Lost tribes of Israel

[Benaiah468]

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The image is a hand-coloured woodcut known as the Quaternion Eagle, created around 1510 by Hans Burgkmair and coloured by Jost de Negker.

The Holy Roman Empire was a complex political entity in Central Europe that existed from the Middle Ages until 1806. It consisted of over 300 secular and ecclesiastical principalities. The eagle graphically represents the structure of the empire. It bears 56 coats of arms of various imperial estates on its feathers, including secular and ecclesiastical electors, dukes, counts and cities, representing the members of the empire. Above the eagle is Jesus on the cross.

The upper text in the original reads:

‘Das hailig römisch reich mit sampt seinen gelidern’
(The Holy Roman Empire with all its members).

The image is a meme. It humorously alludes to the large number of member states of the Holy Roman Empire by contrasting them with the proverbial, but less numerous, twelve tribes of Israel. The joke arises from the implicit juxtaposition of the complex and fragmented political structure of the empire with the relatively simple number of tribes of Israel.

 

[jonojim1337]

Secular or not (though I doubt there was such a thing in the 1500s), it’s the same bloodline.

I.e. to have any title in the Empire you need to have ’the blood’.

 

[Benaiah468]

Secular or not (though I doubt there was such a thing in the 1500s), it’s the same bloodline.

I.e. to have any title in the Empire you need to have ’the blood’.

Europe is the richest composition of the blood of Israel we know. England, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium have a considerable proportion of Israelite blood in their ranks.

 

[jonojim1337]

Europe is the richest composition of the blood of Israel we know. England, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium have a considerable proportion of Israelite blood in their ranks.

What blood is that?

 

[Benaiah468]

What blood is that?

Israel, the lost tribes, are Modern Europeans. It includes Germanic tribes (Saxon, Franks, Goths, …) Celtic people (Breton, Gauls, Iberians,…) Romans (except the Italic people) and Ancient Greeks (except the Ionians).

 

[jonojim1337]

Israel, the lost tribes, are Modern Europeans. It includes Germanic tribes (Saxon, Franks, Goths, …) Celtic people (Breton, Gauls, Iberians,…) Romans (except the Italic people) and Ancient Greeks (except the Ionians).

Last but not least

 

[timothyu]

Regardless of bloodlines, they all still follow the wrong Kingdom.

 

[jonojim1337]

Regardless of bloodlines, they all still follow the wrong Kingdom.

What?

 

[Benaiah468]

All this suggests that G-d has uniquely placed His hand on the land of Egypt throughout history. Egypt became the means of salvation for Israel, but also experienced G-d's judgement because they so often mistreated G-d's people. Yet He always seemed to pay special attention to Egypt. Like no other prophet, Isaiah foresaw G-d's plans for Egypt in chapter 19 and thus for the entire Middle East.

Isaiah's vision begins with G-d ‘come into Egypt’ (Isaiah 19:1). The immediate result is not revival and blessing, but tremendous upheaval and turmoil. There will be political chaos, ‘Egyptians will set against Egyptians’ and the rise of a ‘cruel lord’ who will rule over the nation. In this hopeless time, Egypt will call upon the Lord, and this will trigger seven amazing developments (Isaiah 19:16-24):

1 Egypt will fear the LORD and the nation of Israel.
2 Five cities will speak the language of Canaan.
3 There will be an altar to the Lord.
4 G-d will send a saviour to defend and deliver them.
5 The LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians.
6 The LORD will strike Egypt, the inhabitants will call upon him, and he will heal them.
7 There will be a highway of blessing stretching from Egypt through Israel to Assyria.

After the outbreak of the Arab Spring in 2011 and the ensuing unrest, many churches in Egypt were attacked by radical Muslim groups. At first, the government did very little to protect the churches. Soon (with Western support) an Islamist government led by the Muslim Brotherhood came to power, extinguishing any hope of religious freedom.

But in the midst of this persecution, the Egyptian church gathered in 2011 for a historic prayer meeting attended by tens of thousands of believers in Cairo's unusual ‘cave church.’ This was the beginning of a prayer movement that spread across many cities in Egypt. Not just one, but many prayer altars were built throughout the country. G-d answered the prayers: in 2013, Egypt experienced the largest political protests in world history, with some 30 million people taking to the streets across the country to demonstrate for a new, freer government. The media did not report on the true significance of this historic demonstration, but it led to the more open government of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The situation of the congregation in Egypt became more tolerable and the country changed its attitude towards Israel decisively.

Although there is still pressure and occasional violence from Islamist groups, the churches are growing. God reveals himself to Muslims in particular through dreams and visions. But it is equally astonishing that there has also been a significant change in their theology in recent years. With regard to Israel, many churches strongly advocated replacement theology, but today that is changing.

In recent years, Egyptian Christians have begun to celebrate biblical festivals. For example, every year more than 700 believers have gathered in various locations to celebrate the Passover.

Zechariah 14:16-19 speaks of the nations coming to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Tabernacles

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that com enot up to keep the feast of tabernacles. Zec 14:18

G-d is going to open a door for our Egyptian brothers and sisters so that they can come and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. The Word of G-d issues a warning to the nations that do not come to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, and He mentions Egypt in particular. But it is better the other way around: if they come to the Feast of Tabernacles, G-d will give rain to their nation, which means that a special blessing will be released over Egypt.

 

[Benaiah468]

It is very disturbing to hear US President Trump ordering Israel to do this or that, and then threatening it covertly or openly if it does not obey. He called on Israel to stop attacking Iran and Hezbollah, not to extend its sovereignty over its land, not to interfere in Syria, and to allow foreign soldiers into the Gaza Strip. Fortunately, Israel has only partially obeyed! We pray that believers in the US will recognise how dangerous Trump's attitude towards Israel is, especially for their nation, and that they will pray for him and America (Ezekiel 22:30-32). In the meantime, we take our position as watchmen over Israel (Isaiah 62:6-7).

King Jesus, we are grateful that You are never confused about the thinking and planning of the nations. Please guide us as we seek to do Your will on earth (Ps 71:1; 1 Cor 14:33).

King of kings, You have appointed today's world leaders, including Trump (Prov 8:15; Dan 2:21a), so please use them as You used Pharaoh, Cyrus and others to advance the goals of Your kingdom (Rom 9:15-23).

G-d of g-ds, let global pressure cause Israel to be the nation that dwells alone (Num 23:9b), and show the Israelis, especially during Hanukkah, how You forbid them to be like all other nations (Ezek 20:32-38).

Almighty G-d, anoint Bibi and other Israeli leaders with wisdom and boldness to deal with Trump and the US government, including the use of Bible verses in their speeches (Exodus 4:11-12; Jeremiah 1:9).

Lord, if Netanyahu's visit to Trump does not come from You, please cancel it (Job 11:10).

Abba Father, if it does come from You, then overlook everything that will happen there (Ps 103:19; Prov 16:1+9).

Lord, protect Bibi's entourage and give them wisdom when they meet with US officials (Ps 23:3b).

Shield of Abraham, strengthen Your protection, both physical and spiritual, over all international representatives of Israel (Ps 91:3-8; 121:4).

Lord Jesus, bring Christian Zionists into the lives of Israeli representatives and let them encourage the Israelis by sharing with them what Your Word says about Israel (Ps 40:11; 43:3a; 86:1; 98:3).

G-d of Jacob, as You did with Balaam, turn all curses against Your people from nations, global NGOs and the media into blessings, simply because You love them (Deu 23:5; 33:3).

King Messiah, write on the walls of the UN what You wrote to Belshazzar (Dan 5:25-28), and suddenly remove this anti-Christian organisation from the earth.

 

[Yusuphhai]

Israel Style of Blessings from China to Germany.

 

[Benaiah468]

Today's weekly reading, Vayechi, conceals a profound secret on the peshat and sod levels. This Torah portion deals with Jacob's last days in Egypt, where he blesses his sons and arranges his succession before he dies. We remember (#73) that there are four different levels at which to consider a scripture: pashat (literal explanation): one simply reads the text; remes (hint): the text points to a deeper truth than is apparent on the surface; Darash (allegory): studying the scriptures or other sources to explore the meaning; Sod (mystical meaning): hidden secrets are discovered. The initial letters of these four words, PRDS, form the Hebrew word for paradise. The tree of life, the Torah, stands in paradise. Studying the word of YHVH on these four levels yields abundant nourishment from the tree of life, the Torah.

On his deathbed, according to Hebrew custom, Jacob called his sons to bless them. Jacob said to Joseph,

Bring them (Joseph's sons), I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them. Gen 48:9b

And Jacob said to Joseph,

I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, G-d hath shewed me also thy seed. Gen 48:11b

In the original text, the word for sons is seed. Jacob continued

The Angel (=malak = messenger) 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. Gen 48:16

Although the sons Ephraim and Manasseh were born to an Egyptian mother, Jacob recognized them as his own flesh and blood: this was not a case of adoption. The sons were his blood sons. And Jacob did not decide this on his own, but G-d showed it to him. He says that he would not have thought of it.

And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. Gen 48:5

This means that the paternal line was decisive and they were considered full Hebrew sons. Jacob emphasized this by saying, like Reuben and Simeon, the first and second sons of him and Leah. Ephraim was given the name Israel.

Interestingly, the original text does not mention that the sons were adopted, as is the case in many Bible translations. This ultimately led to the separation of the Church from Israel. The whole house of Israel consists of the house of Judah (the Jews) and the house of Israel (the ten scattered tribes, also called Ephraim or the house of Jacob), as the seed of Abraham or Jacob:

let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; Gen 48:16b

The seed of Ephraim is a seed of blood.

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed (according to the Hebrew understanding: sons of blood), and heirs according to the promise. Gal 3:29

Seed means physical seed in the Hebrew understanding. We are Israel, the house of Israel, Ephraim. Jesus came primarily for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Unfortunately, most believers have lost their identity as the house of Israel. All twelve tribes, not just the tribe of Judah, which is already partially in the land of Israel, will return home in the coming greater exodus.

On his deathbed, Joseph said:

I die: and G-d will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Gen 50:24

All twelve tribes returned at that time, and in the end, all twelve tribes will return again

Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord G-d; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. Ezek 37:19

The Church has not replaced the House of Judah! The OT always refers to the qehillah, which is also called qehillah in Hebrew in the New Covenant. In Greek, the word is sunagógé or ekklésia. But this is one and the same Hebrew word qehillah. There has always been only one qehillah, the people of Israel, consisting of the House of Judah and the House of Israel. The House of Israel was scattered throughout the world, and it is assumed that millions of believers represent the House of Israel, only that they have lost their identity. But now, after 27 centuries of completed punishment, believers worldwide are waking up and rediscovering their identity and recognizing that the Torah is His valid word. On the other hand, more and more from the house of Judah are recognizing that the Messiah is Jesus and that we, from the house of Israel, are His brothers. We are on the path to the fulfillment of biblical prophecies: one kingdom, one king, and one constitution, the Torah.

 

[Benaiah468]

In the Torah reading for the Sabbath, Vayechi, Jacob proclaimed on his deathbed that G-d is the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel... the Almighty (Genesis 49:24-25). This is also our G-d through our Redeemer, the Messiah Jesus.

Lord Jesus, Shepherd of Israel, we are so grateful for Your declaration that Your sheep hear Your voice, and we ask You to open our ears so that we may hear You even more clearly (John 10:27).

We praise You, King Messiah, for being the stone that was rejected by the Jewish leaders of Your time, yet You became the cornerstone and foundation stone of Your body (Ps 118:22; Isa 28:16; Mt 21:42; Eph 2:20; 1 Pe 2:6-7).

G-d of Israel, we thank You for Joseph's faith, which challenges our faith, because he was able to recognize, in retrospect, that You turned what his brothers intended to harm him into good (Genesis 50:20).

We praise You, G-d, for being the Unshakeable Shaker (Job 9:4-6; Ps 18:7-8; Isa 2:19; Acts 16:26).

 

[Yusuphhai]

Circumcision of the Heart

Circumcision of the Heart Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell...

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Mature Christians would find that the seed planted in their hearts comes from God's promise to Abraham. God established a covenant with Abraham and his descendants (seed). Non Abrahamic descendants (seed) are far away from the covenant in varying degrees. Why does Paul think that the Gentile believer is the seed of Abraham in spiritual sense? Paul emphasized that the seed was singular, and Yeshua, as the special seed of Abraham, planted the covenant of Abraham and subsequent holy covenants in the hearts of Gentile believers. Why is Yeshua the seed of Abraham? He (Word) narrowed and lowered himself, and his body entered a specific historical era, inheriting and fulfilling the covenant of Abraham and the holy covenants of all ages. This seed is in Abraham and his descendants (historical significance), and Abraham and his descendants are also in this seed (truth significance).

Be Abrahamic descendants does not mean doing harm to Gentile Characters. Yeshua the seed manages 70 angels to care the 70 nations of the world. “believe on/in Jesus Christ truly” is good. Every nation has its unique understanding about faith (amen, truth). Enter the heart(core) of Abrahamic Faith is a long learning journey. Abraham is the father of all believers.

 

[Benaiah468]

But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come. Ezek 36:8

Shechem, Mount Gerizim, and Mount Ebal are geographical locations of immense biblical and historical significance. This region is considered the heartland of Israel. The world calls it the "West Bank". Between 600,000 and 700,000 Jews live there, referring to this land by its biblical names of Judea, located in the south, and Samaria, located in the north.

Under Joshua, after the exodus from Egypt, the borders of the Promised Land included the Golan (biblically: Bashan), Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and parts of the East Bank (parts of Jordan and Syria). The East Bank is east of the Jordan River and the West Bank is west of it.

Samaria and Judea included the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh.

When Abram heard YHVH's call to leave his country, he set out and came to the land of Canaan

And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, Gen 12:6a

The Torah first mentions Shechem as the preliminary destination of Abraham's journey through the land of Canaan. There, at the oak tree of More, YHVH appeared to Abram and said:

Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. Gen 12:7b

Northeast of Shechem, Abram built another altar to YHVH (Genesis 12:8).

It was in this very heartland of Israel that YHVH made His promise to Abram and his descendants.

It was there, in Shechem, that Jacob bought land after his encounter with Esau:

And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. And he erected there an altar, and called it EleloheIsrael. Gen 33:18-20

After successfully settling and conquering all of Canaan, Joshua gathered all twelve tribes of Israel in the valley of Shechem (Nabus Valley) between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.

Moses told the Israelites that as soon as YHVH had brought them into the land to take possession of it, they should

put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal. Deu 11:29

Moses also commanded them to select large, uncut stones, whitewash them with lime, and set them up on Mount Ebal. He also instructed them to build an altar there to offer sacrifices to YHVH. Furthermore, he explained,

thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly. Deu 27:8

After the Israelites had crossed the Jordan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali were to

stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Deu 27:13b

and the other tribes were to

stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, Deu 27:12b

Then the blessings that would be bestowed upon those who obeyed YHVH's law and the curses that would befall those who broke his law would be enumerated (Deu 27:12-14). As soon as the curses for disobedience were proclaimed, the whole people were to say “Amen,” meaning “So be it,” to show that they agreed that evildoers deserved to be cursed (Deu 27:15-26).

After the Israelites' victory at Ai, Joshua built an altar to YHVH on Mount Ebal, following Moses' instructions. There he wrote on stones (perhaps, but not necessarily, on the stones of the altar)

a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. Josh 8:32b

Then he read to the entire assembly of Israel (including the strangers who lived among them), who had assembled as Moses had commanded,

all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. Josh 8:34b

Half of the assembly stood before Mount Ebal and the other half before Mount Gerizim. The Ark of the Covenant and the Levites were between the two groups (Joshua 8:30-35). The location of the slopes of the two mountains provided excellent acoustics.

As we have seen, this event took place in the heart of the Promised Land and near the place where YHVH had promised the land to Abram.

YHVH chose this land as the gateway for Abraham and later for the children of Israel. Is it any wonder that this very piece of land, this gateway, is occupied?

But YHVH has the final say in this matter as well.

 

[Benaiah468]

We continue to pray that Israel will extend its sovereignty over all the land west of the Jordan River and be very successful in attacking "Palestinian" terrorists in G-d's land. While we see answers to both, worldwide opposition to the extension of Israel's sovereignty has increased, even from its Western “allies”!

Messiah Jesus, lay it on the hearts of believers to pray for Israel, that it may take possession of its inheritance (Obadiah 1:17), and show them that this is not a political matter, but is prophetic and for the sake of Your holy name (Ezekiel 36:34-36; 37:14).

G-d of Abraham, we read how important Your covenant with the land is to You (Ps 105:1-11; Jer 32:41), and we ask You to make it just as important to Your people (Ps 115:1-3).

Abba Father, please make the expansion of Israel's sovereignty in Judea and Samaria an important and much-discussed issue in the next elections (Nehemiah 2:20).

Abba, we thank You that Israel has legalized many new and previously questionable settlements, and we ask You that they may grow in size and population and prosper abundantly (Jer 32:42-44).

Lord G-d, pour out great blessings on Your people, who are not only committed to reclaiming the Negev from criminal gangs, but also to establishing many new communities there (Isa 54:2-3).

We praise You, Lord, for allowing us to see Isaiah 27:6 fulfill in prophetic reading for Shabbat.

We praise You, G-d, that even though the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993, when most people worldwide and most Israelis wanted to see a "Palestinian" state on Your land, You heard our prayers and to this day no "Palestine" has been created (Ps 145:18; James 5:16b). Hallelujah!

Lord G-d, protect Israel from copycat attacks modeled on Hamas's attack on Oct 7, which this time could originate from Judea, Samaria, or even Israeli-Arab terrorist groups (Ps 44:5; 121:4).

King of Hosts, unleash, according to Your promise, a demoralizing fear and terror of the IDF upon the enemies of Israel in Your land (Ex 23:27; Deu 11:24-25; Josh 2:9-11; 2 Chr 20:29).

Lord, place armed civilians in the right place at the right time to prevent terrorist attacks (Joshua 4:12).

G-d of g-ds, use the expansion of Israeli sovereignty to shame Muslims who consider your land to be "wakf territory", Allah's land forever, and use this shame to cause many to seek you (Ps 83:17).

 

[Benaiah468]

For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown: Ezek 36:9

Judea and Samaria are known for making headlines, but under the term “West Bank.” However, to truly understand the current status of this area, we must examine its biblical history, how it came to be called the West Bank, and, most importantly, what YHVH's Word says about its future.

The biblical names for the mountains of Israel are Yehuda VeShomron, and since the Six-Day War in Jun 1967, this has been the official name for the area. The mountains of Israel is a name used only for this northern and southern chain of hills that stretches out from Jerusalem. All other mountains have names such as Mount Hermon, Carmel/Carmel Mountains, Mount Tabor, etc.

As we already said, YHVH made His promise to Abram in the mountains of Israel, Jacob bought land there after his encounter with Esau, and after the successful conquest of Canaan, Joshua gathered all twelve tribes in the valley of Shechem. Shechem is now called Nablus.

"West Bank" & Gaza

If we look at the map above, we find cities that we all know from the Bible: Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron, Nablus (Shechem), and although not marked, Shiloh.

Hebron was the city of the patriarchs and the first capital of King David.

The nearby Cave of Machpela, also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs or the Tomb of the Patriarchs, is, according to biblical tradition, the place where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah are buried (Genesis 23:19).

Modern Shiloh is identified with today's Khirbet Seilun, 16 km north of Bet El. It is located on a hill that, together with other hills, surrounds a small valley with a low hill in the middle.

That small hill is ancient, biblical Shiloh. It was Israel's first spiritual center after the conquest of the land. The tabernacle with the Ark of the Covenant stood here for 369 years, and Shiloh served as the capital of Israel until Jerusalem was designated as such under King David.

Jericho was the first heavily fortified city conquered by Israel after they entered the land. The spies were hidden there with Rahab, from where they heard that the terror of Israel had come upon the inhabitants.

The city and everything in it was cursed and was to be completely destroyed, except for the silver and gold and the bronze and iron vessels, which were consecrated to YHVH. The capture of the city was brought about entirely by YHVH after it had been encircled for six days by the people, accompanied by the Ark of the Covenant and the priests blowing trumpets.

Bethlehem in Judah, also called Bethlehemjudah (Judges 17:7-9). It is first mentioned in connection with the death and burial of Rachel (Genesis 35:19).

The story of Ruth is also connected with Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1–22; 2:4).

David was anointed in the house of Jesse, the Bethlehemite, so Bethlehem was apparently David's birthplace (1 Sam 16:4; 17:12). This explains why it is called the city of David in Lk 2:11.

It was also the birthplace of Jesus. Although it was be little among the thousands of Judah (Micah 5:2), it was all the more fitting for his humiliation. Bethlehem means house of bread and is therefore a very fitting name for the place from which Jesus was to come as a human being; He who came as the living bread from heaven.

Throughout the centuries, Jewish rabbis have said that there are three places to which the nations of the world can never lay claim.

Shechem, because Jacob had bought land there:

And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. And he erected there an altar, and called it EleloheIsrael. Gen 33:18-30

The Cave of Machpelah, because Abraham had bought land there for the burial of his wife Sarah:

And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city. Gen 23:17-18

And the Temple Mount, because David had bought the land:

And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost. So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. 1 Chr 21:24-25

And it is precisely these three places that are temporarily occupied.