared war.
It is just the latest conflict stemming from a millennia-old land dispute.
When did this start?
Back in Genesis, around 1700 BC, God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan (modern Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of surrounding nations). Over centuries, various empires ruled the land; the Romans displaced the Jews and renamed it “Palestine”; and hundreds of years later (638 AD), Muslim armies conquered Jerusalem and generally controlled it for most of the next 1,400 years, until after WWII.
In 1947, the UN proposed a two-state solution: 56.5% of the land for a Jewish state, the rest for an Arab state, with Jerusalem as an international zone. Jews accepted; Arab nations rejected (unhappy that Jews only represented around ⅓ of the population and were getting a majority land allotment).
See a more complete timeline we made here.
What’s happened since 1947?
Multiple wars followed, and Israel slowly took control of more and more land designated for Palestine (see maps).
Today, Palestinians control only Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
Why is it so contentious?
This land holds deep spiritual significance for both sides, none more so than a specific holy site in Jerusalem.
For Muslims, it is the Dome of the Rock, where they believe Muhammad ascended into heaven. For Jews, it is the Temple Mount where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, which later became the Holy of Holies where God’s presence dwelled above the Ark of the Covenant.
Citing its spiritual significance, Hamas has declared “holy war” on Israel, vowing to destroy the country of Israel and reclaim all the land for Palestine. Israel has, in turn, vowed to destroy Hamas.
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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
God has a peace plan. It doesn’t need Israel’s or Hamas’s approval. It doesn’t merely cover Gaza or even the Middle East. It can’t be undone by rebels, and it won’t unravel decades later.
The Lord’s peace has been a done deal from the beginning of time, sealed with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s global, it’s unending, and it’s open to all who would lay down their weapons.
“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid… Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. The LORD of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Psalm 46:1-2, 6-7 (CSB) (read full passage)
This eternal perspective is an excerpt from our new Sunday newsletter, Praying the News. For more reflection and a prayer for the Middle East in your inbox tomorrow, subscribe for free here.
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HOUSE BLEND
WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY
Closing the book on another crossword
I’ll take extra whipped cream, please!
Co-founded by TPO Readers, Daniel P. and Isaac F., Collide Coffee* is where good works and good coffee collide. Make your next cup count for something greater!
*This is a free promo for a TPO-reader-owned small biz. If you’re able and interested, please support them!
WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…
Top News Article: The attack in Grand Blanc
Top Christian Perspective: Click here for a downloadable wallpaper of the top perspective
Top Whipped Cream: When your Sunday (or Saturday) afternoon nap is rudely interrupted…
TAKE IT TO GO
How We’re Actually Getting Our Clothes Clean
With Truly Free’s Laundry Detergent*
My old detergent was basically marinating my clothes in chemicals—stuff with names I can’t pronounce and definitely don’t want on my skin, my sheets, or my… unmentionables.
So I switched to Truly Free. Their plant-based formula tackles sweaty socks and sheets without the sketchy stuff, and their refill system means I keep one reusable jug instead of a bottle graveyard. My laundry room is less cluttered, my clothes are actually clean, and I’m smelling fresh as a daisy.
Elly Hamby | Squeaky-Clean Partnerships Manager
WHAT WE’RE PRAYING
“Like the eyes of a son to his Father, O Lord, so are my eyes toward you at all times. For with you are my consolations and my delight. Do not turn your mercies from me, O Lord, and no not take away your kindness. Stretch out to me your right hand at all times, and be my guide even to the end. Let me be well-pleasing before you, because of your glory and your name. Preserve me from evil, and let your meekness abide with me, and the fruits of your love… Give to me according to the multitude of your tender mercies, and grant our prayers very soon. You are able to provide for all our needs. Hallelujah! Amen.”
Odes of Solomon, Fount of Heaven, page 149
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