To the Editor:

I would like to comment on Pat O’Hara’s letter (July 20) which called Israel America’s enemy.

God has chosen Israel to be his treasured possession and his inheritance. God has given Israel to the Jewish people and the borders were clearly defined thousands of years ago by God. Israel is to become a “priestly kingdom and a holy nation” and a people holy to the Lord; Jesus Christ, “Immanuel, God with us,” was born in Israel, ministered there, crucified there and bodily resurrected there. The intimacy of God’s relationship with Israel is signaled by the fact that our “enemy” Israel is at times referred to as his bride.

I don’t think America would want to be the opponent of a country so highly esteemed by God. Further, the battle of Armageddon will be fought in Israel where the forces of evil (God/Israel’s enemies, hopefully not us) are to be destroyed by the forces of God.

According to the Bible, not long after God/Israel’s enemies are destroyed, Jesus will return and rule and reign physically from Israel where spying will not be part of his agenda.

God has promised to bless his friends and curse his enemies; under the present administration, Mr. O’Hara may be right, but I hope not.

Richie Colbeth

John Day