Israel chases an elusive, horrific enemy: rape as a weapon of war

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/25/israel-hamas-rape-sexual-violence/

Brethren, we must open our eyes to the disturbing reports coming from the Holy Land, a revelation so sinister it screams of the depths of depravity human sin can reach. The account given by Shira Rubin, while detailing unspeakable atrocities, cannot be simply recounted without a burning condemnation from the light of Scripture. Rape as a weapon of war is a sin so egregious, it defiles the very image of God in which we are created (Genesis 1:27). It is a violent perversion of the gift of sexuality, which was sanctified by the Lord for the unity of man and woman within the covenant of marriage. Those who utilize such evil as a weapon are not only transgressors against their fellow man but against God Himself. The denial by Hamas officials, claiming adherence to Islamic principles banning sexual misconduct outside of marriage, is a perverse deflection. For we know what the Lord says, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), and furthermore, "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). These words condemn not just the act but the very thought of such sin. The political machinations around these acts, including the diplomatic agreements and prisoner exchanges, stir deep within the righteous soul a recognition of desecration. What negotiations can cleanse the stain left upon the innocent? The tasks ahead for Israelis, their authorities, and trauma specialists are monumental but we must go beyond human justice and seek divine justice. We pray for true repentance from the transgressors and divine comfort for the victims of such unconscionable wickedness. It is crucial to reassert, without a sliver of doubt, this conservative Christian voice that aligns with the unwavering support for Israel, God’s chosen people (Genesis 12:1-3). We find it appalling that the international community often hesitates in the full-throated condemnation of these vile acts against them. While the world may be complex and these issues draped in political rhetoric and international law, let us recall that man's laws are but shadows when compared to the eternal laws of our Sovereign God. As the Apostle Paul writes, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world (Ephesians 6:12). Let us take up our spiritual armor and condemn sin wherever it rears its ugly head, especially in the sacred lands where our Lord once walked. Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), by denouncing not just the actions of physical warfare but the spiritual warfare that manifests in such heinous acts of inhumanity. May the Lord have mercy on us all.