Events since May 1948 have certainly proven the accuracy of the prophecies in Ezekiel Chapter 37. The first fourteen verses reveal the story of the "Valley of Dry Bones." The prophecy states that when he prophesied as he was instructed, the bones began to come together with a "thundering noise." Ezekiel further states, there was shaking, trembling and rattling.

Once the bones had come together, sinews, flesh and skin covered the bones, but there was no breath or spirit. So the prophet prophesied and breath came and the body lived. The dry bones represented Israel's spiritual and national death. Ezekiel said, they were very dry; no life was in existence.

For the past 54 years we have been watching this prophesied process. Israel's return has caused a "great noise," heard around the world. The noise of Israel's rebirth continues to be heard to this day. Seldom is there an evening world TV news program in which Israel does not have a major place. The same is true in newspapers and magazines. Feelings regarding Israel run deep. Both those who support Israel, and its right to exist and possess the land, and those who are opposed to Israel, staunchly stand by their viewpoint. Such has been the case since the days of Abraham, approximately 4,000 years ago.

Descendants of Abraham's son, Ishmael and his grandson, Esau, Jacob's twin, continue their struggle with descendants of Abraham's son Isaac and grandson Jacob over who owns the land.

One might ask: "To whom does the land rightfully belong?" The Word of God contains the answer. Genesis 12:1-7, and 15:18, are among the many references. Notice, if you will, just how much land the Arab nations now occupy. Why could they not designate an area for the Palestinians? The answer is simple; they are not wanted. Palestinian terrorists have the reputation of wanting what is not theirs and attempting to get it by any means, including terrorism.

Yasser Arafat does not represent the total Palestinian population. Although his financial aid comes from several Arab countries, the leaders of those countries do not want Arafat, nor his organization within their borders. These countries know what havoc could occur if Arafat were allowed in, and they believe it better to make money available to attempt to force Israel to provide land for a Palestinian state.

Yasser Arafat and his organization, the Fatah, are terrorists. The majority of the Palestinians are not, but have no means of representing themselves. Under Israeli rule they have fared better than in past centuries. Arafat's pledge to secure a state for them has seriously muddied the water. By the way, allow me to remind you, Arafat's terrorist activity began in Jordan. He and his followers attempted to overthrow King Hussein of Jordan in 1970. The King's military drove them out. Having lost his home, he settled in Lebanon which was in the throes of civil strife at the time. The Lebanese could not keep him out. Wanting to be president of a state or nation, he proclaimed to fight for the liberation of so-called Palestinian lands occupied by Israel.

Israel has not occupied Palestinian land. Not only does God give them the land, but the British Balfour Agreement of 1917, ratified by the League of Nations in 1922, recognizes the Jewish right to the land.

Peace is the ultimate outcome of this age-old struggle. However, that peace prophesied by Ezekiel in Chapter 38:8, 11 is with the Arab nations and not with Arafat and the Palestinians.

As you and I are biblically instructed, we must "pray for the peace of Jerusalem," Psalm 122:6. Obedience on our part is important and necessary - PRAY!