The Possible Significance of the Israel-UAE Agreement

Things are happening so quickly in the world around us that it is difficult trying to keep up. There are many signs that we need to focus upon as we await the sounding of God's trumpet and the removal of the Church into glory. What I want to do over the next few weeks is to focus upon one sign each week. We ask ourselves: How does this sign relate to God's timetable and what is its impact upon the world right now? I want to begin that series with a discussion of the recent Israeli-UAE agreement that was negotiated this past week. Cal Thomas wrote an opinion piece that was posted at: www.patriotpost.us/opinions/72783. He begins by writing: "Anything that reduces tensions in the Middle East and contributes to Israel's security should be applauded. The agreement between the UAE (United Arab Emirites) and Israel to establish diplomatic relations in exchange for Israel's suspension of settlements and claims to sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (as Israel refers to the West Bank) is a tremendous policy achievement, though UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed was less enthusiastic in his description of the deal." There is talk of opening up of embassies in each country and of direct lights from Jerusalem to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE now becomes the third Arab State to formally recognize the State of Israel, the others being Egypt (in 1979) and Jordan (in 1994). Both of those agreements have held pretty firm over the years. But the question that will be asked is: Why would the UAE enter into this type of agreement?The answer is found in a newsletter written by former Israeli diplomat Yoram Ettinger. He writes: "The UAE considers strategic cooperation with Israel, in general, and the peace accord, in particular, a critical added-value to its line of defense (second only to the U.S.) against lethal threats such as Iran's conventional and terror offensive, persistent Muslim Brotherhood terrorism, ISIS and Al Qaeda terrorism. Turkey's operational and logistic support of the Muslim Brotherhood and Turkey's military base (5,000 soldiers) in the pro-Iran Qatar. The UAE, as well as all other pro-US Arab regimes, recognize Israel as the most effective and reliable 'life insturance agent' in the region." One of the key parts of the agreement was Israel's giving up the annexation of Judea and Samaria. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this is off the table for the time being, but could be placed back on the table in the future. But, for the time being, annexation is not an Israeli option for the West Bank. Could this agreement with the UAE be just the beginning of other Israeli-Arab agreements. I read that Bahrain and possibly Sudan were close to agreements. Of course the prize would be for an agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The relationship between those two Middle East giants has become friendlier in the past few years. The fears of a nuclear Iran have strengthened that relationship. Is there a biblical importance to this agreement? I believe there is. When one reads Ezekiel 37 and 38, one notices that the prophet tells us that Israel will be living in unwalled cities. Now, cities today do not build walls. But they did in the ancient world for the purposes of protection from enemies. To live in an unwalled city meant that it was a time of peace. So the prophet is reminding us that at a time yet in the future, Israel will be relatively at peace. I think these agreements could be the cause of that peace. Second, when one reads Ezekiel 37, one of the nations invading Israel is Iran, ancient Persia. These agreements will be an irritant to Iranian leadership and be an incentive of their anger toward Israel that will be displayed when they invade. Friends, keep your eyes focused upon the Middle East. After all, this is where history will have its ending - with the arrival of the King and the establishment of His Kingdom there in Jerusalem.

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