FACTS ABOUT THE ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES

It is sometimes difficult for us to visualize Yeshua as Commander in Chief of the Armies of God but that is exactly who He is. The Bible uses the term “Lord of Hosts” to describe Yeshua’s role as Commander in Chief. In the realm of spiritual warfare as described in Ephesians 6.11-18 we can see ourselves as soldiers in God’s Army.

We are told to put on the whole armor of God and to stand against the enemy. Our spiritual warfare affects what happens not only on earth but in the heavenly realm. The Book of Daniel chapter’s 9 and 10 describe Daniel’s encounter with Gabriel and Michael, two Archangels of the Lord.

Daniel’s prayers were part of the warfare taking place in the heavenly realm. They had an affect on the battle taking place in the air which in turn had a affect on what was taking place on earth in our realm. During the 20^th Century God raised up an intercessor by the name of Rees Howells in Wales. This man was led to open several Bible Colleges that focused on intercession.

During World War Two Mr. Howells and the students at these schools prayed through the great battles of the war. They wrestled in the spirit until they prayed through. They would note the time that they felt they had prayed through specific battles, and later, would read in the newspapers of the time when the tide of battle had turned. The times would always match! Ref: Rees Howells Intercessor by Norman Grubb. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_8?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=rees%20howells%20intercessor&sprefix=rees+how%2Caps%2C280

The Book of Daniel lays out this principle of spiritual warfare along with Ephesians. Our prayers are effectual and have an affect on what happens here on earth. This is a principle especially seen throughout the Old Testament in the Book of Joshua and Kings. God fights for, and stands up for His people when they are fighting righteous battles. Our prayers for the action in the Middle East do not fall on deaf ears--God hears!

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are the army of Israel. The “Ramat Kal” is Hebrew for Commander in Chief. Conversely we can look at Yeshua as our “Ramat Kal.” The IDF ideally operates on a principle called “Ruach Tzahal” or “Spirit of the IDF” which represents the values of, and foundation for, the responsibilities of the IDF. This is the ethical code that is applied to all units of the IDF. Every soldier and commander in the army studies this code in detail.

A framed copy hangs in every commander’s office as a constant reminder of the IDF’s values and guidelines.


The Ruach Tzahal Draws from Four Sources:

1. The tradition of the IDF and its military heritage as the Israel Defense Forces.

2. The tradition of the State of Israel, it’s democratic principles, laws and institutions.

3. The tradition of the Jewish People throughout history.

4. Universal moral values based on the value of dignity and human life.


From These Fundamental Values Comes the Following Ten Additional Values:

1. Human Life - The IDF serviceman will recognize the value of human life and will often place himself at risk to the extent required to carry out his mission.

2. Purity of Arms - The IDF soldier is to apply self control in the use of armed force for the purpose of subduing the enemy. He is to limit his use of force so as to prevent unnecessary harm to human life.

3. Personal Example - The IDF soldier will act as he demands of others, thoughtfully and dedicatedly.

4. Responsibility - The IDF soldier will see himself as an active participant in the defense of his country and it’s citizens.

5. Comradeship - The IDF soldier will always go to the aid of his comrades when they need his help or depend on him, despite any danger or difficulty, even to the point of risking his life.

6. Professionalism - The IDF soldier will aspire to be familiar with and understand the body of knowledge pertaining to his military position and will master every skill necessary for carrying out his duties.

7. Discipline - The IDF soldier will execute completely and successfully all that is required of him according to the letter and spirit of his orders and within the framework of the law.

8. Loyalty - The IDF soldier will act with complete dedication in the defense of the State of Israel and it’s citizens, according to IDF orders, within the framework of the laws of the state and democratic principles.

9. Reliability and Trustworthiness - The IDF serviceman will strive in all his actions to fulfill his duties correctly and at the highest professional level--thorough preparation to true, honest, complete and precise reporting.

10. Perseverance in Mission and Dedication to the Pursuit of Victory - The IDF soldier will fight and conduct himself with courage in the face of all dangers and obstacles; he will persevere in his mission courageously and resolutely to the point of endangering his own life.


For more visit:
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/IDF_ethics.html


Is the IDF a perfect example? Of course not. They have made mistakes and violated these principles during the course of war. The fact is that they are trained to fight according to these values and do their best to preserve innocent lives in combat--not an easy task. Anything that puts a soldier at risk such as these principles is just another obstacle for them to overcome in the most nasty of situations--COMBAT!

Compare the IDF with the values of their enemies and the contrasts are glaringly obvious. Radical Islam has no respect for human life, diverse cultures, or religions. They murder people unmercifully and glory in the shedding of blood. They are driven by the spirit of the power of the air--Satan who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.

They have no regard for Israel and only desire to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. How do you negotiate peace with this type of enemy? Would the United States negotiate with this type of enemy? Why should Israel? Yet they continue to try.


Swearing in Service
When an IDF soldier completes his or her training, they swear to protect the “moledet” or the land of their forefathers. In Hebrew “Ani Nishba” means “I swear.” They consider themselves to be entering into a covenant with God and country. Each soldier receives a rifle in their left hand and a copy of the Hebrew Bible in their right hand. The officiating Rabbi reads from Joshua 1 and the troops sing the national anthem “Ha Tikvah” meaning “The Hope” which reflects on the dry bones coming together in Ezekiel 37. http://www.science.co.il/Israel-Anthem.php play the Barbara Streisand version.

As we watch events in the Middle East and Israel it is good we understand Israel’s position and support their army in our prayers. At some future date their Ramat Kal, Yeshua the Messiah, is going to come riding to their rescue and salvation! Yeshua came the first time as the suffering servant--but at His second coming he will be coming to fiercely judge all those who have refused to honor His Royal Law.