Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him; and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.” Deuteronomy 34:9 (The Israel Bible™)
Thousands of Ultra Orthodox Jewish men entered the Palestinian village of Kif al Harat, in the West Bank, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, to pray at the tombs of Yehoshua Ben Nun and Kaleb Ben Yepune, on May 3, 2016. (Photo by yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
At least 10,000 people hiked from all over Israel to visit and pray at the tomb of Joshua son of Nun to commemorate the Biblical warrior’s death.
Thousands of Ultra Orthodox Jewish men entered the Palestinian village of Kif al Harat, in the West Bank, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, to pray at the tombs of Yehoshua Ben Nun and Kaleb Ben Yepune, on May 3, 2016. (Photo: Yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
The closest disciple of Moses, Joshua never wavered from his master’s side throughout the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the desert. After Moses died (Deuteronomy 34:7), Joshua was annointed as his successor, guiding the people as they crossed over the Jordan river into the Land of Israel. After years of waging war against the nations that were living there, Joshua led his troops to victory, ultimately conquering the land as God had instructed.
Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I swore unto their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee; turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:6-7)
To this day, Joshua is hailed as one of the greatest commanders in Biblical history.
Thousands of Ultra Orthodox Jewish men entered the Palestinian village of Kif al Harat, in the West Bank, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, to pray at the tombs of Yehoshua Ben Nun and Kaleb Ben Yepune, on May 3, 2016. (Photo: Yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
His death is commemorated on the 26th of the Hebrew month of Nissan, which occurred this year on Tuesday night. Hence the midnight visit this week, marking the tenth annual event of the journey.
Joshua was buried in biblical Timnath-heres, in the center of today’s Palestinian village of Kifl Haris, a short drive from the Israeli city of Ariel in the heart of Samaria. Like so many other Palestinian areas in Israel, however, Kifl Haris is not safe for Jews to pass through without heavy security. Therefore, the thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews who made the trek did so under the watchful eye of many IDF soldiers.
IDF soldiers stand guard as thousands of ultra-Orthodox men and women flock to the grave of Joshua on May 3, 2016. (Photo: Yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
The Samaria Regional Council, in coordination with the IDF, organizes three trips each year so that Jews can worship at the Biblical tombs. In order to minimize any risks to Israeli civilians’ security, the IDF shuts down a section of the village in the middle of the night, when the amount of people who might pose a threat is greatly reduced.
Desecrated by Palestinian graffiti, Joshua’s grave lies under a small stone-and-stucco mausoleum, covered by a dome. To emphasize the stark contrast between ancient and modern, the monument sits on the edge of an open square, surrounded by apartment buildings and shops.
Women pray at Joshua’s tomb, May 3, 2016. (Photo: Yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
Once they reached the historical gravesite, the thousands of worshippers rejoiced upon arriving. Some visitors brought musical instruments with them, playing guitars and drums, while others danced and sang along. Nearly everyone took an opportunity to squeeze into the small building and offer up prayers by reciting from Psalms or personal supplications. A few people even climbed to the top of the roof to maximize their prayer potential.
Thousands of Ultra Orthodox Jewish men entered the Palestinian village of Kif al Harat, in the West Bank, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, to pray at the tombs of Yehoshua Ben Nun and Kaleb Ben Yepune, on May 3, 2016. (Photo: Yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
The strength shown by Joshua in conquering the Land of Israel was especially felt Tuesday night. Knesset Member Oren Hazan compared the great general’s mission to that of the Israeli people today, whose efforts to build up the Land of Israel never end. “We have to continue with this mission to redeem the land, so that we can finally be a free people in our land,” he said.
Buried in close proximity to Joshua is fellow conqueror Caleb son of Yefuna, who was Joshua’s right-hand man in the conquest of Israel.
Jews from all walks of life share words of prayer at the grave of Biblical Joshua May 3, 2016. (Photo: Yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
Echoing Hazan’s sentiments, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan shared, “We have come here precisely because Joshua Bin Nun and Caleb Ben Yefuna had the strength to stand against the 10 other spies and to say the land is good, let us rise up and inherit it.”
“We draw strength from Joshua and from the thousands who came here,” he said.
Ultra Orthodox men proudly carry the Israeli flag as they walk to the tomb of Joshua bin Nun on May 3, 2016. (Photo: Yaakov Naumi/Flash90)
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Lecrae boldly declared his love for Jesus and path to faith on a recent episode of ESPN's First Take.
"I didn't grow up in church or anything like that," the rapper shared. "Around 19 years old, I found myself on a college campus surrounded by Christians who looked like me, they dressed like me, they talked like me. And it was kind of off-putting. I didn't know what to do with that, but they loved me, they mentored me, they embraced me and really opened me up to understand who I was and who I was created to be and that God made me with purpose and reason."
First Take is a sports talk show featuring Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith and Milly Qerim.
Lecrae's appearance with the trio comes shortly after his interview/performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The rapper's media appearances promote his new memoir, Unashamed.
"Unashamed is a memoir of seeing somebody come through my circumstances of fatherlessness, wrestling with identity in who I wanted to be and who I should be, finding myself grounded on this journey that led to spiritual awakening," Lecrae says.
Watch the video to see the rest.
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The Book of Ruth tells the story of the Moabite princess Ruth, who, through great self-sacrifice, finds her way to the ultimate truth of the Torah. She becomes the 'mother of royalty,' the great-grandmother of King David, and the ultimate ancestress of the Messiah who will come from this royal lineage. This Mother’s Day, show your mother how much you love her and how much you love Israel by shopping the Israel365 store, filled with beautiful jewelry, inspiring books, and Dead Sea cosmetics and nourishing creams. Receive a printable Mother's Day card telling your mom her gift from Israel is on its way!
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This week's portion begins with an exhortation to “be holy.” The verses then outline how to achieve that holiness, and notably, most of the laws pertain to man’s interaction with his fellow. The focus on social law makes Judaism unique.
Thank you for your updates that keep us in touch with what is happening in Israel. We have three groups that meet regularly to pray for Israel and its people... God bless you all from us Margaret New Zealand.
Thank you for the video clips, I have been to Israel twice (three months in all) and have traveled your stunning country extensively. I love the land and the people. there is no other place in the world that can compare, I pray continually that your enemies will never gain a foothold in your land, You are God's people and if you turn to Him and trust in Him all will be as it should be. Please continue the good work and the sending of the videos. Have courage! Lay-la tov. Clive Holland. Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu Natal, Republic of South Africa
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