| The Hebrew word for friend is חֲבֵר (chaver). The root: ח ב ר means to ‘join, connect’. Friends are people who are joined together around a similar interest or cause. A written composition is a חיבור (chi-vur) because words are joined together. An author, writer or composer is a מחבר (m’cha-ber) because they join together words, ideas and music. A society, or association is called חברה (chev-rah). Societies and clubs are composed of people whose interests join them together. Nations who have similar interest are called allies. One of my favorite verses is from Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” The Bible defines friendship as a commitment based on a relationship, not a convenience. In Bible times, friends often made a covenant to help each other. (A good example is David and Jonathan) The modern view of a friend is far from the Biblical model. Friends are viewed as the people they ‘use’ to help them advance or provide themselves some benefit. It is a very “consumer view” – ie, what can this person do for me. There is no thought of loyalty and sacrifice in such friendships. The Bible, however, declares the crucible of friendship to be commitment during adverse or trying times. The way a society views friends will also affect other organizations, employer to employee, and even at a national level. Two Nations who are “friends” are said to be allies. A nation should also be committed to seeking the BEST for their ally. Not to using their allies. Traditionally Israel has been the ally of the USA – the ONLY true ally in the Middle East! Terrorists are NOT allies and are NOT friends! Nations that support terrorists are NOT allies. And the enemy of my ally should be my enemy too!! However it seems the modern “consumer view” of friends has now infected the relationship between the USA and Israel. The proposed “deal” with Iran is surely NOT something that a true ally or a true Friend of Israel would agree to – much less propose. Iran is NOT a friend of Israel, but is the sworn enemy. Consistently their leaders vow to “wipe the Jews off the map”. Iran is also NOT a friend of the USA either! Contrary to what the leaders of the USA think, Iran is NOT a friend nor ally of the USA. Iran sponsors international terrorist groups! Since when do we negotiate with terrorists? The proposed “deal” with Iran that the USA is proposing is not only bad for Israel, but it is bad for America too. It is bad for me and bad for YOU! What can we do? Well, just ONE PERSON can actually do alot if that ONE PERSON really believes in something. First of all, we can all pray. Also, we can all call, write or email our congressional representative. The one “saving point” is that the “deal” must pass the US Congress. So we who love Israel and who love America need to let our voice be heard. The prophet Isaiah was such a patriot and he loved Israel! I will close with his words: “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest.” -Isaiah 62:1 “The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” – Psalm 87:2 |
Windows on the Word