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Searching for Israel (Part Eight): The Scattering of Ten-Tribed Israel
Article by Charles WhitakerAssyria 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. RitenbaughThe 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. RitenbaughNo matter how scattered Israel is, God will not lose the smallest grain. Using Jerusalem as a reference point, Israel dispersed north and west into Europe.
Israel: Present
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible gives many clues as to the location of the 'lost' Ten Tribes of Israel. With God's Word, along with historical records, only one conclusion is possible.
Globalism (Part Nine): Running To and Fro
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerGlobalism 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. GrabbeAt 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. GrabbeThe 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. CollinsThere 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. RitenbaughMost 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. CollinsThe 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. RitenbaughThe 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. RitenbaughAs 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.