Peace in the Bible. Come with Me from Lebanon, My Bride | Harvest of Asher

The recent developments in the dialogue between Israel and Lebanon have caused me to reflect on both Scripture and my own life. I have lived in the Western Galilee of northern Israel for 53 years. Throughout those years, I experienced every conflict along Israel's northern border. I have lived through wars, rocket attacks, military operations, and long periods of uncertainty. For most people, the name Lebanon has become associated with conflict. Yet that is not the only Lebanon I remember.

I also remember the days when Lebanese people crossed the border to work in Israel. We met each other as neighbors. There were conversations, cooperation, and everyday relationships. Those memories have remained with me through decades of conflict and remind me that peace between our peoples is not an impossible dream.

The Bible presents a remarkable picture of Lebanon. The first image appears in the Song of Songs:

"Come with Me from Lebanon, My bride…"  (Song of Solomon 4:8)

This beautiful invitation is one of love, fellowship, and hope. Instead of seeing Lebanon only as a place of conflict, Scripture reminds us that God speaks words of invitation and restoration.

The relationship between Israel and Lebanon also appears during the reign of King Solomon.

"The LORD gave Solomon wisdom... and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, just as He promised him; and the two made a covenant together." (1 Kings 5:12)

During that season of peace in the bible, the cedars of Lebanon became part of the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Rather than being separated by war, the two kingdoms worked together to build a place dedicated to the worship of God.

Centuries later, Yeshua Himself traveled beyond the borders of Israel.

"Yeshua went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon." (Matthew 15:21)

In the region of Tyre and Sidon, in present-day Lebanon, He revealed God's compassion by responding to the faith of the Canaanite woman and healing her daughter. His ministry demonstrated that the Kingdom of God reaches beyond political borders and embraces both Jews and Gentiles.

Finally, Yeshua left His followers with a calling that remains just as relevant today.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Peacemaking is not merely a political aspiration; it is a biblical calling. It begins in the heart, is shaped by faith, and reflects the character of God. No one can predict the outcome of the present discussions between Israel and Lebanon. History teaches us to be realistic, while faith calls us to remain hopeful.

As someone who has spent more than five decades living on Israel's northern border, I cannot help but imagine a different future. I would love to see this border remembered not for rockets and wars, but for peace, cooperation, and friendship once again.

The God who brought peace between Solomon and Hiram, and who sent His Son to minister in both Israel and the region of Tyre and Sidon, is still the God who calls people to reconciliation. Perhaps that is why the words of the Song of Songs continue to speak with such beauty today:

"Come with Me from Lebanon, My bride."