Why I Love Spock and His People

 It hurts my soul to see persecution in this world.  The Jewish people have been attacked more than any other group on the planet and these attacks have been going on ever since they were first held captive by the Egyptians in the days of Pharoah.   That's why I love Spock and all things related to Star Trek.  The actor who plays Spock draws on his Jewish roots to offer a gesture from his people which is meant to be a blessing for all of humanity.   I'm offering a deep dive into the history of the Jews in order to help fight antisemitism.  Maybe someday we can stop fighting and have peace. 

The Beginnings: In ancient times, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, formed the twelve tribes of Israel. They established the Kingdom of Israel and later the Kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital. King Solomon built the First Temple, a grand structure known as Solomon's Temple, around 957 BCE.

Egyptian Bondage and the Exodus: The Israelites faced oppression and enslavement in Egypt, setting the stage for the legendary story of Moses. Guided by divine intervention, Moses led the Israelites in a miraculous escape known as the Exodus, crossing the Red Sea. This event marked their liberation from Egyptian bondage.

Periods of Captivity: However, despite their freedom, the Israelites faced challenges. Disobedience led to the Assyrian conquest in 722 BCE, toppling the Kingdom of Israel. The Kingdom of Judah later succumbed to the Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE, resulting in the destruction of Solomon's Temple. The Babylonian Exile began, lasting for several decades.

Daniel's Vision and Interpretation: During the Babylonian captivity, the prophet Daniel, a wise and righteous man, played a significant role. In the time of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel had interpreted dreams and visions, including the famous incident involving the fiery furnace.

As the Babylonian Empire approached its fall, Daniel received a vision that revealed the rise of King Cyrus of Persia as the conqueror. This vision, recorded in the Book of Daniel, depicted the hand of God orchestrating events, including the fall of Babylon and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites under Cyrus.

Cyrus's Conquest of Babylon: Around 539 BCE, King Cyrus the Great of Persia initiated a series of military campaigns that eventually led to the conquest of Babylon. Cyrus employed a strategy that involved diverting the Euphrates River, allowing his forces to enter the city through the dried riverbed. This surprise maneuver caught the Babylonians off guard, and Cyrus was able to capture Babylon without much resistance.

Cyrus and Daniel's Legacy: As King Cyrus conquered Babylon, Daniel's visions were realized, showcasing the fulfillment of God's plan. Daniel, having served in the Babylonian court and witnessing the transition of power to the Persians, continued to play a role in advising the new rulers, including Cyrus. His faithfulness and wisdom left a lasting impact on the unfolding narrative of the Jewish people.

The Prophecy of Isaiah and Cyrus's Decree: Centuries earlier, the prophet Isaiah had foretold the liberation of the Israelites by a ruler named Cyrus. In a remarkable passage found in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 45:1-3), Cyrus's name is mentioned, and it is prophesied that he would be an instrument in God's hands to facilitate the return of the Israelites and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Moved by divine guidance, Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple. This act of liberation and the decree to rebuild was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, as well as a realization of Daniel's earlier visions.

Return and Rebuilding: Under the leadership of figures like Ezra and Nehemiah, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem. With the blessing and support of Cyrus, they undertook the monumental task of rebuilding the Second Temple, completed in 515 BCE.

The Arrival of Jesus: Fast forward to the 1st century CE, Jesus of Nazareth emerges as a central figure. He preached a message of love, compassion, and the Kingdom of God. His teachings gained followers, and his ministry led to conflicts with religious authorities.

Crucifixion and Resurrection: Around 30 CE, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities. This event became a pivotal moment in Christian theology. According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead three days later, an event known as the Resurrection. This event is considered central to Christian faith, signifying victory over sin and death.

Legacy of Moses: The story of Moses, the Exodus, and the liberation from Egyptian bondage left an indelible mark on Jewish identity. It reinforced the importance of faith and obedience in the face of adversity.

Legacy of Daniel: Daniel's role in interpreting visions and prophecies, including those related to the rise of Cyrus, demonstrated his unwavering faith and wisdom. His legacy extended beyond the Babylonian captivity, influencing the unfolding narrative of the Jewish people.

Legacy of Cyrus: Cyrus's role in the liberation of the Israelites and the fulfillment of the prophecies in Isaiah earned him a favorable place in Jewish history. His ingenious conquest of Babylon, guided by divine intervention, highlighted his pivotal role in the historical narrative.

May God bless all who seek peace in this world and may he protect his people from the constant threat of extinction. I stand with his people. Have a great day.