Israel has the landmass of Vermont, the population of Honduras and its economy barely edges out that of Ireland. And yet the Jewish state rivals nations 5-10 times its size in military firepower.
That was the conclusion of the annual Global Firepower survey that ranks world militaries based on an algorithm that allows smaller, more technologically-advanced nations to compete with larger, lesser-developed powers.
Israel spends a hefty portion of its annual budget on the military, and the Jewish state is well-known as a technological superpower. So it is little surprise that Israel was ranked 18th out of 145 nations in terms of military firepower.
Just ahead of Israel was Iran at 17th place. Ukraine this year moved up from 22nd to 15th position thanks to an influx of weaponry from NATO to help combat the Russian invasion.
The top eight places have remained unchanged for years:
- United States
- Russia
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- France
- United Kingdom
Interesting note: Most of those top powers have known nuclear arsenals. Israel has long remained ambiguous regarding its own nuclear capabilities. Were the Jewish state to make public its nuclear arsenal, it might move up the rankings by a large number of places.
Biblical significance: When the children of Israel first entered the Promised Land and were surrounded by enemies, much as they are today, God vowed to put the dread of them upon the hearts of their enemies.
“This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you.” (Deuteronomy 2:25)
But remember: Israel was winning unwinnable wars decades before it acquired the tanks, planes and missiles that today make it a formidable military force.
The true secret to Israel’s military success has always – from the time of King David to the present – been the involvement of Shomer Israel, the Guardian of Israel (Psalm 121).
“When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.” (Deuteronomy 20)
May Israel’s leaders (including the IDF) today recognize and publicly acknowledge that their military strength is first and foremost the Lord, and as the Scriptures state in Psalm 44
” Through You we push back our foes.
Through Your Name we trample those rising up against us.
For I do not trust in my bow, nor can my sword save me”.
Well done highlighting the One who watches over Israel. Also it’s good to remember the cause of Israel’s many trashings, slavery and destructions over the centurys. Be alert, be loyal, be focused on the One whom you follow and has taken you as a gift to the world for His glory.
Shalom and thank you Elohim, we all knew this day was coming and now it is here, Kol Kavod L’ Elohim!!!