More Terror in France

Many are asking, “Why is yet another terror attack striking France?” Europe is under attack “especially in France” where we see “Islamic State and other Islamist groups appear… to be frighteningly effective” (Sky News, July 16, 2016). The recent timeline of terrorist attacks against France is sobering: “234 people have died in French terror attacks in [the] last 18 months—more than in the previous 100 years” (The Sun, July 15, 2015). The Nice attack was the fifth attack on France in the last two years. News organizations, analysts, and citizens are questioning “Why France?” Many say the root is France’s troubled relations with some of their former colonies in Africa. Others blame France and the EU for fighting against Muslims in the Middle East. Some point to a troubled economy and disgruntled people who kill others in their frustration.

However, the Bible provides another perspective. Long ago, God warned the Israelite-descended nations, including France (descended from the Israelite tribe of Reuben, Genesis 49:3-4), that if they rebel against His truth, God will “appoint terror over you” and that He will “break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:16, 19). The recent attack in Nice occurred when the French were celebrating Bastille Day, a day of national pride. Yet, there is hope for France and the modern descendants of Israel. The God of the Bible states, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). For more about the future of France, see our article “The End of Liberté?”