One in Messiah Congregation
Lost Tribes or Scattered ?
It all starts here:
I Kings 11 - read all of this chapter slow
-------------------------------------
The kingdom of Israel reached its height at the time of David and Solomon, approximately 1,000 years before the time of Yeshua. During the reign of Solomon?s son, Rehobam, the northern ten tribes of Israel split away from Judah and Benjamin. Thus the kingdom was divided into the northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribes of Judah.
The northern tribes of Israel were taken into captivity by the Assyrians in the eighth century B.C. and the southern tribes of Judah were taken into captivity during the sixth century. The Bible records that the captivity of Judah returned to the land of Israel during the fifth century B.C. (Ezra, Neh)
Bible does not record any major description of the restoration of the northern tribes. There has been much speculation over the years as to the question, "Where are the lost ten tribes?"
There are many dangerous cult groups that claim to be "actual" descendents of the ten northern tribes. This ranges from groups in Japan, Gypsies, Africian Americans, Britan, Native Americans and the list goes on and on.
There are some elements in Mormonism, the World Wide Church of God, the Armstrong group and Jehovah?s Witnesses that make similar claims. It has even affected parts of the Christian Zionist movement and the many flavors of the Two house doctrine in the Messianic world today ( 2006 ).
Beware of books with information that is not provable!
These books alway use terms such as:
1) it may be
2) it seems to be
3) sounds like
4) a possibility
5) sounds crazy but...
6) it feels like
7) put together histories, fables, Jewish fables and endless genealogies
Paul and Peter warn us:
1Tim.1 [4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies , which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1Tim.4[ 7] But refuse profane and old wives' fables , and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
2Tim.4[ 3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;[4 ] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables .
Tit.1[ 14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables , and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Tit.3[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
2Pet.1[ 16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables , when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
--------------------
All the tribes of Israel are included in what we call today the Jewish people. There is much biblical evidences that prove this position.
During the time of the kingdom division and the captivities,
a certain percentage of each of the northern tribes came down and took up residence
in the area of Judah. After that time the name Judah or the Jews referred not
only to the specific tribe of Judah but also to the Benjaminites, the Levites
and the remnant of all the northern tribes.
Tribes are not lost here:
Exod.1 [7]And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Esth.3 [8]And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
Esth.8 [9] Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
The Remnant
The book of II Chronicles records many times that the members of the northern tribes immigrated to Judah after the kingdom division. This happened from the very moment of the division.
2Chr.10[ 16] And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.[ 17] But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.
It could not be stated more clearly that there were members of the Israeli tribes living in the territory of Judah.
II Chronicles 11:3 states that Rehobam was the king not only of Judah but to ALL Israel living IN Judah and Benjamin.
2Chr.11[3] Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,
II Chronicles 11: 16-17 states that members of ALL the tribes of Israel who were loyal to God came down to Jerusalem and strengthened the kingdom of Judah.
2Chr.11[ 16] And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers .[17] So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.
II Chronicles 15:9 tells us that during the revival of King Assa that there were "great numbers from Israel" who came over to Judah.
2Chr.15[ 9] And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.
II Chronicles 24:5 speaks of members gathered from all the tribes of Israel.
2Chr.24[ 5] And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.
II Chronicles 30:18 to 27 speaks of the children of the Israelite tribes who came to Judah during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
2Chr.30[
18] For
a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim,
and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed
themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But
Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one[
19] That prepareth his heart to seek
God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the
purification of the sanctuary.
[20] And the LORD hearkened
to Hezekiah, and healed the people.[21
] And the
children of Israel
that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened
bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised
the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD
.[22] And
Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge
of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace
offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.
[23] And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other
seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.
[24]
For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks
and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand
bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.
[25] And all the congregation of Judah,
with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of
Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt
in Judah, rejoiced.
[26]
So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son
of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.
[27] Then the priests the Levites
arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came
up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.
II Chronicles 31:1 to 6 speaks of members of the tribes of Ephraim, Menassah, Zebulun, and Asher coming to Jerusalem.
2Chr.31[1
] Now when all this was finished,
all Israel
that were present went out to the cities of Judah,
and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the
high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin,
in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly
destroyed them all. Then
all the children of Israel returned
, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
[2] And Hezekiah appointed the
courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according
to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings,
to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of
the LORD.
[3] He appointed also the king's
portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and
evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for
the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.
[4] Moreover he commanded the
people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites,
that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.
[5] And as soon as the commandment
came abroad, the children of Israel
brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and
honey, and of all the increase of the fields; and the tithe of all things brought
they in abundantly.
[6] And concerning the
children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities
of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and
sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their
God, and laid them by heaps.
II Chronicles 34:6 adds to that list members of the tribes Simeon and Naphtali.
II Chronicles 34:9 states clearly that there were members of "ALL THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL" who were living in Jerusalem after the time of the Assyrian captivity.
2Chr.34[1
] Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign,
and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.
[2] And he did that which was
right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father,
and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.
[3] For in the eighth year of
his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David
his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from
the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.
[4] And they brake down the
altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them,
he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images,
he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of
them that had sacrificed unto them.
[5] And he burnt the bones of
the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
[6] And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim,
and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about.
[7]
And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven
images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel,
he returned to Jerusalem.
[8] Now in the eighteenth year
of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the
son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of
Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
[9] And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they
delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites
that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of
all the remnant of Israel
, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to
Jerusalem.
II Chronicles 35:3 mentions the Levites taught "all Israel" who were part of Judah.
2Chr.35[ 3] And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel , which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
II Chronicles 35:317 mentions the children of Israel kept the Passover
[17] And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.
Captivity Restored - Ezra and Nehemiah
After the Babylonian captivity, the nation of Israel was restored under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. In those books are extensive genealogical records. The fact that there were careful genealogical records proves that not only were the northern Israelites part of the restoration, but that they kept records of their families and they knew which tribe they were from.
Ezra 2:2 starts the records of "the number of the men of the people of ISRAEL."
Ezra.2[ 2] Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
Ezra 2:59 states that people had specific genealogical records not only to which of the northern tribes they were a part of, but even as to which household: "identify their father?s house of their genealogy, whether they were of Israel."
Those who had records but were not perfectly documented were disqualified and had to wait for supernatural verification by the Urim and Thumin (should they ever arise). This proves how meticulous and well documented were the great majority of the family records (Ezra 2:62-63).
Ezra 2:70 again speaks of "all" Israel dwelling in Judah after the restoration of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Read below:
Ezra.2[
59] And these were they which
went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer:
but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed,
whether they were of Israel:
[60]
The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six
hundred fifty and two.
[61] And of the children of
the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of
Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and
was called after their name:
[62] These sought their register among those that were
reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted,
put from the priesthood.
[63] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
[64]
The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and
threescore,
[65] Beside their servants and
their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven:
and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.
[66] Their horses were seven
hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
[67] Their camels, four hundred
thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
[68] And some of the chief of
the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem,
offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:
[69] They gave after their ability
unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and
five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
[70] So the priests, and the
Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the
Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in
their cities.
Ezra 6:16 and 21 speaks specifically of "the children of Israel who had returned from the captivity."
Ezra.6:[16
] And the children of Israel, the priests, and the
Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication
of this house of God with joy,
[17] And offered at the dedication
of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number
of the tribes of Israel.
[18] And they set the priests
in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God,
which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
[19] And the children of the
captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
[20] For the priests and the
Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover
for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests,
and for themselves.
[21] And the children of Israel,
which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves
unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD
God of Israel, did eat,
[22] And kept the feast of unleavened
bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the
heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work
of the house of God, the God of Israel.
read Ezra 9:1 and Chapt. 10 which speak of the problem that the Israelites had with inter-marriage.
read all of Nehemiah 7 which repeats the genealogy of the Israelite tribes that were recorded in Ezra 2.
Nehemiah 9 speaks of the seed of Israel separating from the Gentiles
Neh.9[ 2] And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
Nehemiah 13:3 speaks of separating Israel from the mixed multitude
Neh.13[ 3] Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
-----------------------
Metaphorical speech
Pss.119[ 176] I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Isa.53[ 6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Jer.50[ 6] My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.
If you say Ephraim and Manasseh are the nations ( or protestants churches of today ), then Yeshua said go not to them
Matt.10[ 1] And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.[ 2] Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;[3 ] Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;[ 4] Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.[5 ] These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles ( Nations ), and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: [[6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matt.15[
22] And, behold, a
woman of Canaan came out of the same
coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David;
my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
[24] But he answered and said,
I am not sent but unto the
lost sheep of the house of Israel
.
Matt.18[ 12] How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? [ 13] And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep , than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
1Pet.2[ 25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
---------------------------
God "did multiply" the children of Israel as the stars and as the sand
prophesy
Metaphorical speech
Gen.17[ 15] And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.[16] And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Gen.22[17] That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Gen.24[ 60] And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
Gen.26[ 4] And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven , and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
Gen.32[12] And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.
Gen.35[
3] And Abram fell on his face:
and God talked with him, saying,[4
] As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt
be a father of many ations.
[5] Neither shall thy name any
more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for
a father of many nations have I made thee.
[11] And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
Gen.48[[ 13] And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.[14] And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.[15 ] And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,[16] The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth .[17] And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head.[18 ] And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.[ 19] And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations .[20] And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
Exod.32 [13] Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
----------------
Fulfillment ( and to be fulfilled at the very end )
1451 B.C.
Deut.1[10] The LORD your God hath multiplied you , and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude .
Deut.10[22] Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.
Deut.28 [62] And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude ; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.
approx. 446 B.C.
Neh.9[23] Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven , and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
A.D.
Rev.5[ 9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev.7[ 4] And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. ( all 12 tribes )
[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Gospels and letters
Anna in Luke 2
In Luke 2:36 the prophetess Anna is listed as coming from the tribe of Asher , one of the most northern and least populated tribes of Israel.
Luke.2[ 36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
The Gospels and letters state clearly that people who were considered Jews in the time of Yeshua included people from the northern ten tribes of Israel, and that they had genealogical documentation as to which tribe they were from.
How could the tribe of Asher, for instance, be "lost" from 700 years before Yeshua, if Anna knew here descendancy from Asher during the time of the Gospels?
Yeshua and the Apostles
Yeshua ministered all over the land of Israel. He addressed the Jewish people there. In all of His preaching, He is speaking to all the descendants of Israel. Yeshua never mentioned once the possibility that there was some other group or some lost tribe of Israel. In preaching to the Jews of the first century, Yeshua said that He was called to go to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" not just a few Tribes. (Matthew 10:6)
Many times the apostles addressed the crowd of Jews in the first century knowing they were all the descendants of Israel.
In Acts 2:22 Peter turns to the "Jews" living in Jerusalem and refers to them as "men of Israel." Peter concludes his sermon addressing his crowd s "ALL the house of Israel" (Acts 2:36).
Peter clearly is addressing the Jewish people in the first century which included all the tribes of Israel.
Peter continued this way of addressing the people, as all the house of Israel, in his other preaching. Read below.
Paul addressed the Jews of the first century as "men of Israel" and to the Jews as Israelites throughout his preaching.
Below are all the verses:
Matt.2[ 6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Yeshua the Messiah
Matt.10[ 6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel .
Matt.15[ 24] But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The twelve disciples were seen to be future leaders to "sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:27-28).
Matt.19[ 27] Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?[ 28] And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mark.12[ 29] And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel ; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Mark.15[ 32] Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
Luke.113]
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard;
and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name
John.
[14] And thou shalt have joy
and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
[15] For he shall be great in
the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he
shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the
Lord their God.
YESHUA [68
] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Luke.2[ 25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel : and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
[32] A light
to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
[33] And Joseph and his mother
marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
[34] And Simeon blessed them,
and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising
again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce
through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
[36] And there was one Anna,
a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great
age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of
about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served
God with fastings and prayers night and day.
[38] And she coming in that
instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that
looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luke.22[ 28] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.[29 ] And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;[30] That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel .
Luke.24[ 21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel : and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
John.1[ 31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel , therefore am I come baptizing with water.
[49] Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
John.12[ 13] Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Acts.2
[5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
[
22] Ye men of
Israel , hear these words; Jesus of
Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs,
which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts.3[ 12] And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel , why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Acts.4[ 8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel , that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Acts.5[ 21] And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.
[31] Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
[35] And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
Acts.9[ 15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel :
Acts.10[ 36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts.13[16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
[17] The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
[23] Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
[24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Acts.21[ 26] Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.[27] And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,[ 28] Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
Acts.28[ 20] For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
Rom.9[ 4] Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
[6] Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
[27] Esaias also crieth concerning Israel , Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
[31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Rom.10[ 1] Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
[19] But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
[21] But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Paul Rom.11[ 1] I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
[2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
[7] What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Paul 2Cor.11[ 22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
Paul Acts.21[ 39] But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
Paul Phil.3[ 5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Heb.8[ 8] For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah[10] For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
Rom.11[ 5] Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the elect ion of grace.
[7] What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
[28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rev.7[4] And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Rev.21[ 12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
This is the only time Ephraim is memtioned in the New Testament ( as a city, not a tribe ).
John.11[54] Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
James to the 12 Tribes
The letter of James is addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" James 1:1.
He is speaking of some lost tribes, NO!! Rather to the scattered audience of Jewish believers in Yeshua of the first century.
What about the letter to the Hebrews? The group here called "Hebrews" are not lost, but rather the Jewish people of the first century.
Apostle Paul
Are Jews Israelites? YES!! Are Jews Hebrews? YES!!
PAUL SAID:
2Cor.11[ 22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
Rom.11[1] I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite , of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin . [2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.
Phil.3:[5 ] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Acts.21[ 39] But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus , a city in Cilicia,
Acts.22[ 3] I am verily a man which am a Jew , born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
Acts.26[ 5] Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Acts.23[ 6] But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee : of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
--------------------------
The Remnant of Israel
Let's look at Romans 9
Please look at the promises made to the restoration of the believing remnant of Israel, spoken of in the book of Romans, chapter 9 to 11. Here Paul expresses his prayer for his fellow brothers, the children of Israel to be saved (Romans 9 &10). These Jews are the same people who rejected Yeshua in the first century. It was not some lost tribe that rejected Him. Paul states that God has not forsaken the people of Israel (Romans 11:1). There is a remnant of Israel by the election of grace (Romans 11:5). What Israel did not achieve, the elect have received (Romans 11:7). The falling away of Israel has meant the salvation of the Gentile nations (Romans 11). Their restoration will be their resurrection from the dead (Romans 11). Romans 9 to 11 only makes sense if it is speaking about the people we know today as the Jewish people, the 12 Tribes.
Please don't fall into the trap of the Mormons, Jehovah?s Witnesses, Christian Zionists, many flavors of the 2 House Doctrine or to some other native people group that erases the power and promises of God.
-----------------------------------------
Jer.23[ 3] And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
Jer.29[ 14] And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
Jer.32[ 37] Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:[38] And they shall be my people, and I will be their God :[39] And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:[ 40] And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.[ 41] Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.[42] For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.[ 43] And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, It is desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.[44 ] Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal them, and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.
Ezek.20[ 34] And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.
[41] I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.
Ezek.34[ 13] And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
Ezek.36[ 24] For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
Ezek.37[ 21] And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:
Mic.2[ 12] I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.
--------------------------------
John.11[ 52] And not for that nation only, but that also he ( Messiah ) should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Jas.1[ 1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Acts.2[ 5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews , devout men, out of every nation under heaven .
[22] Ye men of Israel , hear these words;
-----------------
Rom.8[
14] For
as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
[16]
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that
we are the children of God:
[21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God .
Rom.9[ 6] Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:[ 7] Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.[ 8] That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Gal.3[
26] For
ye are all the children of God by
faith in Christ Jesus.[
27] For as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.[28
] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for
ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
[29] And if ye be Christ's,
then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
---------------------
Ref. to the whole house of Israel
Lev.10[ 6] And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.
Jer.13[ 11] For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.
Ezek.37[ 11] Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
Ezek.39[ 25] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel , and will be jealous for my holy name;
Ezek.45[ 6] And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, over against the oblation of the holy portion: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.
----------------------------------
69 matches. synagogue ( s ) Jacob's sons are not lost here.
Pss.74[ 8] They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
Matt.4[ 23] And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogue s, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Matt.6[ 2] Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
[5] And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matt.9[ 35] And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogue s, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
Matt.10[ 17] But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
Matt.12[ 9] And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue :
Matt.13[ 54] And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue , insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Matt.23[ 6] And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogue s,
[34] Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Mark.1[ 21] And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
[23] And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue , they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
[39] And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
Mark.3[ 1] And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
Mark.5[ 22] And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue , Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
[35] While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue 's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
[36] As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
[38] And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue , and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
Mark.6[ 2] And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue : and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
Mark.12[ 39] And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
Mark.13[ 9] But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Luke.4[ 15] And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
[16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
[20] And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
[28] And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
[33] And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
[38] And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
[44] And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
Luke.6[ 6] And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
Luke.7[ 5] For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue .
Luke.8[ 41] And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue : and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
[49] While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue 's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
Luke.11[ 43] Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogue s, and greetings in the markets.
Luke.12[ 11] And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
Luke.13[ 10] And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
[14] And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
Luke.20[ 46] Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
Luke.21[ 12] But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
John.6[ 59] These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
John.9[ 22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
John.12[ 42] Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue :
John.16[ 2] They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
John.18[ 20] Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue , and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Acts.6[ 9] Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
Acts.9[ 2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogue s, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
[20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogue s, that he is the Son of God.
Acts.13[ 5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogue s of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
[14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
[15] And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue , the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
Acts.14[ 1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Acts.15[ 21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Acts.17[ 1] Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
[10] And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
[17] Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
Acts.18[ 4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
[7] And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue . [8] And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue , believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
[17] Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue , and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
[19] And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
[26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue : whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Acts.19[ 8] And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Acts.22[ 19] And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
Acts.24[ 12] And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
Acts.26[ 11] And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Rev.2[ 9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Rev.3[ 9] Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.