In intelligence parlance it’s called “chatter” – communication by known or suspected terrorists among themselves. When monitoring agents detect intensification in the level of communication, or certain variations in the pattern of interaction – they increase the alert level and brace for a possible attack.
Western intelligence agencies are also consistently monitoring hostile nations for the likelihood of war. In the Middle East, falling down on this job could lead – and has led – to surprise attacks that have threatened the very existence of the State of Israel.
Here in Israel, “ordinary” folk don’t generally have access to this type of “chatter.” Because of the prevailing tensions in our world, however, our “antennae” are probably more sensitive to conditions - and our spirits more quickly alerted – than if we were living elsewhere.
Jerusalem has been my home for nearly 20 years. At some point in almost every one of those years, conjecture has circulated about the possibility of war. In the early 1990s, conflicts seemed to always be anticipated in the autumn. More recent years have seen that time frame shift to the summer.
Of course, there is good reason for the speculation:  Israel has fought or endured at least one war in every decade since its rebirth – 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, 1991 and 2006 – and these do not include the unrelenting terrorist war waged against her.
Secondly, the entire neighborhood in which Israel lives – in places two or three states deep – wants to see the Jewish state excised; its people cast into the sea.
Thirdly – though this should perhaps have been firstly – the Bible says Israel will face wars until the end of days.
So war hangs, like a Sword of Damocles, over our heads.
We watch for it. We listen for it. We wait for it. Thus far in Israel’s short modern history it has always been a question of “when,” never “if.”
Today, in the second half of July, 2007, we’re watching and listening again. All around us we see the signs and hear the “chatter.”
Its level is up. Not right up, but way up. What – Jews and Christians in Israel, and Israel-watchers around the world – are wondering, is going to happen next?
Here are some of the signs: 
Almost daily reports since last April citing Israeli military and intelligence officials warning of Syrian preparations for war, Hizb’allah’s rearmament for war and Iran’s fomenting for war. 
Almost daily reports from Syria quoting that country’s officials accusing Israel of planning an attack. 
Weekly reports in American and British news media about US plans to strike the Iranian nuclear operation and the imminence of such an attack being brought forward by Iran’s imminent passing of the point of no return. All this with concomitant reports out of Tehran and Damascus quoting senior officials in both countries warning that Israel will be hit if the US hits Iran. 
An increase in the number of state visits by Syrian leaders to Tehran and Iranian leaders to Damascus. 
Consecutive reports – separated only by a few days – of the woeful un-preparedness of the Israeli Home Front to protect the state’s citizens from non-conventional attacks. 
Reports that Syria ordered all its citizens out of Lebanon by July 15. A resident in Beirut has reportedly confirmed that the Syrians have indeed all left the city, and wondered “What do they know that we don’t?” 
Reports that Syria has had the state archives moved out of Damascus to a safe location. 
Reports that reservist IDF soldiers are being called up.
As I was writing this I received a phone call from a Jewish friend in Oregon. Discussing the tensions here I told him that, the way things have been developing these past months, Israel’s situation could be poised to undergo a revolutionary change.
“For better or for worse?” he asked.
“Well you know me,” I replied. “I believe the Bible, and the Bible says that, sooner or later, restored Israel is going to fight a regional war, the outcome of which will see the removal – for at least a period of time – of the unrelenting threat this nation has lived under since 1948.”
Many Christians have wondered about the significance the year 2007 could have marking, as it does, 40 years since Jerusalem and the biblical heartland of Israel came back under Jewish control for the first time in more than 2,000 years.
Another friend of mine had this to say about it: 
I pulled my copy of Number in Scripture, by E.W. Bullinger, to refresh my memory as to the full Biblical significance of the number 40. As I recalled, God used “40″ in Scripture – both Old Testament and New Testament – as a symbol of preparation, or of getting ready.
For over two decades, I have been silently pondering whether God was going to cause Israel to be attacked on the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Six Day War. Now that this moment is upon us, the Arabs have begun what appears to be a classic run-up to all-out war.
But back to my dissertation about Bullinger’s explanation of the full use of the number “40.”
Not only does this number mean “preparing”, but it carries much more meaning.
“FORTY has long been universally recognized as an important number, both on account of the frequency of its occurrence and the uniformity of its association with a period of probation, trial, and chastisement (not judgment, like the number 9) … but the chastisement of sons and of a covenant people.” (Bullinger, page 266.)
 In other words, when God brings Israel through a period of “40″, He is dealing with them as His “covenant people!” This number is a symbol of God dealing with Israel as His Chosen People.
Still, as exciting as this understanding is, the next part of Bullinger’s expose’ is positively riveting.
The number, forty, also “relates to enlarged dominion, or to renewed or extended rule…” (Ibid.)
Wow! What does the Bible prophesy as to what faces Israel as she goes through this End of the Age warfare? It clearly says that Israel will enlarge her borders by re-occupying all the lands which God promised to Abraham! This Biblical promise is called “Greater Israel”.
Israel’s military commanders have warned that a war with Syria will be “10 times worse” than last year’s war in Lebanon. That means that horrific suffering and destruction lie ahead.
No sensible or caring person wants war. Certainly no true Christian does. The Bible commands all God-fearing men to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” This nation, and this region, has known so much pain and death. Millions of us long for the day when Israel, and all the nations, will experience true peace.
This is our prayer, in the face of the gathering clouds.
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