I believe the root of the conflict in the Middle East is the battle for the power of the blessing. When Abraham sent Ishmael and Hagar out of his presence, a conflict began (Genesis 21:8-21). It continued when Esau sold his birthright and lost his blessing to his brother Jacob (Genesis 27:1-40). Hundreds of years later when Israel possessed the promised land, the descendants of Ishmael and Esau were constantly at strife with the Hebrews. For centuries, there has been a battle over the blessing. The ancient struggle continues!

God told Abraham his seed would be given Canaan. Abraham offered Isaac upon the altar on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:1-2). Today, this mountain is called the Temple Mount. It is right in the middle of the Middle East conflict. The only record of the mountain being sold is when King David purchased it from a Jebusite over 3,000 years ago (II Samuel 24:18-28). Now Israel, Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount are the three battle zones in the prophetic world.

Jacob blessed Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, instead of Manasseh, the oldest son. Joseph attempted to reverse the blessing, but you cannot reverse that which the father blesses. (Genesis 48:8-22). Today, our spiritual enemy, Satan, has set out to try to reverse the blessing. Satan has deceived the descendants of Ishmael and Esau into believing that their god, Allah, is the one true God. Allah would have them curse that which God has blessed. But an old seer named Balaam found out that you cannot curse what God has blessed (Numbers 23:20). Severe consequences are administered from the Almighty God against anyone who would force a reversal in the divine plan of God. When Jacob was blessing Joseph’s sons, he reversed his hands and blessed Ephraim with the right hand. The Bible says, “He was guiding his hands wittingly.” Joseph protested, but the old man knew what he was doing (Genesis 48:14). God knows what He is doing, but men step in through the flesh (the house of Ishmael) and want the blessings reversed!

No matter how things may seem, the house of Israel has God’s blessings. The Muslims can never reverse this no matter how hard they try. Better yet, God’s Word says, “God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel” (Genesis 12:3). We can be blessed by God, too, if we will bless Israel. But, shame on those who curse Israel, because God Himself will curse them.

May God bless you as you bless Israel with your prayers!