Peace does not require the end, or absence, of conflict. While this may contradict the definition of ‘peace’ which is promoted by the world, it does not contradict the teaching of Jesus. In John 14:27, Jesus told the first church, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: …” (KJV). Use your favorite resource(s) and define the word Jesus used for “peace – (eirene)”. Next, take the definition and apply it to the context and discover what Jesus said in the same context. In John 15:18-20, Jesus taught the same called-out assembly that they would be, both, hated and persecuted by the world. Does the hatred and persecution of/by/from the world, in any way, negate the “peace” of/from Jesus? Absolutely not! So, peace does not require an end, or absence, of conflict.
In the message from God, through Ezekiel, unto Gog (Ezekiel 38:14-15) a specific question is asked: “On that day when My people Israel are dwelling securely (safely, KJV), will you not know [this] and come from you place in the remotest part of the north – you and many people with you, who are all riding horses – a mighty horde, a huge army?” (HCSB). There are those who advocate and promote the teaching, based on Daniel 9:25-27, that “the covenant” (27) is an agreement of peace made by the Antichrist with the nation of Israel that results in the end of conflict. The focus of this article is not to exposit the verses from Daniel, but to consider the possibility that the end, or absence, of conflict is not necessary in order for Israel to exist “securely” (Ezek. 38:14, HCSB)
Israel has demonstrated the willingness and ability to defend herself from threats and attacks. Consider the follow article from Israel 365 News:
Of the events which Jesus said would identify “the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8, ESV) peace is not one. Jesus taught that “wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6, ESV) would be among the events to identify the beginning, and escalation, of the labor pains which precede delivery.
This article from The Jerusalem Post describes the response by Israel against Hezbollah targets in southwest Syria:
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-740096
The next article from The Jerusalem Post reinforces the reality that peace does not require the end, or absence, of conflict, because the nation of Israel is under constant threat:
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-739527
In order for Israel to “dwell securely” (Ezekiel 38:14) the existence of an end, or cessation, of conflict, even for a few years, may not need to become a reality. Make no mistake, Israel will “dwell securely” for however long God has determined, right before she is attacked from the north. That she will be attacked from the north is an undeniable certainty because God has so said – Ezekiel 38:14-15. When this prophesied attack takes place, which it will, there will be “a great earthquake in the land of Israel” (Ezekiel 38:19, HCSB). Amid the plethora of considerations pertaining to prophecy and the proper understanding of specific events, it is still hard to misinterpret an earthquake. Let us be watching.