A long time ago, God chose a man named Abram to be the father of His chosen people. There was nothing special about him. He had a small family, and they weren’t particularly devout. There is nothing known about Abram or his family that would set him apart or make him special. Yet, this is who God chose.
Abraham and Sarah beget Isaac. Issac and Rebecca beget Jacob. Jacob beget Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. God gives Jacob the name Israel. Approximately 70 people moved from Canaan to Goshen during the famine. Within a short time they numbered hundreds and then thousands and eventually, still during biblical times, they grew to hundreds of thousands (some resources say millions).
Throughout history, the descendants of Abraham have had it extremely tough (which is an understatement). Even now, nearly 2,040 years after the Exodus, Israel still perishes.
And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel [Prince with God]; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
Genesis 32:28 NKJV
Father, we come to You to advocate for Israel, both the country and the people. Please lead Israel to turn to You as they consider a response to the attacks this past weekend. Please be with the country’s leaders and their people. Help them to prevail once more. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.