The migration of Israel began with the Assyrian conquest in 718 BC, deporting the ten tribes to northern Iran. After Assyria's fall by 612 BC, many Israelites escaped through the Caucasus Mountains, some becoming Scythians and later Parthians. Over time, they migrated north and west from Jerusalem, settling in distant isles and coastlands, likely northwest Europe and the British Isles. Prophecies indicate Israel's dispersal among nations, with a future regathering from the north and west. Descendants, often unaware of their identity, spread to lands like the United States and Australia, forming great nations. Despite their sins, God remains faithful, planning to restore Israel to their land for His purpose.

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Searching for Israel (Part Eight): The Scattering of Ten-Tribed Israel

Article by Charles Whitaker

Assyria conquered the ten-tribed Kingdom of Israel in 718 BC and, according to historical accounts, carried Israel away to Assyria, deporting the Israelites en masse to what is now northern Iran, just south of the Caspian Sea. The siege of Samaria, Israel's capital, lasted three years, marking a difficult conquest for Assyria. Following Assyria's rapid decline after this victory, with her fall by 612 BC when Nineveh was captured by a confederation of Babylonians and Medes, some Israelites seized the opportunity to resist, mounting guerilla warfare that further weakened Assyria. Over time, a few decades after Assyria's collapse, many Israelites left the Middle East, primarily escaping through several passes over the Caucasus Mountains, one of which was historically known as the Pass of Israel. Others banded together to become the Scythians, recognized as a fierce and warlike people, who later merged with others to form the Parthians, effectively containing Roman armies at the Euphrates River during the Roman period. God's Word indicates that Israel migrated north and west, into islands some distance away, and speaks of areas from where He will gather Israel in the last days, showing that Israel is scattered around the world, principally to the north and west of Jerusalem and in isles afar off. Through the metaphor of sifting grain, it is conveyed that God will scatter the house of Israel among all nations, yet keep track of every Israelite, ensuring not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground.

Israel: Future

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The descendants of Israel, scattered from their God-given homeland by war, captivity, and migration, eventually settled in northwestern Europe. From there, some ventured across vast oceans, colonizing distant lands that became great nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Most modern Israelites remain unaware of their true identity and the future that awaits them. Despite their wealth and technological advancements, these nations also lead in crime, addiction, divorce, and sexual disease, embodying a paradox of progress and appalling evils. Just as the Assyrians once drove the ancient people of Israel from their land, so too will modern Israel face severe consequences for their sins through war, captivity, and exile. Yet, God loves Israel and disciplines them as a wise Father to bring about change and repentance. Though Israel remains stubborn and resistant, God will ultimately get their attention through devastation, leading to a second exodus where He will regather them with a specific purpose. After their punishment, God will bring Israel to conversion, desiring them to once again be a model nation, showing the world how to live according to His way. With Israel restored in their land and fulfilling their role, the earth will experience peace, prosperity, and security, and they will assist in the conversion of the rest of the world while rearing their children in righteousness.

The Doctrine of Israel (Part Ten): Where Is Israel Today?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The migration of Israel, as detailed in the provided material, reveals a history of dispersion and a future of restoration. The house of Israel, particularly the northern ten tribes, was scattered among the nations after their fall, as noted in Ezekiel 36:19-20, where God dispersed them throughout the countries due to their ways and deeds. Despite being considered lost to history by many scholars, biblical evidence suggests otherwise. James 1:1 addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad, indicating they were known and dispersed across a broad area, implying a migratory people likely to continue moving. Josephus, in his historical account, confirms that the ten tribes remained a populous multitude beyond the Euphrates, outside the Roman Empire, in regions like the Parthian Empire. Prophecies in Jeremiah 3:12, 3:18, and 31:8 point to Israel's location primarily in the north, with many returning from the north country at the time of the end. Hosea 12:1 and 11:10 add that Israel pursued the east wind, moving westward, and will come trembling from the west. Isaiah 49:12 combines these directions, stating that the bulk of Israelites will return from the north and west, with some from other regions. These directions, oriented from Jerusalem, suggest a northwest axis through Europe, from Greece to the North Sea. Further clues in Jeremiah 31:10-12, Isaiah 41:1, and Isaiah 49:1 describe Israel as dwelling in distant isles and coastlands, likely along the northwest coast of Europe and its islands, such as the British Isles. Psalm 89:24 indicates that David's progeny will have authority over sea and rivers, hinting at naval power and maritime trade presence in areas with significant rivers like the Seine, Rhine, and Thames. Jeremiah 31:7 notes that Israel will be among the chief of the nations, suggesting they are citizens of vital, wealthy, and strong countries, hiding in plain sight with glorious recent histories veiling their ancient roots. Genesis 49:22 and Isaiah 49:19-20 portray Israel, especially the tribes of Joseph, as a fruitful, pioneering, and colonizing people, spreading beyond boundaries and seeking new lands due to burgeoning populations. This migratory nature is evident in the history of northwest European nations and their colonies over the past millennium. Prophecies like Ezekiel 36:23-24 and Jeremiah 31:1-2 affirm that God will gather Israel from among the nations and bring them back to their own land for His name's sake, not due to their righteousness, but to fulfill His plan and uphold His reputation. Thus, despite their dispersion and forsaking of Him, God remains faithful, intending to restore Israel as part of His enduring covenant.

Israel: Present

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The migration of Israel, particularly the northern ten tribes led by the half-tribes of Joseph, began when the Assyrians conquered and dispersed them beyond the Euphrates. Despite this dispersion, God promised to sift the house of Israel among all nations, ensuring not the smallest grain would fall to the ground. Though conventional wisdom suggests these tribes are lost or absorbed into other nations, the words of Jesus Christ affirm His mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, indicating they have not irretrievably disappeared. The apostle James, writing around AD 60, addressed his epistle to the twelve tribes scattered abroad, suggesting he knew their locations. Biblical directions for finding Israel in the last days, understood from the vantage point of Jerusalem, point to the north and northwest, through much of Europe from Greece to the North Sea. Israel, headed by Ephraim, is described as inhabiting islands and coastlands far from Jerusalem, dominating as a sea power, and being among the world's leading nations. These clues, along with hints of colonization due to burgeoning population and prosperity, narrow the search to northwestern Europe, specifically Britain, where Israelites, primarily of the half-tribes of Joseph, are believed to reside. Further evidence of Israel's migration is seen in place names carrying the name of Dan, one of the tribes, scattered across Europe. Rivers like the Don, Dnieper, Dniester, and Danube, as well as places like Denmark and Dunkirk, reflect this naming tradition. Additionally, biblical prophecies indicate that Israel's descendants would bear the name of Isaac, as seen in names like Sakai, Sacae, and Saxon, which are linked to the Anglo-Saxon peoples of northwestern Europe and their colonies. These linguistic traces and geographic indicators align with the biblical portrayal of Israel's location in the last days.

Globalism (Part Nine): Running To and Fro

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Globalism is a force to bring about widespread dispersions of peoples before the end to bring about 'the time of Jacob's trouble.'

The Second Exodus (Part Three)

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

At some point in the near future, the modern descendants of Israel will learn of their true identity—and have to face the consequences of that knowledge.

The Second Exodus (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The Bible tells us that the time is coming when God will regather Israel to the Land of Promise, a greater Exodus than that from the Land of Egypt.

Suppressed Archaeology (Part Four)

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

There has been a systematic denigrating of evidence of pre-Columbian migration from the Old World to the western hemisphere, particularly North America.

The Beast and Babylon (Part Ten): Babylon the Great Is a Nation

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most commentators identify the Harlot of Revelation 17 and 18 as either a church or a broader cultural system. However, the Harlot is a powerful nation.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Eighteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God based the promises He gave to His friend Abraham on the patriarch's proclivity to believe Him even when he had only partial (and disturbing) information.

Where Did The Original Apostles Go?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Scriptures are largely silent about the exploits of the apostles other than Paul. We have only general comments concerning their spheres of activities.

God, the End Times, and Massive Movements of People

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The cult of diversity has created more conflicts, hatred, and crimes than any other idea promoted by secularists, who consider God-fearing people to be deplorable.

Meet the Minor Prophets (Part Three)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As witnesses to the decline and fall of Israel and Judah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai report the conditions that led to their defeat and captivity.

Deuteronomy and History

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Israelites lost their identity when they went into captivity. They failed to teach their children, to keep the Sabbath, and to remember who they were.

Are We Already In Captivity?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Major curses, including economic oppression, famine, pestilence, mental illness, alien invasion, the scattering of modern Israel are yet to occur.

Deuteronomy and Idolatry

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We are admonished to internalize the book of Deuteronomy in preparation for our future leadership roles.

Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although America was not founded as a Christian nation, it was designed to accommodate a sense of morality and justice based on Judean-Christian principles.

Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Though the United States was not established as a Christian nation, the founding Fathers established a legal system based upon biblical ethical standards.