The oldest global hatred reaches back for several millennia against a people who were called to dwell alone, and not be reckoned among the nations, Numbers 23:9. A people for whom God set the boundaries, Deuteronomy 32:8.

The Chosen People

God called the Jews into existence to be His own possession among all peoples, Exodus 19:5. They are descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, later known as Israel, Genesis 35:10.  They were called to specifically fulfil the purpose of God, and to honour the great I Am That I Am, Exodus 3:3.

The Israelites were not chosen because of any special attribute they possessed. However, the list of innovations they have given the world is surprising and worth the research.

Most Hated

Jews are a people set apart yet deeply intertwined, living among other nations after being dispersed to the ends of the earth in 70 AD. They are frequently in danger of extermination and have known the depths of hell. They have also displayed the most endurance, despite the baptism of fire

The Jews have known more rejection and hatred than any other nation that has ever existed, but also known the blessings of God’s presence. Today, Jews yearn for the glories of heaven more than any other nation.

Specific Purpose

God gave them the Law of Moses and the purpose for their existence. ‘You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation’, Exodus 19:6.  No other nation can, or will take their place.

The Bible is a Jewish book and to gain a deeper understanding we need to discover Jewish customs. They are an instrument for the fulfilment of God’s plans and purpose. Through them all nations were to be blessed, and God will curse those who curse Israel, Genesis 12:3. 

Revelation of God

They were the first to receive a revelation of the One true God, being His witness on earth and chosen servant, Isaiah 43:10. Their prophets gave the world the word of God and the knowledge of the sanctity and worth of human life.

They also provided the world with the spiritual foundation on which all values and laws would rest. Many modern laws have a foundation in the law of God, particularly relating to hygiene.

Central

The Jewish nation proves the very existence of God. Israel stands at the centre of God’s purpose both in the past and the present, as well as in the future. We should not be surprised at what is happening today in the Middle East.

By the grace of God Israel is the only nation to have been resurrected. Other great civilizations rose, fell and disappeared, but not Israel. When Israel was reborn in 1948 the world entered the era of the ‘Last Days’, for Israel is the central theme of the Great Tribulation prophesies in the book of Revelation.

Spiritual Proof

The Jews are also living proof of a spiritual entity that violently wars against the work and purpose of God. Satan, does everything within his power to attack, thwart and destroy whatever belongs to God.

Satan’s war against the Chosen People is designed to wipe them out and destroy the witness of God’s very existence. He also inflames others with his ancient hatred.

Hope

Yet, the Jews are the source of the mankind’s greatest hope. It was through a Jewish Messiah that God gave salvation to a lost world, that whoever believes in Christ’s work at Calvary, shall have eternal life instead of eternal death. John 3:16,

Some have tried to stir up hatred towards the Jews because they killed the Messiah. Sadly, most Jews are still looking for their prophesied Messiah.

Forms of Hatred

This ancient hatred has many different forms, as it mutated across the generations. It is non-rational, toxic and deadly to its core. People hate Jews for no logical reasons, except they exist.

From Pharaohs of ancient Egypt to Joseph Mengle, Heinrich Himmler to Saddam Hussein. Hitler and Joseph Stalin to Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. From ISIS to Hezbollah, Hamas and the Khamenei of Iran. All are fueled from the same ancient hatred towards Israel, even though they hold diametrically opposed ideologies.

The Liar

Satan is the father of lies, John 8:44. Today, with social media and media in general, it is very difficult to discern what is truth and what are lies. In every lie there is always a tiny portion of truth, just as Satan did with the temptation of Jesus, Matthew 4:1-11. 

The Jews were accused of atheism and sacrilege in the ancient pagan world. In the Middle Ages they poisoned wells and extracted blood from their victims. Today they are accused of masterminding every major evil and conspiracy for the purpose of world domination.

Depending on the source of the information, atrocities are committed by both sides in the modern warfare between Israel and its neighbours. However, it is prophesied that Israel will eventually be abandoned and left to stand alone with no outside help, Ezekiel 38,39.

The Antichrist

Many believe the Antichrist will be of Jewish origin, but there is no definitive scriptural basis for this. However, some take Genesis 49:17 where Dan is compared to a horned snake in the way, as referring to the Antichrist’s origin. Notably, the tribe of Dan is omitted from the tribes listed in Revelation 7 8:4-8.

Both the Jewish people and those who are Christians will come under extreme pressure in the Great Tribulation. Even the days of Hitler will pale into insignificance. Satan will appear to gain the upper hand, with the ancient hatred transcending all physical and geographical parameters like never before.

Satan has been a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44. The enemies of Israel will persist until only one third of the Jews are left alive, Zechariah 13:8.

Then, the victorious Christ will set up His millennial reign from the New Jerusalem with His saints. The Jews are God’s chosen people, and they will take their God-appointed place as the leader of all nations on earth during the millennial reign.

Followers of Christ

All followers of Christ have special value in the eyes of God, 1 Peter 2:7, for we are not our own. We were paid for with an unmeasurable cost. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:19,20, and He dwells in us, John 14:23.

Followers of Christ come under that same global hatred that is aimed at the Jewish nation, for we are also a chosen people. A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, 1 Peter 2:9. 

For those who accept the New Covenant there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female. We are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise, Galatians 3:28,29.

Oldest Global Hatred

God knows the end from the beginning, Isaiah 46:10. His word was spoken before the foundation of the earth and will not return to Him void, Isaiah 55:11. His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.

God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways, Isaiah 55:8.  There is a limit on the oldest global hatred and Satan’s time is running out.

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a freelance writer who enjoys researching a topic and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God.

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