… “The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” (Zechariah 12:1-3). (Emphasis added).

December 6, 2017. U.S. President Donald Trump formally recognizes and acknowledges Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. This causes massive trembling among Muslim countries in the Middle East, the United Nations condemns the announcement, and many European countries also condemn the announcement. Muslim countries and the Palestinians threaten war and retaliation. A two-state solution is proposed by various world entities that would split Jerusalem into two states, one for Israel and one for the Palestinians. Worldwide political machinations and military maneuverings and have gone into overdrive since the announcement. These issues are in the news weekly, and sometimes daily. For many people who are not aware of the significance of these events, the media coverage can appear to be burdensome and troubling. For the politicians worldwide, the ‘Jerusalem issue’ has indeed become burdensome and difficult because of its effects on political and ideological policies. The vast majority of the world is against Jerusalem being Israel’s sole capital. UN chief: Two-state solution remains the ‘only way forward’. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.