New recruits of the Israeli Navy place their hands on the Bible as they swear allegiance to the IDF and the State of Israel. In the times of Nehemiah, the those rebuilding Jerusalem were responsible for the defense and protection of the Holy City. Today, the soldiers of the IDF are the ones responsible for protecting Israel. Israeli soldiers are the spiritual descendants of Nehemiah’s workforce who are reminded that it is not their strength alone that protects the nations, but Hashem above.
VIDEO: Biblical IDF Swearing-In Ceremony
הַבּוֹנִ֧ים בַּחוֹמָ֛ה וְהַנֹּשְׂאִ֥ים בַּסֶּ֖בֶל עֹמְשִׂ֑ים בְּאַחַ֤ת יָדוֹ֙ עֹשֶׂ֣ה בַמְּלָאכָ֔ה וְאַחַ֖ת מַחֲזֶ֥קֶת הַשָּֽׁלַח׃ who were rebuilding the wall. The basket-carriers were burdened, doing work with one hand while the other held a weapon. ha-bo-NEEM ba-kho-MAH v'-ha-no-s'-EEM ba-SE-vel o-m'-SEEM b'-a-KHAT ya-DO o-SEH va-m'-la-KHAH v'-a-KHAT ma-kha-ZE-ket ha-SHA-lakh
Related Names and Places: Jerusalem
Relate Bible Verses: Chapter 4
