The Why and the What “Sealed to Serve” Revelation 7:1-8 FBC Canton, Sunday AM, January 17, 2021: to Encourage Each of Us to Engage in God’S Work!

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Why and the What “Sealed to Serve” Revelation 7:1-8 FBC Canton, Sunday AM, January 17, 2021: to Encourage Each of Us to Engage in God’S Work! The Why and the What “Sealed to Serve” Revelation 7:1-8 FBC Canton, Sunday AM, January 17, 2021: To encourage each of us to engage in God’s work! Introduction: As we open Ch. 7 of Revelation: The Lord will end the time of the Church, but He never ends the work of the Church! Matthew 28:16-20 We have a specific and limited time frame to accomplish the mission. But the mission is bigger than us! It will last long after we are no longer here! Chapter 7 is a break from the opening of the 7 seals. This is a pattern throughout Revelation; here it will be a whole chapter, later, the gap is smaller. It is the same gap evidenced between Daniel’s 69th and 70th week. These gaps are times of great work, not idleness. Here we see God seal 144k of the tribes of Israel to be his evangelists during Daniel’s 70th week. They are not the church. They are not angels. They are Israelites. There are no 10 lost tribes. In these days when nothing seems certain, nothing seems secure: Here is an undeniable truth for the believer: God never misplaces His people! Let’s stand and pray and ask the Lord to remind us He will never misplace us either! I. God will Stop Judgment to Seal His Servants. v. 1-8 Sealed used 27x(NT) a. The Seal of God is the seal of life! John 10:10 b. The Seal of God means: Ephesians 1:13-14 1. Security. 2. Approval. 3. Authenticity. 4. Personal identity. 5. Authority. Eph 1:13 - In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with G4972 that holy Spirit of promise, Eph 4:30 - And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed G4972 unto the day of redemption. KJV Translation Count — Total: 27x The KJV translates Strong's G4972 in the following manner: seal (22x), set to (one's) seal (1x), stop (1x), seal up (1x), set a seal (1x), variations of 'seal' (1x). Outline of Biblical Usage 1. to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal 1. for security: from Satan 2. since things sealed up are concealed (as the contents of a letter), to hide, keep in silence, keep secret 3. in order to mark a person or a thing 1. to set a mark upon by the impress of a seal or a stamp 2. angels are said to be sealed by God 4. in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing 1. to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt 1. of a written document 2. to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be Strong’s Definitions (Strong’s Definitions Legend) σφραγίζω sphragízō, sfrag-id'-zo; from G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest:—(set a, set to) seal up, stop. ii. God will hold back the Rapture until all are saved. Romans 11:25 II. God’s Sealed are to Serve. Revelation 14:1-5 a. Their past is redeemed. Romans 8:1 i. Sing a new song, no one else can sing. Ephesians 5:18-20 ii. Redeemed from among men. iii. First Fruits to God and to the Lamb. b. Their present is dedicated to purity. Romans 13:11-14 i. Not defiled: no stains. ii. No Deceit. Specifically, as it relates to speech: no crafty tongue. iii. Without fault before God: without blame. c. Their purpose is defined. Mark 4:19 ‘fishers of men.’ i. Follow the Lamb. Engagement You joyfully seek ways to serve through the ministries of the church. You give generously of your resources for God’s Kingdom advancement. You spread the word about what God is doing at FBC Canton. You volunteer to help develop new ministries. You find ways to send grace forward. Conclusion: Not one of them was misplaced, neither are you! "Lost Tribe" Returns to Israel from the September 11, 2007 eNews issue An Indian tribe called the Bnei Menashe, which means "children of Manasseh," have for many years claimed to be one of the "lost tribes" of Israel. They say they are the descendants of the tribe of Manasseh, who fled Israel on trade routes to India after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. Earlier this month a group of 230 Bnei Menashe arrived in Israel – they came with tourist visas, but plan to seek Israeli citizenship. Approximately 1,000 Bnei Menashe have moved to the Holy Land since 1994, and there are about 7,000 who still live in India, who could eventually immigrate to Israel. In March of 2005 the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that all conversions performed outside of Israel would be recognized by the authorities under the Law of Return. Two months after the Supreme Court's decision, Israeli Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar publicly recognized the Bnei Menashe as part of the lost tribe of Manasseh. Since then, hundreds of members of India's Bnei Menashe community have formally converted to Orthodox Judaism. By converting, the Bnei Menashe will then be able to immigrate to Israel and obtain citizenship under the Law of Return. The Law of Return was passed five years after the end of World War II to facilitate the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel. There are many groups that believe the northern tribes, separated during the rift between Rehoboam and Jeroboam after the death of Solomon (and subsequently taken captive by Assyria in 722 BC), later migrated to Europe and elsewhere. The myth of the ten lost tribes is the basis for British- Israelism and other colorful legends, but these stories have no real Biblical basis. They are based upon misconceptions derived from the misreading of various Bible passages (2 Kings 17:7-23, 2 Chronicles 6:6-11). The "tribe of Judah" (2 Kings 17:18) is used idiomatically for the Southern Kingdom. When encountering the tribal designations, it is important to distinguish between the territories allocated to the tribes and the people themselves. Before the Assyrian captivity, substantial numbers from the northern tribes had identified themselves with the house of David. The rebellion of Jeroboam and subsequent crises caused many to repudiate the Northern Kingdom and unite with the Southern Kingdom in a common alliance to the house of David and a desire to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. Ezekiel 36 and 37 declares that Judah and Israel shall be joined as one in the regathering. This is true today. Ezekiel's famed vision of the Valley of the Dry Bones is unquestionably the monumental Biblical fulfillment of the 20th century. Beginning in the last half of the 19th century, the regathering, which climaxed in the establishment of the State of Israel, is one of the most irrefutable evidences that we are on threshold of God's climax for the nations. For more information on this subject read the article titled "Mystery of the Myth: The Ten Lost Tribes" on our website (link below). Also our Expositional Commentary on Joshua contains a detailed exploration of this common misconception. Related Links - Mystery of the Myth: The Ten Lost Tribes - K-House Archives - Joshua and The Twelve Tribes - MP3 Download - Koinonia House - Joshua and The Twelve Tribes - CD-ROM - Koinonia House - Over 200 Manipuris Migrate to Israel - IANS - Bnei Menashe Immigrants Visit Western Wall - INN Mystery of the Myth: The Ten Lost Tribes by Chuck Missler This month (June 1995) we celebrate the Feast of Shavout, or Pentecost. In Peter's famous speech on this day in Acts Chapter 2, he referred to both "Jews" and "Israel", which brings up an ubiquitous myth concerning the "Ten Lost Tribes" of Israel. There are many groups that believe the northern tribes, separated during the rift between Rehoboam and Jeroboam after the death of Solomon (and subsequently taken captive by Assyria in 722 b.c.), later migrated to Europe and elsewhere. The myth of the "Ten Lost Tribes" is the basis for "British- Israelism" and other colorful legends, but these stories have no real Biblical basis. They are based upon misconceptions derived from the misreading of various Bible passages.1 The Faithful Voted With Their Feet Before the Assyrian captivity, substantial numbers from the northern tribes had identified themselves with the house of David.2 The rebellion of Jeroboam and subsequent crises caused many to repudiate the Northern Kingdom and unite with the Southern Kingdom in a common alliance to the house of David and a desire to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.3 In 930 b.c., Jeroboam ruled the Northern Kingdom from his capital in Samaria.4 When Jeroboam turned the Northern Kingdom to idolatry, the Levites (and others who desired to remain faithful) migrated south to Rehoboam.5 Horrified that Jeroboam had set up a rival religion with golden calf worship at Bethel and Dan, many Northerners moved south, knowing that the only place acceptable to God was the Temple on Mt. Moriah.6 Those who favored idolatry migrated north to Jeroboam. Later, when Asa reigned as king in the south, another great company came from the north.7 Years after the deportation by Assyria, King Hezekiah of Judah issued a call to all Israel to come and worship in Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover.8 Eighty years later King Josiah of Judah also issued a call, and an offering for the Temple was received from "Manasseh and Ephraim and all the remnant of Israel...."9 Eventually, all 12 tribes were represented in the south.
Recommended publications
  • The Order and Significance of the Sealed Tribes of Revelation 7:4-8
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Master's Theses Graduate Research 2011 The Order and Significance of the Sealed ribesT of Revelation 7:4-8 Michael W. Troxell Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/theses Recommended Citation Troxell, Michael W., "The Order and Significance of the Sealed ribesT of Revelation 7:4-8" (2011). Master's Theses. 56. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/theses/56 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT THE ORDER AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SEALED TRIBES OF REVELATION 7:4-8 by Michael W. Troxell Adviser: Ranko Stefanovic ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Thesis Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: THE ORDER AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SEALED TRIBES OF REVELATION 7:4-8 Name of researcher: Michael W. Troxell Name and degree of faculty adviser: Ranko Stefanovic, Ph.D. Date completed: November 2011 Problem John’s list of twelve tribes of Israel in Rev 7, representing those who are sealed in the last days, has been the source of much debate through the years. This present study was to determine if there is any theological significance to the composition of the names in John’s list.
    [Show full text]
  • Parashas Shemos
    2 שמות א: שמות õŊé ÇĮ א א èËä ÏóÇñËéÇçĹç ÎĤ Çķç ÌÛ ÏóÇįËä äÌë Çĵõ ÎßÏéÇĮêä ÌĿ ËÛÇà Û õū ÌÛß ÏéÇä Ś ÏóÇñËéèä şËÛÏĵÎßç ŝÌÛ ÏóÇįËä äū Ìë Çĵ ŢõŊé ÇĮ ß ÍĿŠÌÛÇà ב ê ÌÜĹÛ Çó Ü ¦ Ĺç ÎĤĸä Ìõä ÌĵĮ Îë ÈÛÍàó ÎÜÇĶÜÐò ÉĤÎä è ËĤ ê ÑçĹÜÇá ó Ïæį ÏıËä Ý ¦ ß ÏÞĹßäËà äËàÌç êŊí ÇéËĮ ß Ó ÏÞĹßäÓËà äşËàÌç êŊ ŝíÇéËĮ êū ÌÜĹÛ Çó ĹÛÓ Ïĵ Ŋ şõäÌÜĹ Įä ŭ ËÛÜÐ ŝòÉĤÓ Îä ¦ ג ê ÓËéÏäÇë ËÜĹêş ÑçĹÜÇá óŭ ÏæįÏıËä ד óÓ ÌĮÏÛÇàÞŭ ÏĶäşËç ÏʼnÇïÎëÇàêŭ Ïķ ה ß Ïà ÉßÎà ß ¦ ó ÌĮÏÛÇà Þ ÏĶ ä Ëç ÏʼnÇïÎëÇà ê Ïķ Þ ê ËéÏäÇë ËÜĹ ä ŠËßÇäÎà ¡ ¢ ואלה שמות בני ישראל. ¢ ¤ ¥ r oz u rt r r ru u q £ õŊé ÇĮß ÍĿ ÌÛÇà - And these are the names. The appellations given to the books of the Torah gen- erally reflect the themes within. For example, Bamidbar is not merely the first word of the fourth book; it alludes to the thirty-eight years the children of Israel sojourned in the desert. Every event recounted in the book of Bamidbar took place in the desert, so this choice of name is not merely semantic. Similarly, Devarim is a repetition of “items” (i.e., mitzvos and events) previously discussed in the Torah. Vayikra refers to the appointment between God and Moses in the Ohel Moed. What is the significance of the name Shemos? A name indicates individuality. The Torah wishes to emphasize that God concluded the cov- enant not with a nation but with an individual.
    [Show full text]
  • The Anti-Samaritan Attitude As Reflected in Rabbinic Midrashim
    religions Article The Anti‑Samaritan Attitude as Reflected in Rabbinic Midrashim Andreas Lehnardt Faculty of Protestant Theology, Johannes Gutenberg‑University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany; lehnardt@uni‑mainz.de Abstract: Samaritans, as a group within the ranges of ancient ‘Judaisms’, are often mentioned in Talmud and Midrash. As comparable social–religious entities, they are regarded ambivalently by the rabbis. First, they were viewed as Jews, but from the end of the Tannaitic times, and especially after the Bar Kokhba revolt, they were perceived as non‑Jews, not reliable about different fields of Halakhic concern. Rabbinic writings reflect on this change in attitude and describe a long ongoing conflict and a growing anti‑Samaritan attitude. This article analyzes several dialogues betweenrab‑ bis and Samaritans transmitted in the Midrash on the book of Genesis, Bereshit Rabbah. In four larger sections, the famous Rabbi Me’ir is depicted as the counterpart of certain Samaritans. The analyses of these discussions try to show how rabbinic texts avoid any direct exegetical dispute over particular verses of the Torah, but point to other hermeneutical levels of discourse and the rejection of Samari‑ tan claims. These texts thus reflect a remarkable understanding of some Samaritan convictions, and they demonstrate how rabbis denounced Samaritanism and refuted their counterparts. The Rabbi Me’ir dialogues thus are an impressive literary witness to the final stages of the parting of ways of these diverging religious streams. Keywords: Samaritans; ancient Judaism; rabbinic literature; Talmud; Midrash Citation: Lehnardt, Andreas. 2021. The Anti‑Samaritan Attitude as 1 Reflected in Rabbinic Midrashim. The attitudes towards the Samaritans (or Kutim ) documented in rabbinical literature 2 Religions 12: 584.
    [Show full text]
  • And This Is the Blessing)
    V'Zot HaBerachah (and this is the blessing) Moses views the Promised Land before he dies את־ And this is the blessing, in which blessed Moses, the man of Elohim ְ ו ז ֹאת Deuteronomy 33:1 Children of Israel before his death. C-MATS Question: What were the final words of Moses? These final words of Moses are a combination of blessing and prophecy, in which he blesses each tribe according to its national responsibilities and individual greatness. Moses' blessings were a continuation of Jacob's, as if to say that the tribes were blessed at the beginning of their national existence and again as they were about to begin life in Israel. Moses directed his blessings to each of the tribes individually, since the welfare of each tribe depended upon that of the others, and the collective welfare of the nation depended upon the success of them all (Pesikta). came from Sinai and from Seir He dawned on them; He shined forth from יהוה ,And he (Moses) said 2 Mount Paran and He came with ten thousands of holy ones: from His right hand went a fiery commandment for them. came to Israel from Seir and יהוה ?present the Torah to the Israelites יהוה Question: How did had offered the Torah to the descendants of יהוה Paran, which, as the Midrash records, recalls that Esau, who dwelled in Seir, and to the Ishmaelites, who dwelled in Paran, both of whom refused to accept the Torah because it prohibited their predilections to kill and steal. Then, accompanied by came and offered His fiery Torah to the Israelites, who יהוה ,some of His myriads of holy angels submitted themselves to His sovereignty and accepted His Torah without question or qualification.
    [Show full text]
  • The Figure of Joseph the Patriarch in the New Testament and the Early Church
    ABSTRACT “Much More Ours Than Yours”: The Figure of Joseph the Patriarch in the New Testament and the Early Church by John Lee Fortner This paper investigates the figure of Joseph the patriarch in early Christian interpretation, demonstrating the importance of such figures in articulating a Christian reading of the history of Israel, and the importance of this reading in the identity formation of early Christianity. The paper also illumines the debt of this Christian reading of Israel’s history to the work of Hellenistic Judaism. The figure of Joseph the patriarch is traced through early Christian interpretation, primarily from the Eastern Church tradition up to the 4th century C.E. The key methodological approach is an analysis of how the early church employed typological, allegorical, and moral exegesis in its construction of Joseph as a “Christian saint of the Old Testament.” A figure who, to borrow Justin Martyr’s phrase, became in the Christian identity “much more ours than yours.” “Much More Ours Than Yours”: The Figure of Joseph the Patriarch in the New Testament and the Early Church A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Miami University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of History by John Lee Fortner Miami University Oxford, Ohio 2004 Advisor ________________________ Dr. Edwin Yamauchi Reader ________________________ Dr. Charlotte Goldy Reader _________________________ Dr. Wietse de Boer Table of Contents Introduction 1 Early Christian Hermeneutics 1 The Aura of Antiquity 6 Apologetics of Hellenistic Judaism 8 Scope and Purpose of Study 12 1. Joseph in the New Testament 13 Acts 7 14 Heb 11 15 2.
    [Show full text]
  • GOD with US Part 2: Conquest and Chaos Joshua
    GOD WITH US GOD WITH US Part 2: Conquest and Chaos Part 2: Conquest and Chaos Joshua – Judges – Ruth Joshua – Judges – Ruth Message 4 – Canaan Divided among the 12 Tribes Message 4 – Canaan Divided among the 12 Tribes Joshua 13-23 Joshua 13-23 Introduction Introduction Having successfully overcome the resistance of the 31 Canaanite Having successfully overcome the resistance of the 31 Canaanite city-states, Joshua divided the Promised Land among the 12 tribes city-states, Joshua divided the Promised Land among the 12 tribes of Israel. There were many pockets of remaining resistance, and of Israel. There were many pockets of remaining resistance, and the various tribes would have to trust God going forward to the various tribes would have to trust God going forward to thoroughly overcome their foes. Yet, on the whole, the promise of thoroughly overcome their foes. Yet, on the whole, the promise of a ‘great land’ for Abraham’s descendants (Gen.12:1-3) had been a ‘great land’ for Abraham’s descendants (Gen.12:1-3) had been fulfilled. Now, Israel settles into her inheritance and begins to live fulfilled. Now, Israel settles into her inheritance and begins to live out her true purpose as a ‘kingdom of priests’ revealing God to the out her true purpose as a ‘kingdom of priests’ revealing God to the world (see Exodus 19:5,6). world (see Exodus 19:5,6). 10/11/15 189 10/11/15 189 Instructions for dividing the Land: 13:1-14:5 Instructions for dividing the Land: 13:1-14:5 Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess” (13:1).
    [Show full text]
  • Above the Zodiac. Astrology in Jewish Thought
    Above the Zodiac Above the Zodiac ASTROLOGY IN JEWISH THOUGHT MATITYAHU GLAZERSON Translated from by M. Kalish This book was set in 12 pt. Garamond by A-R Editions, Madison, WI. Copyright © 1997 by Matityahu Glazerson. 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from Jason Aronson Inc. except in the case of brief quotations in reviews for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Glazerson, Matityahu. Above the zodiac : astrology in Jewish thought / by Matityahu Glazerson. p. cm. Originally published: Jerusalem : M. Glazerson. 1985. ISBN: 978-1-56821-935-6 1. Jewish astrology. I. Title. BF1714.J4G56 1996 133.5'946—dc21 96-52273 Manufactured in the United States of America. Jason Aronson Inc. offers books and cassettes. For information and catalog write to Jason Aronson Inc., 230 Livingston Street, Northvale, New Jersey 07647. To elevate and remember the souls of my honored parents JULIUS and FAGEL SMOLLAN May peace be upon them and upon my beloved sister LIEBA PEARL who loved and shared her talent for music with all for so many years in Johannesburg, and in appreciation to the management, staff, and voluntary workers and supporters of SANDRINGHAM GARDENS for their dedication and sacrifice in helping the aged and infirm. dedicated by VICTOR JACOB SMOLLAN Contents Preface Introduction: The Practice of Judaism and the Science of Astrology Nissan—Aries (Lamb) Iyar—Taurus (Bull) Sivan—Gemini (Twins) Tammuz—Cancer (Crab) Av—Leo (Lion) Elul—Virgo (Virgin) Tishrei—Libra (Scales) Cheshvan—Scorpio (Scorpion) Kislev—Sagittarius (Bow) Tevet—Capricorn (Goat) Shevat—Aquarius (Pitcher) Adar—Pisces (Fishes) Preface The book Above the Zodiac has been written in the spirit of our previous works, whose purpose was to introduce the reader to those fundamental ideas within Judaism that would serve to enrich the reader’s appreciation of this great tradition.
    [Show full text]
  • Twelve Tribes of Israel
    Twelve Tribes of Israel Contents Reuben ................................................... 1 Simeon .................................................... 2 Levi ..................................................... 2 Judah .................................................... 3 Zebulun ................................................... 5 Issachar ................................................... 6 Dan ..................................................... 7 Gad ..................................................... 7 Asher .................................................... 8 Naphtali ................................................... 9 Joseph .................................................... 9 Benjamin .................................................. 10 A topical study guide, as taught by Pastor Robert Leah (Gen. 30:14). L. Bolender Austin Bible Church, 1998. 3. Committed adultery with Bilhah (Gen.35:22). All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed 4. Argued against the death of Joseph them. He blessed them, every one with the bless- (Gen. 37:21-29). ing appropriate to him (Gen. 49:28). The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “By faith Jacob, when he 5. And the sons of Reuben: Hanoch and Pallu was dying” (Heb. 11:21a). The blessings bestowed and Hezron and Carmi (Gen. 46:9). upon his children then, in Gen. 49, were given in 6. Laments the death of Joseph (Gen. 42:22). the power of the Holy Spirit and as direct revela- tion from God. 7. Makes a rash vow in a human-effort attempt to please Jacob (Gen. 42:37). Reuben “Reuben, you are my first-born; My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity 1. The first-born son of Jacob by his wife Leah and preeminent in power. “Uncontrolled as water, (Gen. 29:31-32). you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it—he 2. Was the youth who provided mandrakes for went up to my couch. Grace Notes, a ministry of Austin Bible Church http://gracenotes.info/ Twelve Tribes of Israel 2 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Judaism and Jewish Philosophy 19 Judaism, Jews and Holocaust Theology
    Please see the Cover and Contents in the last pages of this e-Book Online Study Materials on JUDAISM AND JEWISH PHILOSOPHY 19 JUDAISM, JEWS AND HOLOCAUST THEOLOGY JUDAISM Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people, based on principles and ethics embodied in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and the Talmud. According to Jewish tradition, the history of Judaism begins with the Covenant between God and Abraham (ca. 2000 BCE), the patriarch and progenitor of the Jewish people. Judaism is among the oldest religious traditions still in practice today. Jewish history and doctrines have influenced other religions such as Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith. While Judaism has seldom, if ever, been monolithic in practice, it has always been monotheistic in theology. It differs from many religions in that central authority is not vested in a person or group, but in sacred texts and traditions. Throughout the ages, Judaism has clung to a number of religious principles, the most important of which is the belief in a single, omniscient, omnipotent, benevolent, transcendent God, who created the universe and continues to govern it. According to traditional Jewish belief, the God who created the world established a covenant with the Israelites, and revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of the Torah, and the Jewish people are the descendants of the Israelites. The traditional practice of Judaism revolves around study and the observance of God’s laws and commandments as written in the Torah and expounded in the Talmud. With an estimated 14 million adherents in 2006, Judaism is approximately the world’s eleventh-largest religious group.
    [Show full text]
  • There Are Plenty of Jewish Roots in Africa I
    There are plenty of Jewish Roots in Africa I A few webs that consider the Igbos & other Africans & Blacks as Israelites: http://raybash.blogspot.com, http://www.hebrewigbo.com, http://www.abrahamsdescendants.com, http://www.africaresource.com, http://www.igbohebrew.com, http://www.blackjews.org/ http://www.yahspeople.com Although there was much sympathy in Europe and elsewhere, only five countries (Tanzania, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia and Haiti) officially recognised the new republic. These are important west African cities that had Jewish influence: aGaDez (GaD), KaNo (CaNaan) ibaDaN (DaN)...not to talk about the Senegalese JuDdala which is clearly related to JuDah. There are many African ethnic groups with interesting pre-Christian beliefs, many of them being monotheistic. Some have pre-Christian beliefs in a great flood like Noah's. The Baoule are aKaN (CaNaan) & believe in one god called Nyamien, similar to Yaweh as several scholars pointe before. The name Akan might come from Canaan, their land of origin. It's considered that Igboland had a very ancient civilization. Ebri is an Ibo or neighborly tribe's last name strikingly similar to Ibri, Hebrew in Hebrew. Abiriba, an Igbo village, might have the same root. The Balanta Council of Elders takes all important decisions. That the Balanta have a Council of Elders (including the importance given to this council) & that they have "sacred woods" resemble the ancient Israelites. The KaDaru are 10000 thousand people. Are they GaDites? The Ivorian department of Rubino may have taken its name from the tribe of Reuben. Other interesting toponyms are Lakota, like the Amerindian land in the USA & SiKensi, that bears the consonants of iSaaC.
    [Show full text]
  • The Twelve Tribes of Israel by H
    Royal Arch The Twelve Tribes of Israel By H. Meij August, 2002 “In the beginning….”: Before we can discuss the 12 tribes, what theories are around to what happened to them, and how they impact Freemasonry, it is first important to have some historical background, which starts by looking at one prominent character in the Bible, namely who Jacob was. Jacob is thought to have lived sometime around 1700 BC. He was the second son of Isaac (The second patriarch of Israel, the first being his father, Abraham). Jacob also had a twin brother named Esau. Tradition has it that his mother, Rebekah, was already feeling their presence while they were still in her womb, and that the two soon-to-be-born twins often wrestled each other, causing her to have much pain. Seeking an oracle, Rebekah was told that “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples, born of you, shall be divided: the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger” (Gen 25:23). Esau was the first to be born, but Jacob followed soon, clasping Esau‟s heels. Not much is known about their youths, but one day an important episode takes place, which is also described in the Bible. It is known that while Esau was a skilled hunter, and was stronger, Jacob preferred to stay at home. One day, Esau comes home, exhausted after a hunt, and finds Jacob preparing a pot of lentil soup. Esau asks for some, but Jacob replies “First sell me your birthright” (Gen 25:31).
    [Show full text]
  • Ten Lost Tribes - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    Ten Lost Tribes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Lost_Tribes Ten Lost Tribes From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The phrase Ten Lost Tribes of Israel refers to the ancient Tribes of Israel that disappeared from the Biblical account after the Kingdom of Israel was destroyed, enslaved and exiled by ancient Assyria.[1] Many groups of Jews have doctrines concerning the continued hidden existence or future public return of these tribes. This is a subject that is Tribes of Israel partially based upon authenticated and documented historical fact, partially upon written religious tradition and partially The Tribes upon speculation. There is a vast amount of literature on the Lost Tribes and no specific source can be relied upon for a complete answer. Reuben Simeon Levi Judah Dan Naphtali Contents Gad Asher 1 Twelve Tribes Issachar 2 Which tribes were lost Zebulun Joseph 2.1 Religious beliefs Menasheh 2.2 Historical background Ephraim 2.2.1 17th- to mid-20th-century theories Benjamin 2.3 Groups claiming descent from specific Lost Tribes Related topics 2.3.1 Bene Israel of South Asia 2.3.2 Bnei Menashe of India Israelites 2.3.3 Beta Israel of Ethiopia Ten Lost Tribes 2.3.4 Persian Jews 2.3.5 Igbo Jews of Africa 2.3.6 Samaritans 2.4 Groups claiming descent from a non-specific Lost Tribe 2.4.1 Lemba people of Africa 2.4.2 Pashtuns of the Afghan region 2.4.2.1 Origin theories 2.4.3 Chiang Min people of China 2.4.4 The Jews of Kaifeng, China 2.4.5 Bedul, Petra 2.5 Speculation regarding other ethnic groups 2.5.1 Scythian / Cimmerian Theories 2.5.1.1 British Israelism variant 2.5.1.2 Brit-Am variant 2.5.1.3 Other variants 2.5.2 The Kurds 2.5.3 The Japanese 2.5.4 The Irish 2.5.5 Native Americans 2.5.6 General dispersions, via Media region 2.5.7 Nathan Ausubel's list 2.6 In other religions 2.6.1 Latter-day Saints 3 See also 4 References and notes 5 External links Twelve Tribes According to the Hebrew Bible, Jacob (progenitor of Israel) had 12 sons and at least one daughter by two wives and two concubines.
    [Show full text]