Day 232 Swords of Iron – “Heroic”

Chaim starts by rhetorically asking if he understands the importance of defending his country, and he answers his own question by saying he absolutely does. He is walking in front of a montage of photographs of the IDF in action in past wars and the present one. He says that these reservists don’t want to be here fighting this war, but that’s what they must do at this time. He says he’d like to tell the stories of some of his friends, and he starts with one who saw seven shooting stars and said he knew it was a sign that God would protect him, since seven is a number which represents God in the Bible.

Chaim quotes Jeremiah 16:16; Behold, I will send many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send many hunters, and they shall hunt them upon every mountain” saying that this is a prophecy that God will bring His people home to their promised land and protect them here.

Chaim also quotes Jeremiah 32:41; Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.’

He passes a picture of IDF soldiers in a Merkeva tank and he says that tanks are amazing tools to be able to use to defend your country, but he’s glad he’s not serving in the tanks because he doesn’t want to have to be cramped in a small space for so long.

Next he passes a picture of some IDF infantry soldiers and he points to them and identifies the different countries of origin, saying they each have a story. He says that he is honored to be a part of that story.

He then quotes Psalms 57:6; They prepared a net for my feet and they have dug a ditch for my soul and they fell into it.

Chaim says he has personally encountered this phenomenon in battle against Hamas.

Next he quotes Psalms 60:12; Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Chaim concludes by counting the Omer for day 32.