For centuries after the destruction of Jerusalem, the biblical Pool of Siloam mentioned in the gospel accounts of the Bible lay covered, hidden under silt and debris. In 2004, work by an Israeli water company uncovered steps of the ancient pool near the Temple Mount (Fox News, September 7, 2023).

Last Saturday, in a coordinated assault from the land, sea, and air, Hamas attacked Israeli targets from Gaza. Over 1,200 were killed in Israel, more than 100 hostages were taken, and Hamas is threatening to kill the hostages, who include old ladies and children. In response, Israel’s prime minister has declared war on Hamas and Israel has been pounding targets in Gaza with a military response.

On October 7, 2023, monsters descended on the nation of Israel.

As word spread, many Israelis rushed to their cellphones or television screens to see images of terrorists crossing Israel’s borders by land and sea—even by air in small, improvised aircraft. They descended upon a music festival packed with dancing youth. They encroached on neighborhoods. They entered homes. And their mission was clear: to kill, to maim, to rape, to torture, and to kidnap.

That is, to terrorize.

In recent weeks, devastating events have occurred around the Mediterranean. Libya saw massive flooding as intense rain of more than 16 inches (40 cm) over two days caused dams to break (AP, September 13, 2023). In the coastal city of Derna, over 11,000 people were reported dead and thousands more were still missing (Euronews, September 15, 2023).