Who Are The Lost Ten Tribes Of Israel?
Who Are The Lost Tribes Of Israel?
Why do you say there are thirteen tribes of Israel when everybody knows there are only twelve? The answer is that it depends on whether a person is referring to the actual number of tribes, or the number of tribes that received a land inheritance, or even the number mentioned in the [New Testament]™ book of Revelation. This article will answer that question, as well as where the the "Lost Tribes" are located today.
We will first take a look at the Aid to Bible Understanding:[1]
"The tribal arrangement in Israel was based on descent from the twelve sons of Jacob (Genesis 29:32[2] through Genesis 30:24; and Genesis 35:16-18). These "twelve patriarchal families" produced the "twelve tribes of Israel" (Genesis 49:1-28). However, Jacob blessed Joseph's two sons, Manasseh the older and Ephraim the younger, and said: "Ephraim and Manasseh will become mine like [his actual sons] Reuben and Simeon" (Genesis 48:5, Genesis 48:13-20). When the various tribes received their land inheritance in the Promised Land (Joshua 13 through Joshua 19), there was no "tribe of Joseph." Instead, "the sons of Joseph," Manasseh and Ephraim were counted as distinct tribes in Israel, thus giving thirteen tribes.
"However, as the ETERNAL had arranged, this did not increase the tribes of Israel receiving an inheritance to thirteen, because the Levites got no land inheritance. The ETERNAL had chosen the "tribe of Levi" (Numbers 1:49) in place of the firstborn of the other tribes and they became the priestly tribe (Exodus 13:1-2; Numbers 3:6, Numbers 3:13, Numbers 3:41; Deuteronomy 10:8-9; Deuteronomy 18:1).
"When Moses blessed the tribes (Deuteronomy 33:6-24) Simeon was not mentioned by name, perhaps because the tribe was greatly reduced in size and its land portion was to be enclosed in the territory of Judah. However, in Ezekiel's vision of the "holy contribution" and the twelve tribes, the tribes listed are the same as those who received a land inheritance as given in the book of Joshua (Ezekiel 48:1-8, Ezekiel 48:23-28). The tribe of Levi was located within the "holy contribution" in Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 48:9-14, Ezekiel 48:22)".
When the tribe of Joseph is mentioned, Ephraim is usually mentioned immediately following. This shows that the name Ephraim was given preference. Thus, the phrase "The House of Ephraim" is frequently used to refer to the "House of Israel." Notice in this series of verses, Joseph and Ephraim are mentioned together whereas Manasseh is listed separately:
(Numbers 1:32-33) (KJV) 32Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 33Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.
(Numbers 1:34) (KJV) Of the children of Manasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war.
Another point is that Ephraim is linked with his father Joseph, whereas Manasseh is linked with his grandfather Jacob:
(Numbers 1:10) (KJV) Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim (#H669); Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh (#H4519); Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
The English word "Ephraim" comes from the Hebrew word "'Ephrayim"; Strong's (#H669) states that it means "double fruit"; Ephraim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.
Whereas the English word Manasseh comes from the Hebrew word "Menashsheh"; Strong's (#H4519) states that it means "causing to forget"; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descending from him, and its territory.
Thus it is abundantly clear, that Joseph was replaced by his two sons, meaning there are thirteen tribes and not twelve. The names of the thirteen tribes are stated in Numbers as Moses was taking a census of all that were able to go to war:
(Numbers 1:21-42) (KJV) 21(1)Reuben (the oldest son of Jacob)..., 22(2)Simeon..., 24(3)Gad..., 26(4)Judah..., 28(5)Issachar..., 30(6)Zebulun..., 32(7)Joseph..., (8)Ephraim (son of Joseph)..., 34(9)Manasseh (Son of Joseph)..., 36(10)Benjamin..., 38(11)Dan..., 40(12)Asher..., and 42(13)Naphtali.
This total does not include the Levites, for the ETERNAL had said to Moses:
(Numbers 1:47-50) (KJV) 47But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. 48For the 'Lord' had spoken unto Moses, saying, 49Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: 50But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
Meaning 'Exempt the entire tribe of Levi from the draft, and do not include their number in the census. For the Levites are assigned for the work connected with the Tabernacle and its transportation.'
The number and names of the tribes in the book of Numbers, differs from the verses throughout the [New Testament]™, especially the book of Revelation, where it is staunchly stated that there are only twelve. Moreover, in Revelations the Levites are counted among them with the tribe of Dan totally left out. One can only speculate as to why this difference and why there are twelve [New Testament]™ disciples and twelve gates mentioned in Revelation:
1) Maybe it is because the number thirteen is not divisible by four without a fractional answer.
2) Maybe it has to do with the twelve signs of the Zodiac, since the wise men were astrologers and they practiced the worship of the sun 'god'.
(Matthew 2:1-2) (KJV) 1Now when 'Jesus' was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
A Notation from Scofield's Notes for Matthew 2:1 states: "Wise men" is from the Greek word 'magos' (Strong's #G3097), a Persian word for 'men expert in the study of the stars'. There is no evidence that these "Magi", were only three in number, or that they were kings. Moreover, their interest was aroused by the star that signalized [the] birth. Since they were astrologers from the pagan countries to the East, they knew, believed in, and worshipped the sun 'god'. They understood the twelve signs of the zodiac based on sun worship and the [New Testament]™ is about this subject.
Here is riddle for you, Matthew 2:1-2 states the 'wise men' were "from the EAST [of Jerusalem] and they saw the heralding star in the sky to their EAST". So how did they follow it WEST to Jerusalem? Hmmm, maybe they were the first to circumvent the globe on camels. Not only that, but they did it in under two years, since it is said that Herod killed all the babies under age two.
But regardless of your arguments and whether you 'Believe it or Not' there were thirteen actual tribes of Israel back then, and the same number of tribes are with us today.
Where Are The 13 Tribes Today?
Now, on to the business of locating the 13 tribes of Israel. There are twelve land divisions from the sons of Jacob. Remember that Jacob was renamed Israel when the ETERNAL appeared to him when he was leaving Padanaram and blessed him:
(Genesis 35:9) (KJV) And the ETERNAL appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.
During the periods of captivity the sons of Jacob are divided into two kingdoms: the Northern Tribe and the Southern Tribe. There are 10 Northern Tribes and 2 Southern Tribes. The 10 Northern Tribes are NOW known or referred to as the "10 Lost Tribes". These "10 Lost Tribes" can be identified by the promises spoken of in (Genesis 49):
(Genesis 49:1-28) (KJV) 1And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. 2Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father. 3Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: 4Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch. 5Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. 6O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. 7Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. 8Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. 9Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 10The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. 11Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: 12His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk. 13Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. 14Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 15And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. 16Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. 17Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. 18I have waited for thy salvation, O 'Lord'. 19Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. 20Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties. 21Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words. 22Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: 23The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: 24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty 'God' of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) 25Even by the 'God' of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: 26The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. 27Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil. 28All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.
Northern Tribes
Southern Tribes.
NOTE #1: Ephraim is the head of the Northern Kingdom (10 Tribes), and Judah is the head of the Southern Kingdom (2 Tribes):
(Ezekiel 37:16) (KJV) Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, 'Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Ephraim's stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of Israel associated with him.'
NORTHERN KINGDOM
01 EPHRAIM (Son of Joseph)
02 MANNASAH (Son of Joseph)
03 REUBEN
04 SIMEON
05 ZEBULON
06 ISAACHAR
07 DAN
08 GAD
09 ASHER
10 NAPHTALI
SOUTHERN KINGDOM
11 JUDAH
12 BENJAMIN
NO KINGDOM
13 LEVI
NOTE #2: Notice, that the tribe of Levi did not inherit land and was distributed into all the tribes. So counting the tribe of Levi means there are actually 13 tribes in total.
NOTE #3: The Northern Kingdoms are found within Europe because when the sons of King Zedekiah were killed, the throne of David survived the destruction by the Babylonians through the king's daughters (Jeremiah 43:4-8), who eventually made their way to the British Isles with the prophet Jeremiah.
NOTE #4: Ephraim and Mannasah were the sons of Joseph, who were JACOB'S (Israel's) grandsons. They were adopted by Israel and established on equal footing as tribes with their uncles. The wealth and power of these nations is directly related to the blessings that were bestowed upon Ephraim and Mannasah.
Now, let's break it down by each promise...
#1. Tribe of Reuben = Switzerland.
(Genesis 49:3-4) (KJV) 3Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: 4Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
Why is the Tribe of Reuben the country of Switzerland?
In the Old Testament, Reuben the oldest son of Jacob, does not kill Joseph but goes back to rescue him (Genesis 37:20-29). Reuben tries to do right, but refuses to lead anymore. Reuben inherits the blessings but goes from: being a leader to becoming passive; from having words to say to having nothing to say. "Onto your fathers bed...then...onto the couch".
Switzerland is a country that possesses a distinct people and culture, but is not politically ambitious and emphasizes its neutrality in conflicts. In WWI and WWII, Switzerland remains... "no comment". Switzerland possesses leadership qualities but will never lead and has not and will not "excel".
#2 Tribe of Simeon = Germany.
(Genesis 49:5-7) (KJV) 5Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. 6O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall. 7Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Why is the Tribe of Simeon the country of Germany?
Simeon has a violent nature... Germany has a violent nature. The ETERNAL "divides" Simeon and Levi... keep in mind that the Levites are the scattered Jews that are distributed into each tribe. Germany is the only country besides China with a wall... we already know China is NOT a tribe. Germany has a cruel past... and wrath like a "blitzkrieg".
#3 Tribe of Levi = Scattered among all the Tribes.
(Genesis 49:5-7) (KJV) 5Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. 6O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall. 7Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Why is the Tribe of Levi distributed into all of the tribes?
The tribe of Levi is named "ETERNAL's portion" and the ETERNAL is with ALL of the tribes. Hence, the ETERNAL places his chosen portion within all of the tribes. Levi will never possess a land of their own. Think of Levi as the scattered priests in all of the tribes. Notice that Levi does not mix well with Simeon (Germany)... remember the Holocaust.
"I will divide (Levi) in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel."
#4 Tribe of Judah = NATION of Israel.
(Genesis 49:8-12) (KJV) 8Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. 9Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 10The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. 11Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: 12His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
Why is the Tribe of Judah the nation of Israel?
The people of Judah were the first to be called JEWS and are still the Jews today. Jews now have their own nation, The Nation Of Israel. "Thy brothers shall praise you". All Christian nations (The Lost Tribes Of Israel), look back to Judah's Israel as their homeland, because that is the country that contains the coming Holy Place of the ETERNAL.
#5 Tribe of Zebulon = Spain (and Portugal).
(Genesis 49:13) (KJV) Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
Why is the Tribe of Zebulon the country of Spain / (Portugal)?
Spain is the first point (Strait of Gibraltar) before entering the Mediterranean Sea, which is also known as a "haven for ships". Spain is a natural peninsula for exploration and it's Southern most portion "points" toward Sidon (Zidon), which is located in Lebanon. Portugal is closely related to Spain and is part of this tribe.
#6 Tribe of Isaachar = Poland, Czechslovakia, Slovakia.
(Genesis 49:14-15) (KJV) 14Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 15And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.
Why is the Tribe of Isaachar the countries of Poland, Czechslovakia, Slovakia?
These nations are in-between the hated Russia and the rest of his brothers. They will submit to forced labor... e.g. Conquering and domination by Russia and Germany's conquering and domination... always "couching between two burdens".
#7 Tribe of Dan = Denmark, Greenland, Netherlands.
(Holland), AND a part of Canada
(Genesis 49:16-18) (KJV) 16Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. 17Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. 18I have waited for thy salvation, O 'Lord'
Why is the Tribe of Dan the nations of Denmark, Greenland, Holland, and part of Canada?
First, you must remember that the Tribe of Dan is NOT mentioned in the book of Revelation, giving us a false number of tribes. (Revelation 7:5-8).
Second, notice that Greenland does NOT have a large population and that Denmark settled Greenland. Denmark is very similar to the Netherlands (Holland) by location, culture and people. How easy is it to confuse someone who is Dutch or Danish?
Third, we must answer through some prophetic interpretation why a part of Canada is included in the Tribe of Dan. The Danish exploration route ends in Canada, and there is a (minority) Dutch / Danish population in Canada. This ties in with verse 17; "serpent by the way, an adder in the path". When Gog, Magog, and Meshech and Tubal (who are Russia and China) go "NORTH" to attack ISRAEL, and ISRAEL IS EPHRAIM (not Judah), and EPHRAIM IS the UNITED STATES... on the way to attacking the United States, Dan IS THE serpent by the roadside and a viper along the path.
Here, the ETERNAL stops the armies of Gog, Magog, and Meshech and Tubal and causes them to "stumble backwards" back through Alaska / North Pole to where they came from.
#8 Tribe of Gad = Austria OR Scotland.
(Genesis 49:19) (KJV) Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
Why is the Tribe of Dan, Austria or Scotland? Why are there two possibilities?
First, Why Austria?
Only one short verse and there are two possibilities: one from previous history, and one from future events. First, Austria is a distinct people and dialect similar to Germans, but not the same.
How different is an Austrian accent and a German accent? "A troop shall overcome them"...Nazi Germany did overcome Austria. As one website states; " Hitler accused the leader of Austria of violating the German-Austrian agreements causing the aforesaid leader to make an excellent career decision and resign. Elections were then held for the vacated position and the standing president shunned all Nazi authority, declaring that he would not allow a Nazi to be the chancellor of Austria. The Nazi candidate declared himself chancellor anyway, and German soldiers were allowed to cross the border into Austria. Austria was under German control".
History also tells us that at the end of the war, Austria emerges as its own country and culture once again as in the verse: "he shall overcome at the last".
Second, Why Scotland?
We know that Jeremiah reached Scotland with his three daughters and that this country has always been "overcome" or controlled by England. Scotland is a separate nation, but nonetheless is still controlled by England.
England has recently given Scotland the Coronation Stone, also called the Stone of Scone. This stone is used in all ceremonies crowning the kings of England. With the Stone of Scone back in Scottish hands, the possibility exists that Scotland will emerge as its own country, free from English control very soon.
#9 Tribe of Asher = France.
(Genesis 49:20) (KJV) Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
Let's also include the NIV translation:
(Genesis 49:20) (NIV) Asher's food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king.
Why is the Tribe of Asher the country of France?
Hands down the best food and culinary mastery of any nation in the world ...period. Best food, best chefs... "fit for a king".
#10 Tribe of Naphtali = Sweden, Norway, Finland.
(Genesis 49:21) (KJV) Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
Let us also use the NIV translation:
(Genesis 49:21) (NIV) Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
Why is the Tribe of Naphtali the countries of Sweden, Norway, and Finland?
Every country and ethnic group has it's share of beautiful women, but Sweden, Norway, and Finland are known for beautiful blondes and the attraction towards them is unquestionable unto this day. A "hind" is a "doe that bears beautiful fawns" and these three countries are known for beautiful blonde women and are geographically and culturally close to each other.
#11 Tribe of Ephraim (Joseph) = United States.
(Genesis 49:22-26) (KJV) 22Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: 23The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: 24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty 'God' of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) 25Even by the 'God' of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: 26The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
Why is the Tribe of Ephraim (Joseph) the country of the United States of America?
Remember that Joseph is DOUBLE blessed (Joshua 17:14-17). Ephraim "goes over the wall", or the Atlantic Ocean, and comes to a new land thus becoming the 13th tribe, starting with 13 colonies. Ephraim will fulfill the verse that states:
"To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day (Deuteronomy 4:38)".
As history shows, Ephraim "drives out" the nations of England and the American Indians.
Ephraim receives the land of "milk and honey" (Deuteronomy 27:3) ...and one must ask where the land of milk and honey is today!
#12 Tribe of Mannasah (Joseph) = Great Britain.
(Genesis 49:22-26) (KJV) 22Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: 23The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: 24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty 'God' of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) 25Even by the 'God' of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: 26The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
Why is the Tribe of Mannasah the country of Great Britain?
Remember that Joseph is DOUBLE blessed (Joshua 17:14-17). Mannasah is a "community of nations" (Genesis 35:11) with kings that go all the way back to King Solomon. England is the third stop of The Coronation Stone, or the Stone of Scone (which is the same ROCK Moses struck) with Jeremiah and his three princess daughters (Jeremiah 43:4-8). Jeremiah brings the ROCK or Coronation Stone from the land of Israel to:
1st =Ireland
2nd = Scotland
3rd = England
The princesses also bring the fulfillment of the ETERNAL's promise to David that as long as the sun is shining, David would have an heir over the people of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
#13 Tribe of Benjamin = Nation of Israel.
(Genesis 49:27) (KJV) Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
Why is the Tribe of Benjamin ALSO the Nation of Israel?
Benjamin is joined with the Tribe of Judah and it still is today. Judah and Benjamin ARE the Southern Kingdom which comprises the modern Nation of Israel. Remember, when the Israelites split into two kingdoms at the start of the reign of Solomon's son Rheoboam, the tribe of Benjamin was the only one to remain with Judah (1 Kings 12:21).
(Isaiah 51:4-5) (KJV) 4Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. 5My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
The Southern Kingdom IS Judah and Benjamin. They go into captivity together and come out of captivity together, they come out of captivity as the modern nation of Israel!
Once again, the nation of Israel is the Southern Kingdom and is comprised of the Tribe of Benjamin and Tribe of Judah.
NOTE #5: The ETERNAL named two sisters, one was Ephraim and the other one was Judah (Ezekiel 23:4). Ephraim IS another NAME for ISRAEL.
Notice that there are TWO TRIBES we are talking about here:
1. Ephraim = (10 Lost Tribes).
2. Judah = (2 Tribes) = Modern Israel.
You will never, never, understand The Bible if you don't realize that OLD TESTAMENT ISRAEL IS ALL 13 TRIBES COMBINED, whereas THE MODERN NATION OF ISRAEL, IS THE OLD TESTAMENT TRIBES OF JUDAH AND BENJAMIN ONLY! The modern nation of Israel is NOT the Old Testament Israel, despite their insistence to the contrary!
Footnotes:
[1] Aid to Bible Understanding International Bible Students Associations, Brooklyn, New York, 1971.
[2] [a]All scriptural links point to the Bible Gateway, A Searchable Online Bible In Over 100 Versions And 50 Languages, located at "BibleGateway.Com", a vast biblical resource containing all the major texts and reference materials useful for in-depth bible studies. Most scriptual quotations are from the (KJV) of the Bible, however versions noted in (parentheses) should also be consulted. [b]All Strong's scriptural references point to the Blue Letter Bible Lexicon, located at "BlueLetterBible.Org", another vast biblical resource which has over 4,000,000 links available, pointing to more than 165,000 pages of concordances, lexicons, dictionaries, commentaries, images, and several Bible versions.