The “Lost” Tribes, the “Mystery” and the Possible BIGGER Picture
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my car in silence; but that is nothing unusual, as I frequently do that. I am the guy who drives from Oklahoma City to Amarillo without the radio on. I am thinking and listening.
As I was sitting in quietness the other day, I started having thoughts. Those imaginations became questions. …many questions.
You see… this site exists to help. Most of my musings are Biblically based. That is why I have so many questions. I require silence to hear GOD’s Spirit and enter into a dialogue of sorts. Today’s entry is based on this most recent list of questions, presumptions, and responses. Maybe they were not responses so much, as instructions as to keep looking into Scripture for details.
Here we go…!
NOTE: The people of Israel are not the only folks associated with being part of a Diaspora, but for the purpose of this writing, we will use them only. We know and understand the 10 Tribes of Northern Israel is the largest portion of the Diaspora, but the Southern has some as well. The Diaspora consisted of most of Israel proper.
NOTE: A Diaspora is “a population dispersed or displaced across multiple regions outside its geographic place of origin, typically comprising people who continue to identify—culturally, politically, religiously, or emotionally—with a particular homeland while residing elsewhere.”
NOTE: The term originates from the ancient Greek (diaspora, lit. 'dispersion') and was first used this way in reference to the Jewish exile following the Babylonian captivity.
The oldest continuing Diaspora population is generally considered the “Jewish Diaspora,” originating in the first millennium BC; the oldest continuously inhabited Diaspora community in one place is often identified as the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem.
This was (study) blog entry quite a trek, so hold tight as I work to introduce questions and possible answers to my curiosity.
By the numbers, the Ten Tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel made up the larger portion of the historical population before their exile by Assyria in 722 BCE (post Jonah).
It took about 38 years between Jonah’s message and the Assyrian takeover.
c. 760 BCE – Jonah sent to Nineveh.
740s–732 BCE – Assyrian invasions and deportations of northern Israelites.
722 BCE – Sargon II captures Samaria, deporting the northern tribes.
However, they became the "Lost Tribes" because they mostly integrated into the local inhabitants of Mesopotamia, whereas the later Babylonian and Roman dispersions of the Southern Kingdom of Judah formed the continuous, historical Judean Diaspora as well.
NOTE: Israel was one mostly whole Nation, but two separate sections.
NOTE: After the Nation split, the Northern Kingdom of Israel contained ten of the Tribes.
NOTE: In 722 BCE, the Neo-Assyrian Empire conquered the north and deported a significant portion of its upper classes and population to Upper Mesopotamia and Media, scattering the remainder.
NOTE: Unlike the Judean exiles later on, the northern exiles largely lost their distinct national and tribal identities over generations of mixing into the local cultures, leading to the customary phrase of the "Ten Lost Tribes."
Please understand that I am thinking MANY things at this moment.
What do you think about where we are headed? I have my own thoughts about many things. They ARE driven by quiet, study and research. Does the "mystery" mentioned by Paul in Colossians (and other references) for the Nations to be redeemed have anything to do with locating and restoring the tribes that were "lost" (assimilated) in the nations? I believe so.
Let’s start with Paul’s alteration and revelations start on the Damascus Road. This is located in the Book of Acts 9:3–6. It was here that things began to take shape. Yeshua gave Saul/Paul a direct charge to share Torah, Prophets and Himself with the Gentile nations (goyim).
This “mystery” was revealed to GOD’s apostles and prophets (Ephesians 3:5) and is now made known “among the Gentiles”, as seen in Colossians 1:27.
Per Scripture, the term “mystery” stems from the Greek language, meaning “hidden thing” or “secret.” It does not refer to something inconceivable or magical in the way the word is used today. Rather, it describes a Truth that GOD had kept hidden for ages but now reveals through His Spirit. It is now time, and ADONAI was preparing Paul for this task.
Amazingly, what is part of this “Mystery” is the Plan and how it connects all the build-up and Him Self (as the focus of the “Mystery”). Father always had the moment in hand when He would ignite the Flame to get the Nations outside of Israel united in one new humanity through the Messiah.
1 Timothy 3:16
Ephesians 3:6
Colossians 1:27
Ephesians 2:14–16
The prophets spoke of GOD’s blessing to “all Nations”, as per Genesis 12:3 and Isaiah 49:6. However, the bigger view of Gentile inclusion in the same Covenant was “mysteriously hidden” until Yeshua’s death and resurrection. THOSE actions secured the redemption process.
Do you remember Jonah? The Loving GOD sent him to Nineveh, a nation Israel was enemies with. It was a MAJOR beef! What was Jonah’s purpose for them, the enemies of his people? … to warn them of GOD’s judgement and to seek repentance.
When Nineveh turns to GOD, the city is spared, showing that GOD’s blessing is extended to all who turn to Him. Jonah’s initial refusal to go to Nineveh reveals the challenge of embracing GOD’s mission to bless all peoples, not just one’s own.
Consider all of the Mesopotamian nations above Israel right now. Think about how many of them HATE Israel—for whatever reason. Yet still the GOD of Israel (the GOD of creation), wants “all to come to repentance.”
The Bible is old, but timeless. GOD is eternal but does not age. People die, yet GOD still desires to use them to spread hope and love those who are not like them, and want to harm them.
THIS is the GOD of Israel (and the grafted in nations that believe/trust/follow Him) are His.
The Message that ADONAI (Lord) gave Paul explicitly defines the “mystery” as the direct inclusion of non-Israelite Nations (Gentiles) into His Covenant family through faith in Jesus, the Messiah.
However, there is an important nuance in how Paul uses Old Testament (TANAKH) prophecy that bridges these two concepts. In the New Testament (Besorah) portion of the Scriptures, a Mystery is not a riddle to be solved, but a divine Secret that was once unknown but is now openly revealed by GOD. Paul spoke of this expressly in two of the letters he penned in some way or another. In them he did a clear job of revealing the plan and cost.
Second off, in the Colossians, the “Mystery” as "Christ in you [the Gentiles], the Hope of glory." What does that mean? It is the unheard-of reality that the Messiah lives within non-Jewish believers per Colossians 1:26–27.
However, even before that, we read in Ephesians 3:4–6 where Paul states the “Mystery” clearly, "...that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
My curiosity has been filling me up! I have enjoyed connecting stuff, as my understanding is becoming fuller. You can’t ignore Biblical prophecy. Well… You can, but…
The prophecies are GOD’s Plans for the future, not some person from behind a pulpit tickling ears. The connection to "Lost Tribes" is real! I have been asking lots of questions and Scriptures keep coming to mind, so I ask more questions.
You’ve gotta love it!
I am trying to make connections. Why? GOD is jealously “in love” with Israel and wants them unified and at home (in the land He promised Abraham). He sent people to go get them from the Nations. That is what I am trying to get you to see. I may be off on this thought, but it is fun attempting to “connect the dots.”
Let’s walk a bit further.
We have read from Paul’s words, “He is the apostle to the Gentiles/Nations.” While Paul's focus is on the literal Gentiles, he frequently quotes prophecies from the TANAKH that were originally written about the exiled, scattered Northern Kingdom of Israel (the "Lost Tribes") and applies them directly to the Nations.
Here is some information I was able to collect:
…from Hosea In Romans 9:24–26, Paul explains GOD’s calling (summoning) of the Gentiles by quoting Hosea 1–2: "I will call them ‘my people’ who are not My people."
In the TANAKH (Old Testament), Hosea was speaking specifically about the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). …because of their idolatry, GOD scattered them into the Nations and declaring them Lo-Ammi ("not my people").
NOTE: Does that mean that they were forgotten, or disowned? NOPE. However, if we are willingly serving and bowing down to (gods made by hands) and having affairs with idols – some hurt is in play. A separation is in order. What do YOU think?
This is my thought that led me to study and write this! …Paul's words were really clear—to me. Hecontends that because the Northern Tribes completely assimilated [lost their identity, and legally became indistinguishable from the "Nations,"] the prophetic Promise to bring them all (willingly) back “to GOD” is fulfilled by opening up Yeshua (Salvation) to ALL the Nations.
Soo… This is (my) thinking. I was happy to find connections in different locations. I found some additional help in Paul’s letters. In the effort to reestablish His people with Himself, because the Northern Tribes completely assimilated, lost their identity, and legally became indistinguishable from the "nations," the prophetic promise to bring them all (willingly) back “to GOD” is fulfilled by opening up Yeshua (Salvation) to all the Nations. His Tribes are mixed in with them. Ephraim and Judah are all over the place!
In other words… Paul does not look for a physical or ancestral return of the Ten Tribes. He believes that by saving the Gentiles, their ADONAI, their Restorer, is fulfilling His age-old Promises in an even grander way. He is gonna reclaim everyone who was far off, regardless of bloodline!
He is NOT playing around! …for a deeper understanding, look into grafting and adoption. If any of you understand anything about farming and horticulture AND adopting someone into your family, these are MAJOR undertakings that require MUCH effort, DILIGENCE and INTENTIONAL care.
ADONAI’s Message on Paul’s lips is Salvation as a matter of faith and obedience, not geography or lineage. Man could not dream that up. The "mystery" is that the blessings originally promised to Israel have crossed ethnic, cultural and color boundaries, allowing anyone from any Nation to be transplanted, inserted and grafted into the family of the GOD of Israel!
Are you following me? YaH is giving those who desire to “come home” to show themselves faithful. Even after a broken heart, He loves the unlovable and the afar off. What is needed, is for them/us to repent (teshuvah) and return.
NOTE: Reaching the tribes via the Nations was and still is "part" of the Plan.
Since the Tribes are among the Nations, would it not make sense that the Nations are being introduced (baptized or immersed) into Yeshua, His Father and the Holy Spirit? These places are the avenue for reaching the “Lost Tribes” that were assimilated "throughout" the world?
If you and I are going to think in a spiritually reasonable, not theological, manner, the concept that reaching the nations would naturally sweep up and influence any assimilated descendants of the “Lost Tribes.” Does that make even a little sense to you?
I think it makes all-mostly complete sense to me.
If (since) the Ten Northern Tribes were thoroughly scattered and mixed into the Gentile world, then any message (of YaH) that goes out to all nations will inherently reach those hidden remnants as well. Can you see the Holy Genius and Wisdom in this “Plan?”
This stable thought creates a fascinating bridge between physical ancestors, descendants and the Hebraic family tree(s) of Israel and the spiritual fulfillment of what the Scriptures (Torah, New Testament and the Prophets) said would happen.
NOTE: Some sadness in all of this is… The church (Christian sect and Judaizers) think “they are it.” I shudder at the thought. This is mockery of the Word of the GOD of Israel and the faithful.
If you look at the geography of the early gatherers (in Hebrew lekítím) or (ecclesia in Greek), the regions where Paul and the other Shlikhe(apostles in English), focused their obedient acts heavily with the territories of the ancient Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian dispersals (such as Syria, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and Persia). If you noticed, they all interestingly overlapped. Think about that for a bit.
I have found that the early believers did not start from scraps of Gentile territory; they began in local synagogues. These synagogues contained not just Judeans, but also "YaH-fearers" (gentiles/goyim attracted to Judaism) – they did not use the term “GOD” back then.
The Scriptures plainly tell us, there were still some remnants of various Israelite lineages who still maintained a connection to the faith.
I have also learned, by naturally stirring up a change within these mixed communities, the introduction of the life and Words of Jesus (Yeshua) naturally flowed outward into the surrounding Israeli towns and pagan populations. If anyone carrying northern Israelite DNA was living in those regions, the widespread conversion of those Nations served as the exact tangible river to bring (lead) them back into fellowship with the GOD of Abraham (Isaac and Jacob).
Whoa!
Here is another lovely insertion of details that should point us towards the Home of Truth – Romans 11. Paul actually uses a reasoning very similar to this "representative" of Truth’s clarity when he discusses how YaH intends to save "ALL Israel."
Shall we dig a little more? Let’s go.
In all scholarly mediums, context MATTERS. It is no different in Scripture. …and as a reminder, “the Bible uses many forms of communication to relay and elicit understanding of the very context, to get the reader to the insight GOD wants and Commands.” It just so happens, in Romans, Paul uses a metaphor of “grafting.” Guess where… Yep. It is located in Romans 11. Paul describes a single Olive Tree (representing the Covenant family of GOD). This chapter weaves ‘together’ some very important Biblical Truths of Past, Present and Future.
Topic #1 shows some natural branches (unbelieving Jews) were broken off, and Wild Olive Shoots (Gentiles) were grafted in.
Subject #2 is related to my question… Why would you ever want to take an “old” girlfriend or boyfriend around the “new” one? …to “provoke him/her to jealousy.” Is that not the real reason you do it? Paul states that Salvation (Jesus) has come to the Gentiles “to make Israel envious” – Romans 11:11
Focus #3 supposes that the reader notices, according to THIS piece of writing, Paul’s mind is telling us: “the spiritual awakening of the Nations is the catalyst that ultimately triggers the restoration of Israel.”
Whaaaaat?!
If the Nations are the very tool the GOD of Israel wants to use, it WILL happen! Since Abraham is the father of the faithful, the motivation and center of all of this is… “their trust!” Their (nations’) faith is meant to shine so brightly that it wakes up and draws back the physical branches—including any scattered and forgotten remnants of the Tribes—back to their Root. That “Root” is the ELOHIM and His Law and His Son—Who IS the Messiah the Law, Prophets and Writings refers to.
Regardless of where you are while reading this, IF you are part of the “Nations of Gentiles” the Word of GOD is referring to—this is JUST for YOU!
Come home to Yeshua. Come to Jesus. He has been waiting for you to return.
This distance is not so much about the "loss" of ancestry to the Land that matters. I don’t suppose. Maybe, just maybe, it was about a “loss” of spiritual connection to the Father.
Once a person is “introduced” (immersed and baptized) into Yeshua, and he or she decides to surrender and submit to His will, the Holy Spirit kicks in to lead him or her. That person’s Tribal lineage becomes secondary to their new identity. <smile>
Here is a cool reference and HUGE Truth bomb! Paul writes in Galatians 3:29, "If you belong to the Messiah (the Christ), then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the Promise."
How sweet is THAT?!
Consider this as the possible reason… By making the Nations the pipeline for the Besorah (Hebrew for "Good News," "Gospel," or "Glad Tidings"), YaH (GOD) effectively bypassed the impossible human task of sorting out what comes from the tangled-up question of “How will they know which tribe they belong?”
Knowing the Tribe you belong to is cool, but right now, that is not the focus. What is? …ensuring that every "lost" soul, whether nationally, culturally or bloodline Israelite or, even entirely Gentile, you could be found and restored. THAT IS His Plan and desire.
This connection does take us further back to Torah, where IT ALL began. In Moses’ Deuteronomy “memory” book of their (all 12 Tribes and the Gentiles), Moses gives us an historical hint of what the LORD GOD, their Deliverer, was up to.
Paul did not dream this up on his own. He recalled the Word of GOD to share this with the Romans and some of the likely Judean Diaspora.
Here is that HolyStrategy of “provoking jealousy.” It does appear to rely on a prophecy of warning:
"Then He said, “I will hide My face from them. I will see what their end shall be; for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faithfulness. They have made Me jealous with what is not Me. They have provoked Me to anger with their idols. So, I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation, for a fire is kindled in My anger, and burns to the lowest part of Sheol, and consumes the earth with its yield, and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains” –Deuteronomy 32:20-22
The Assyrians (as their surroundings) were Nations of people that served MANY idols, and because the Northern Kingdom of Israel abandoned their ELOHIM for pagan idols, they functionally became "no people,” as seen in Hosea.
The LORD GOD would eventually use actual "no peoples" (the Gentile Nations) to receive the Covenant blessings. When the scattered, assimilated remnants of Israel look at the pagan nations experiencing the intimate Presence of the Holy Spirit, the miracles of Yeshua, and the favor of the Father, it will stir-up and awaken an inherent, spiritual jealousy within them. They WILL realize, “That belongs to our Father, yet the foreigners have it.”
NOTE: Does that sound like the Ark being in the house of Obed-Edom? In 2 Samuel 6:11 and 1 Chronicles 13:14, ”The Ark of the Covenant remained in the house of Obed-Edom, the Gittite, for three months after the death of Uzzah. Obed-Edom, a Levite of humble origin, did not fear the ark’s presence but welcomed it into his home, honoring GOD’s Covenant symbol.”
NOTE: The blessing was not limited to material prosperity; it included spiritual enrichment, health, peace, and relational harmony.
So, likewise, by routing the Word of ADONAI through the Nations, the Wisdom of GOD’s Ruach (Spirit) will show us that all these things take place in the Diaspora Israel (all 12 Tribes).
Israel will realize “they could not claim Salvation based on pure genetic lineage or national pride, because they see the "unclean" nations receiving it freely <smiling>.
The Arrogant-free, submitted and understandingly humble Nations will finally see that they are not the only ones, and Israel is and has always been, “GOD’s Chosen” and “First-born.”Theboasting will cease, because they are reminded, they are just Wild Branches grafted into a Jewish Root –Romans 11:18.
Many restored and rescued lost people have and are experiencing the delivery process. We are seeing the full transformation. The Word of GOD WILL saturate the global population, and It (He) WILL act as a Magnet drawing the scattered, spiritually blind descendants of the “Lost Tribes” back to the ELOHIM of Abraham.
NOTE: There will be (MUST be) an identity shift, when the Word of GOD reaches the Nations. See Matthew 23:39 and Ezekiel 37:15–22 & Isaiah 11:12 and Isaiah 49:22
The renowned prophecy in Ezekiel 37:15–22, GOD Commands Ezekiel to take two sticks in his hand [one for Judah (the Southern Kingdom/the Jews)] and one for [Ephraim/Joseph (representing the Ten Tribes scattered in the Nations)].
Similarly, in the Isaiah 11:12 and 49:22 the prophesy tells us that the Gentile Nations will be the ones who carry the sons and daughters of Israel back to the Land. Ever since the Gentiles have been grafted into the Olive Tree, they have been developing a deep love for Israel.
NOTE: The Gentiles are so entrenched in this transformation, they will not just encourage the return; they actively assist and fund the return (Aliyah) of the Jewish people and the hidden remnants of the tribes.
One day, Judah and the Gentiles (with the 10 Tribes of Israel) will recognize their shared connection in ONE Olive Tree under Yeshua.