Deeply Rooted Rivalry

Last October a surprised and somewhat sceptical world witnessed the opening phase of the Middle East Peace Conference in Madrid. For the first time since the rebirth of the Israel nation in 1948, her representatives sat down at the negotiating table with representatives of neighbouring Arab countries.

That it had been possible to arrange such a gathering was a triumph for America's persistent diplomacy. Not only were Syria, Lebanon and Jordan represented, but a delegation was present to speak for the Palestinians of the "occupied territories"; and this delegation was headed by an Arab resident of East Jerusalem. Against the background of the continuing Arab uprising in the West Bank and Gaza, the relatively moderate tone of the Palestinians' opening speeches was in marked contrast to the uncompromising and often bitter speeches by other delegations. These of course reflected the background of hostility and hatred which have characterized Jewish-Arab relations for about a hundred years. It was in 1897 that the First Zionist Congress was held in Switzerland, and called for the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine. A deep conflict of interests has since prevailed, giving rise to constant antagonisms, including the trauma of four major wars between Israel and neighbouring states.

The Christian believer finds it fascinating to trace in Scripture the origins of some Jewish-Arab tensions to the times of the patriarchs, four thousand years ago. It is admittedly difficult to identify precisely which elements of the population in modern states such as Saudi Arabia, Egyptian Sinai, Jordan, Syria or Lebanon are descendants of Abraham through Ishmael, Esau or the sons of Keturah. The areas occupied by these ancient peoples are today included within the boundaries of Israel's neighbouring Arab states. Many living in those areas will proudly claim kinship with Abraham through one or other of these lines of descent. It seems safe to accept that there is a large element of Abrahamic stock among the Arab populations within Israel and in the immediately surrounding countries. It will be recalled that when Abram's name was changed to Abraham (meaning "father of many") God said to him, "I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee" (Gen. 17:6).

Regarding Ishmael God promised, "I ... will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation" (Gen. 17:20). Yet Ishmael was to be "as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him" (Gen. 16:12). This has characterized Ishmael's descendants through all the centuries, and finds expression today in antagonism to Israel.

Esau was Abraham's grandson, twin brother to Jacob. Before their birth Rebekah was told, "Two nations are in thy womb, and two peoples shall be separated even from thy bowels: and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger" (Gen. 25:23). The strong personal rivalry between Esau and Jacob is a marked feature of the Genesis narrative; and though they were reconciled before Isaac's death, the enmity was perpetuated between Edom and Israel. That enmity will still prevail even at the time of the end (Obadiah verses 17-21).

Scripture is less informative about the peoples deriving from Abraham's sons by Keturah; before his death Abraham sent them away from Isaac, "eastward, unto the east country" (Gen. 25:1-6). It seems that the Midianites were among the peoples which sprang from this branch of Abraham's family. They too featured among Israel's enemies in Old Testament times (e.g. Judges 6:1).

How ironic that several nations deriving from Abraham should so early develop antagonism against his descendants through Isaac. Doubtless the special favours granted to Israel would stir resentment and jealousy. Such roots of bitterness originating in patriarchal times still produce their baneful fruit to sour relations in the Middle East today. Whatever developments may result from the Middle East "peace process", it is clear from the prophetic Word that Israel has yet to face its deepest crisis, when all the nations of the world will be gathered together against Jerusalem (Zech. 12:3).

unknown | Mar 1992
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