The Six-Day War was a brief but intense conflict fought in June 1967 between Israel and the surrounding Arab nations of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel launched preemptive airstrikes against Egypt on June 5 after Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser closed the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping and mobilized Egyptian forces along the border with Israel. In the days that followed, Israel rapidly defeated the Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian armies, taking control of the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria.
While the Six-Day War was a political and military victory for Israel, what does the Bible have to say about this important event? Here are several biblical principles to keep in mind when reflecting on the Six-Day War:
God’s Sovereignty Over the Nations
The first key biblical truth is that God is sovereign over all nations and has appointed their boundaries and times (Acts 17:26). Nothing takes God by surprise, including the outbreak of war. Even in war, God remains in control over the outcome (Proverbs 21:31). During the Six-Day War, the vastly outnumbered Israeli Defense Forces achieved a stunning victory in just six days. This can be viewed as an example of God’s sovereignty at work to establish the boundaries of modern Israel.
The Land of Israel’s Significance
The second relevant biblical truth is the special significance of the land of Israel. God promised this specific land to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). This promise was unconditional and eternal, not just limited to Old Testament times. In the Six-Day War, Israel took control over Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai – lands that God had promised to Israel long ago. This allowed Jews to return to these ancestral holy sites after centuries of exile. However, Israel’s control of these territories has also resulted in much turmoil and conflict.
Biblical Prophecy
Thirdly, the Six-Day War set the stage for the fulfillment of key biblical end times prophecies regarding Israel. For example, Jesus prophesied that the Jews would be in control of Jerusalem when He returns (Luke 21:24-28). The Israeli capture of East Jerusalem in 1967 helped pave the way for this prophecy to be fulfilled. Other prophecies speak of all Israelites being regathered in their land after a long dispersion (Jeremiah 16:14-15, Ezekiel 37:21-22). The Six-Day War was another step toward more Jewish people worldwide immigrating to Israel.
Justice and Mercy
Fourth, the Bible speaks much about justice and mercy. There were likely injustices and harsh acts committed by both sides during the war and after (Lamentations 3:34-36). As Christians, we must guard against blind allegiance to any one nation and instead look at conflicts through the lens of biblical justice, compassion, and peacemaking (Matthew 5:9). We must pray for and find ways to demonstrate Christ’s reconciling love to all who suffered loss in the Six-Day War and its aftermath (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Trusting in God, Not Man
Fifth, the run-up to the Six-Day War shows the danger of putting one’s trust in man-made alliances over trust in God. Egyptian President Nasser and other Arab leaders spoke proudly and defiantly ahead of the war, falsely assuming their victory was assured (Psalm 33:16-17). Yet human confidence and strength cannot compare to trusting in the Lord for deliverance (Psalm 20:7). Israel would have been wise to rely on divine help rather than military might alone (Psalm 127:1).
Pride and Humility
Sixth, the Bible warns against prideful boasting (Proverbs 16:18). Israel emerged from the war in control of vast new territories, inclining them toward nationalistic pride. However, all victories and abilities are gifts from God, not reasons for sinful boasting (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). Israel should have responded to victory with humility and gratitude to God.
Seeking Peace
Seventh, while war was likely unavoidable in 1967 given the threats against Israel, the Bible strongly urges pursuing peace whenever possible (Romans 12:18). Military victory provides opportunities to take courageous steps toward reconciliation and lasting peace. Tragically, the unresolved issues surrounding occupied territories taken in 1967 continue to breed resentment and violence decades later.
Relying on God’s Strength
Eighth, God performed a modern-day miracle by defending Israel against overwhelming odds in the Six-Day War. When surrounded by superior enemy forces, Israel had every reason to despair, yet God was faithful. Christians today likewise face times when God seems absent or distant. Yet we can turn to accounts like this as reminders of God’s proven power and strength shown at critical moments in history (Exodus 14:13-14). No matter how desperate any situation, believers can have confidence in God’s steadfast love and mighty saving hand.
God’s Grace to All in Christ
Finally, and most importantly, the Bible declares that God offers salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of ethnicity or national background (John 3:16). As we reflect on the Six-Day War and Middle East conflicts, our primary concern should be that as many Israelis, Palestinians, Arabs, Jews, Muslims and all people as possible would come to know the saving grace found only in Christ.
In summary, while the Six-Day War represented a major victory for Israel, there are important biblical perspectives to keep in mind as we remember and reflect on it. Our attitude should be one of avoiding arrogance and seeking both peace and justice for all involved. Most of all, we must pray that out of the ashes of decades of conflict, more people would turn to Christ and find true lasting hope in Him.