A Bullet Through The Song Of Peace

The assassination of Israel's Prime Minister Rabin last November stunned his nation, deeply affected neighbouring Middle Eastern states and had repercussions world-wide. Heads of State from more than forty countries gathered in Jerusalem for Yitzak Rabin's funeral, reflecting a recognition by world leaders of the vital role which Rabin had filled in developing the Middle East Peace Process.

In last month's 'Focus' we commented on the Agreement to extend Palestinian self-rule to much of the West Bank; an Agreement which Rabin had worked strenuously to achieve. We made reference also to extremists, both Jewish and Palestinian, who were prepared to use violence in opposition to the Peace Process. Tragically, a Jewish extremist finally chose to assassinate Yitzak Rabin, whom he saw as the main architect of the Agreement; the assassin claimed to have acted at the command of God.

On the day he died Rabin had attended a Peace Rally in the Kings of Israel Square in Tel Aviv. It was for him an uplifting occasion, as a record crowd of 100,000 Jewish people expressed their support for his policy of promoting peace by negotiation and concession, instead of trying to hold down the Palestinians by oppression. The vast multitude joined in singing 'Shir ha-salom', the 'Song of Peace'. Rabin seemed elated, singing along with the crowd as the euphoria of the occasion gripped him. As the singing finished, he slipped into his breast pocket the leaflet with the lyrics. Addressing his supporters, he urged them to press on down the road of peace into which he had led the nation in September, 1993. 'There are enemies of the peace process', he said, and they try to hurt us. But violence undermines democracy and must be denounced and isolated'. Shortly afterwards, as he left the rally, he fell fatally wounded, a victim of that threatened violence. His colleague, Shimon Peres, later commented: 'The last song he sang was the Song of Peace. He put this song in his pocket and bullet went through this song'.

Elusive peace! As eminent world leaders paid tribute at the funeral ceremony, the word 'peace' was on all their lips. The President of the United States said, 'The world has lost one of its greatest men, a warrior for his nation's freedom, and now a martyr for his nation's peace'. All were urging that the death of Rabin should not be allowed to destroy the Peace Process. Yet deep in everyone's heart was the fear that just this might happen. For the Israel nation is itself divided as to which policy gives the best chance for peace; and no other leader has the charisma and experience which Yitzak Rabin could bring to bear in promoting a policy of peaceful reconciliation.

A bullet went through the Song of Peace! Two thousand years ago nails were driven through the hands of the Prince of Peace. Israel's rejected Messiah was crucified and slain. Her leaders had cried, 'His blood be on us, and on our children'. He Himself had wept over Jerusalem, saying, 'If thou hadst known ... even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes' (Luke 19:41,42). Scripture unmistakably predicts that Israel nationally can have no enduring peace until 'There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer' (Rom. 11:26). Then will be fulfilled the word:

'How beautiful upon the mountains are the fret of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace for the LORD hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem' (Is. 52:7-9).

Yet at that time also the Israel nation will be plunged into mourning, for they shall look unto Him whom they pierced, and 'mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him' (Zech. 12:10). Recognition of the Lord Jesus as Israel's true Messiah will call for national repentance and cleansing: 'In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David ... for sin and for uncleanness' (Zech. 13:1).

Continued efforts are now being made' to promote the Middle East Peace Process, a matter of prime importance to the international community if stability is to be maintained in that Region. Yet the twice-repeated word of the Lord through Jeremiah rings ominously true in the present situation: 'They have healed also the hurt of My people lightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace' (Jer. 6:14;8:l1). And in the approaching day of the Lord, Israel in particular will experience the awful reality that 'When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape' (1 Thes.5:2,3).

The bullet through the Song of Peace is a startling omen of things to come!

unknown | Mar 1996
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