Bible TimePsalm 3: Calls for Israeli-Gaza Cease Fire
There were various western calls for a ceasefire. Many Muslim countries called off their New Years fireworks in support for Gaza. There were other headlines that contributed to fulfillment.
Psalm 3
Theoretical Time:
- 12999-13-09 DH 16:1:16 AA
- 2008-12-31 09:04:17 TMMT
- 2008-12-31 06:43:23 GMT
- 2008-12-31 01:43:23 EST
Psalms 3
1Yahvah, how my oppressors are increased. Many are those who rise up against me.
2Many there are that say to my soul, You have no salvation in your god.
3But you, Yahvah, are my help and my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4I have cried to Yahvah with my voice, and he has answered me from his holy mountain.
5I lay down and slept; and I awoke; for Yahvah sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of 1,000s of people that have surrounded me and set themselves against me.
7Arise, Yahvah my god, and save me; for you struck all my enemies on their cheeks; you have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8For salvation belongs to Yahvah; and your blessing is on your people.
Fulfillment
Three general areas had fulfillment in line with the Psalm's text and tight in terms of timing.
Cease Fire Request
Verses 1-4: As soon as the Israelis had begun attacking Gaza there was a massive round of international condemnation, but mostly in the Arab world. UK and US leaders and media were generally in support, viewing this as retribution for months of rocket barrages on southern Israel. The argument that this was heavy handed did not find traction in the west.
The French government There was also a french attempt at a mediate cease fire in the fight over Gaza. It came to nothing.
Probably more so than any other nation, the modern nation of Israel embodies the idea that God stands behind his people. The French attempt to stop Israel from ending ongoing rocket attacks is yet one more example.
Fireworks
Verses 5-6: The Muslim/Arab world was more incensed by Israel's actions. There was, though, distinct differences between different Arab countries with Egypt, for example, in support of Israel's position.
In any case many countries, including Egypt and Dubai, called off planned New Years Eve Celebrations. By this they sent their people home to sleep instead of staying up late.
This matches the the general sense of sleeping and being surrounded by armies as per verses 5 and 6.
Russian Gas
Verses 7-8: The other major headline of the day was the Russian decision to stop natural gas deliveries to the Ukraine. Actual deliveries slowed down 2 days later.
Payment for delivered gas was a major issue in the winter of 2006/2007. In some ways this is a replay of that time. The fear is that Europeans and Ukrainians will be left with their teeth chattering across the winter. The recession and current local stock piles suggests that this winter will be different.
Cutting off heat to a content in winter is the wicked act that this time appears to be blocked.