Q: I was wondering why such horrific things have happened to the Jewish people throughout history, especially by Hitler.

Do the Scriptures address this?

A: This question may help people understand why there is any anti‑Semitism at all. Satan is like a fly that refuses to go away. He has continually tried to thwart God’s plan of salvation since the Garden of Eden. After that first sin, the Lord said to the serpent, “I will put hatred between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed,”

(Gen 3:14‑15).

This is the first indication of the virgin birth, as the woman does not have the seed. The Redeemer would be born of a Jewish virgin. (See Isaiah 7:14.) Ever since Genesis, Lucifer tried to block the birth of the Jewish Savior.

In one instance, Lucifer influenced Balaam in an attempt to halt the birth of Christ. The teaching of Balaam to King Balak of Moab was to send their attractive women into the Hebrew camp. Once Hebrew guys and Moabite gals paired up, Balaam knew the girls would introduce the Hebrew guys to their idol worship. Satan again tried to pollute the Hebrew lineage of the Messiah through forced intermarriages by the Assyrians. The plan was to mix up, and therefore defeat Judaism. Although skin color has nothing to do with marriage, the Hebrew line of the Messiah had to remain pure, for Jesus said salvation comes through the Jews. (See John 4:22.)

Christ was born despite Lucifer’s attacks. Just when it appeared as though God were losing at the cross, Jesus Christ, the prophesied seed, was actually smashing the death grip Lucifer had on humanity. (See Rom 6:23.)

Lucifer continues to attack the Jews because there is so much more prophesied concerning their future. Daniel wrote of the coming anti‑Christ who will break a future peace treaty with Israel and bring desolation. (See Daniel 9:27.) Soon after, Jesus will return to gather Israel and destroy the anti‑Christ. (See Rev 19‑20.)

The best overview of Satan’s aggression against Israel, in my opinion, can be seen in Revelation 12. This chapter is an outstanding prophetic outline of history from the time of Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37, until Satan’s final attack on Israel during the Great Tribulation.

As you read it remember that the woman is Israel, the sun is Jacob, the moon is Rachel, and the twelve stars are the sons of Jacob. (See Gen 37:9‑10.) The dragon is obviously Satan and the child is Jesus Christ. Read it and you’ll have tomorrow’s headlines before they go to print. You’ll also have insights into the source of this awful disease called anti‑Semitism. Behind the scenes it is Satan who incites nations against Israel, but those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem shall prosper.

Psalm 122:6