Day 291 Swords of Iron – “Dire Straits”

Chaim starts the video by saying that we certainly are in very difficult times. He mentions the intensifying rocket barrages from Hezbollah, fired from southern Lebanon into Israel. He also mentions the heatwave we’re experiencing and advises anyone volunteering with the Aliyah Return Center to put on sunscreen and stay hydrated.

He thanks all the donors who have given so generously to the ARC and other civil society groups in Israel.

Chaim also mentions some very unsettling things that are going on in the diplomatic arena and he says that today is the 17th of Tamuz, which begins the period of “dire straights” leading up to Tisha B’Av. These three weeks have, historically, been a time when a lot of bad things have happened to the Jewish people. He mentions such historical events as the conquest of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC, the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 AD, and many other things.

This has many people in Israel wondering if we’re entering into another period of difficulty. The Houthi rebels in Yemen are threatening to attack Israeli ports in retaliation for Israel hitting the port of Hodeidah. There is the possibility of an escelation in violence on the northern border and many other things.

Chaim says this is a time when we must be extra vigilant and leaning into prayer and fasting and identify with Israel and the God of Israel.

In this context, Chaim quotes Psalms 149;

Praisethe Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints.

Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute on them the written judgment—This honor have all His saints.