Why it is so important for the Ten Tribes of Israel to recognize who they are in the world?
This article is written as part of a message Brit-Am is to prepare at the suggestion of Steven Collins to be posted to his site.
Contents:
1. The Importance of Scripture
2. Know Your Kin!
3. Rights and Dues
4. What do you get?
5. Prove the Truth of the Bible.
6. Greater Involvement in Life and the World
7. Know Your Family: Tribes and sub-Tribes
8. Sources Proving Our Points
9. No Propagation Either Way
10. Hebrew Awareness. Present Priorities
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1. The Importance of Scripture
The Ten Tribes of Israel need to recognize who they are for their own seek and because of the Bible. The Bible laid the foundations for whatever is good in Western Civilization. The Bible as it is familiar to Christians consists of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
How one deals with what is in the Old Testament varies from one religious group to another.
Nevertheless it is there. The OT is in effect the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew Bible is a Hebrew book. It is addressed to Hebrews and about them.
Whether this was directly pertinent to one's own ancestors or to those of somebody else is worth knowing.
Would you not want to know if it applied to you?
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If you were of a kindred people to the Jews would you not want to know about it?
Even if you yourself are not a direct descendant it may still concern you.
Would it not be worth knowing that many of those around you are Hebrews if, as a Resident Sojourner, you share common obligations and opportunities?
It was prophesied that Britain with its offshoots and the USA would be great countries.
It was prophesied that they would be greatly blessed but also have obligations.
It was prophesied that some of the other Western European nations would be in a similar situation.
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The Bible says that people of Hebrew descent whether they are aware of their ancestry or not have unique rights and obligations.
Amos (ESV) 3:
You only have I known
of all the families of the earth;
therefore I will punish you
for all your iniquities.
3 Do two walk together,
unless they have agreed to meet?
For the LORD God does nothing
without revealing his secret
to his servants the prophets.
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By showing that the Lost Ten Tribes are among Western Peoples we accomplish the following:
Prove that the Bible speaks directly to us.
Gain general insights as to what will happen in the future and how it may involve us and our families and peoples.
Have a greater understanding of what is happening at present.
5. Prove the Truth of the Bible.
There are they who say that a true believer should not need proof. This is a mistake. We are all human. We are commanded to search these matters out and prove them.
Deuteronomy (NASB) 4:
39 Therefore know today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.
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6. Greater Involvement in Life and the World
If you are descended from Israel then perhaps you should feel more involved in what happens concerning the State of Israel?
If our peoples are descended from Ancient Hebrews then perhaps the Jews of Israel have claims on us to help them, if and when they need it?
Perhaps in some ways we too may have claims on the Jews and on Israel to help us in matters where they can do so?
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7. Know Your Family: Tribes and sub-Tribes
Our studies show not only where the Ten Tribes are but also in some cases indicate where individual Tribes and even sub-clans within the Tribes may be.
We can also point to traits and characteristic that are peculiar to specific tribes. This too may be of interest. This knowledge may help you know more about yourself and where your forefathers really came from.
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8. Sources Proving Our Points
We use the Hebrew Bible along with Traditional Jewish Sources, Rabbinical Commentary, and Traditions. We supplement this from Secular Studies in numerous fields such as Linguistics, Archeology, Mythology, Historical Records, and so on.
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In principle we disagree with Christians trying to convert Jews to Christianity. Even just helping Jews appreciate Christianity more is not welcome to us.
We do not think that at this stage Jews should try to convert Descendants of the Lost Ten Tribes to Judaism.
If however in exceptional cases there are those who wish to convert then the Rabbinical Authorities should perhaps be more helpful towards them than they otherwise may have been.
At all events, this is not a matter we intend to be involved with.
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10. Hebrew Awareness. Present Priorities
At present we see our priorities as being:
Getting the present information to as many as possible of those potentially concerned with it.
Adding to the information, confirming and upgrading it.
The recipients for their part should:
Consider the knowledge given, proving, or disproving it, as far as possible.
Being open to the new sources of knowledge involved with it.
Have a positive attitude to wards the Jews, the State of Israel, and their own surroundings.