Written early this month we hit a few glitches, yet Neil is timely in view of Keir Starmer’s unwise appeasement of barbarians in recognising a Palestinian state (covered to a quick extent with links on this blog’s Telegram, from this item.) Note Neil’s perspective is not only from scripture but also that of a retired brigadier; also that emphases are mine:

BLESSINGS  AND  CURSES

INTRODUCTION

Joel 3:1-3 “In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.”

The timing of this “trial” means it must be the same event, referred to as the “Sheep and Goats” judgement by Jesus, in Matthew 25:31-46.

Furthermore, it endorses the conclusion that when Jesus talks about “the least of these brothers and sisters of mine” He must mean His Jewish “brothers and sisters” (“brethren” in some translations).

This is a clear example of the differing outcomes for those who bless Israel and for those who curse Israel. As Genesis 12:1-3 states:

“The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

From Joel’s prophecy, we see that dividing up God’s land is, in effect, cursing Israel.

A BRITISH PERSPECTIVE – Are we a SHEEP or a GOAT Nation?

Before answering that question, I want to look at a series of events that occurred
towards the end of World War 1, and which I am certain reveal the consequences of
blessing Israel: the dates are significant, as is the heart motive in the decisions made.

In June 1917, General Allenby, a devout Bible believing Christian, was appointed
commander of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF – a British Army group which
included multi-national allied forces). The EEF had been repelled in attempts to take
Gaza (which was held by German and Ottoman Empire forces) in March and April 1917.

On or about Tuesday 30 October 1917, the cabinet of our predominantly Christian
Government agreed the proposal to support the establishment of a national home for
the Jewish people. [RB; was this decision significant in turning the tide militarily, as well as spiritually?]

On 2 November 1917, the British Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour, issued the “Balfour Declaration”; a letter declaring British Government support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.

On 2 November the third battle of Gaza began.

On 7 November the victorious EEF took over the town of Gaza.

On 11 December 1917 General Allenby entered Jerusalem on foot and took over the city, without a shot being fired. In light of the successes and rapid advance of the EEF, the German and Ottoman forces had decided not to defend the City, but rather to withdraw into the Judean hills.

[RB: Gen Allenby entered on foot because he wouldn’t ride a horse over ground his Lord had walked upon. A few more details will appear in the Addendum.]

In September 1918, after a delay caused by the need to divert men from the EEF to
reinforce the Western Front during the German Spring Offensive, the EEF took Megiddo, then Damascus and Aleppo.

On 30 October 1918 the Ottoman Empire agreed a peace treaty with the Allies.
Obviously, a huge amount of detail is excluded. However, I am convinced that this series of events clearly illustrates that the blessing of Israel resulted in a reciprocal blessing.

At that time, we were definitely a Sheep Nation!

DIVIDING UP MY LAND

Tragically, Great Britain and the League of Nations reneged on their promises of support. In the early 1920s, some 72% of the land, originally earmarked as the intended homeland for the Jewish people, had been given to other interested parties.

Sadly, the British Government was heavily involved in dividing up the land and, after
World War 2, did everything it could, short of warfare, to prevent the establishment of
a Jewish Nation.

Nevertheless, miraculously, and against all the odds, Israel became (declared itself) a
Nation on 5 May 1948, albeit only in a fraction of the land area destined in Numbers 34,
which God gave, as an everlasting covenant, to His chosen people, Abraham and his descendants through Isaac. The nationhood status of Israel was immediately recognised by the USA.

CONCLUSION

So, Israel is a Nation and, since 1948 has survived, and continues to survive, wars and
appalling attacks. Obviously, the Israel economy is under considerable strain.

Nevertheless, its military successes and economic resilience are truly miraculous.

Meanwhile, Great Britain has lost an empire and been in a slow decline which, in recent
years, is gaining momentum. Our secular government now recognises Palestinian statehood, and in so doing is defying God.

We are now definitely a Goat Nation!

Neil Mackereth

NEWS:

Palestinians have had several decades to prove they can establish a viable, flourishing, peaceful nation. SO logically, they have neither the will nor intention of doing so!

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/20/starmers-middle-east-madness-in-recognising-palestine/

[Finished during a brief gap between meal and house group and published at 19:17!]