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Ephraimites: A Case of Stolen Identity |
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On what basis do Ger Toshav (Gentiles or Christians) from America identify themselves as "Ephraimites"?
Ephraim and Manasseh were the sons of Joseph and his wife Asenath who was the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. Manasseh was Joseph's firstborn son but Joseph's father Ya'akov (Israel) gave the blessing of the firstborn to Ephraim. Ephraim is a metaphor for Gentiles who turn to YHWH. Joseph had become an Egyptian and had put off his Hebrew culture, his own brothers could not recognize him, he married into paganism and lived under the authority of Pharaoh. Herein lies a picture of the Gentile who is given breath of life by YHWH and belongs to YHWH. Gentiles live under the authority of Gentile governments and marry into elements of paganism. However, when these non-Jewish persons surrender to Mashiyach and live under Mashiyach's Government they are no longer "gentile" or pagan but have become New Creations in Mashiyach. We can see that Ephraim and Manasseh's children were "born (yalad) on Josef's knees" (Genesis 50:23) meaning they were adopted by Joseph. This is a "Messianic" element that indicates this adoption is a universal right extending to all Gentiles who enter into Mashiyach, all Israelites (spiritual or blood) are also adopted by Jacob (the grandson of Avraham to whom the promise was given). YHWH also immortalized this right when Jacob said "In you shall Israel bless, saying, Elohim make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh" (Genesis 48:20). Although this blessing has carried universal Messianic principles throughout the ages, rabbinical Judaism does not recognize the need to provide Gentiles with full access to Torah.
"And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but Elohim shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow" (Genesis 48:21-22). Here we also see that Joseph was given a portion that eludes to greater numbers of descendants but what the modern Ephraimite movement fails to understand is that YHWH designed this blessing as a Messianic prototype of all Gentiles, it is not exclusive (as some want you to believe) to any one brand or label.
Ephraim was not originally one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Simon and Levi were combined together in Ya'akov's blessing (Gen 49:5) and when the tribe of Levi became priests they were removed from the census of the 12 tribes. In Numbers 2 we see that Joseph and Levi are both removed from the census and Ephraim and Manasseh join with Binyamin to make up the third out of the four groups of tribes. Ephraim soon broke Covenant with YHWH and were dispersed into the nations becoming part of the Gentiles. A remnant of the Tribes of Israel (including Ephraim) chose not to rebel, these were preserved and included among those who are now called "Jews." Within European and American Christianity some Christians (and ex-Christians) claim to be British Israel or bloodline "Ephraimites" these do not claim to be "Spiritual Ephraim", i.e. walking after the "calling of Ephraim" or "Spiritual Jews" (following the Torah Mashiyach) but they claim a genealogical link. These "Ephraimites" who claim blood lineage employ a theological premise rooted in Dispensationalist and Replacement theology. Those who claim to be "Ephraimites" are nothing more than ex-Christians who adopted an Ephraimite label BUT who have opened their hearts to the Ruach haKodesh to have Torah written upon their hearts. In reality having Torah written upon the heart is evidence of Teshuva (true repentance) but this does not change the physical DNA of a person and it is a falsehood to seek an Ephraimite bloodline when the Messianic element is far more profound than the physical entity.
YHWH wiped the Ephraimite bloodline right off the planet because of their crass rebellion. YHWH called heaven and earth to witness against all Israelites because of their rebellion against Him, however, Ephraim led the pack when it came to rebellion, but first here is what YHWH says regarding those who choose to rebel against Him:
Although the modern Ephraimite identity "gospel" goes forth in books, videos, CD's, DVD's, conferences, cassettes etc, YHWH Himself says no such thing. The following are a few Scriptures that tell of the "remnant" according to both prophetic and historic authority. "Ephraimites" were never prophesied to "discover themselves" in Egypt, Assyria, Babylon or among the rest of the Nations, i.e. Britain or America as bloodline descendants of Joseph what we see in Scripture is only a very small remnant of physical Israel survived.
Scripture tells of a very small remnant, or residue of Israel that survived making the British - America Lost Tribes scenario a hoax...
Where do we find the term "Two House" in Scripture?
The term "Two House" referring to Judah and Ephraim NEVER APPEARS IN SCRIPTURE!!! It is a recently coined term by those who call themselves "Ephraimites". Judah is mentioned 755 times, Ephraim 162, Judah and Ephraim are together mentioned in the same Verse only 13 times (which is the number of UNITY not division). Ezekiel 37:15-22 is the fundamental "proof text" used (twisted like a pretzel) to support the modern "Two House" theory, it is the only reference of "two nations" or "two kingdoms" and the context is one of UNITY not division. The "House of Ephraim" is only mentioned once in Judges 10:9 at a time when Ephraim was down on their blessings. Those who insist they are "Ephraim" but supply no evidence are akin to someone finding a wallet and stealing someone's identity and "blessings". The rightful line of Ephraim belongs to the original people of Ephraim but those who are not of the Toledot (Blood Line) of Ephraim are fabricating a lie.
If the "Ephraimites" are trying to help YHWH fulfill Biblical Prophecy of Ezekiel they can take a breather, Mashiyach has already sorted this out, a closer look at Scripture and one can easily see that Ephraim is a metaphor for Gentiles who turn to YHWH. The House of Israel and the House of Judah are mentioned together 9 times in Scripture (Genesis-Revelations). The House of Joseph and the House of Judah are mentioned 3 times in Scripture (Genesis-Revelations). The only mention in the Ketuvim Netzarim of the houses of Israel and Judah is in Hebrews 8:8 which is a quote from Jeremiah 31:31, this quote is supplied to explain the office and ministry of Y'shua as High Priest, nothing about the identity or joining together of Judah or Israel is mentioned, except that each received the Covenant. But notice in verse 33, "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says YHWH, I will put my Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people." Notice that Judah is not mentioned in this verse, are they excluded? NO! Judah is one of the sons of Ya'akov. Scripture clearly indicates that Gentiles would be grafted into Israel through Judah and Israel and the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh clearly portray the adoption, but let's be truthful. There is a technical physical difference between adoption and bloodline therefore because "Ephraimites" have been adopted they need not fabricate a bloodline link for themselves in fact by doing so they are weighing their flesh in as being more important than their adoption!
Here's the main "Ephraimite proof text" that is used to sell the "Ephraimite" bloodline propaganda.
On the basis of this Scripture, the "Two House" movement has produced artistic renderings to illustrate "two sticks" joining together—imagine two sticks twisted and braided together like a pretzel—you got it. Clearly we see a picture of the stick of Joseph being put forth by the hand of Ephraim and YHWH promising to "take the children of Israel from among the heathen" and herein is where the modern Ephraimite spin begins. Rather than understand the adoption of every Gentile soul being invited to be grafted into One Faith, the modern Ephraimite sees him or herself as bloodline descendants under an entitlement of their flesh which is a very foolish and narrow minded perspective.
The "House of Israel" and "House of Y'hudah" are brothers of ONE Father and never meant to be "two houses." Sibling rivalry does not annul the calling or intent of YHWH's purposes for Israel as One Kingdom and one people. A title or identity that proclaims "Two House" versus "One House" is divisive and the product of jealousy and ignorance. In reality we see Ephraim and his seed were adopted into the 12 Tribes of Israel by Ya'akov (Israel), the fact that Ya'akov put his right hand on Ephraim and not Manasseh indicates a spiritual adoption of all Gentiles who would later be called (in Mashiyach) to be part of Yisrael. Unfortunately modern Ephraimite leaders use false teaching to stroke egos and pride by suggesting that the Seed of Avraham is "Ephraim" rather than Mashiyach (and his Government) that includes all souls equally into the Household of Faith.
The true Body of Mashiyach does NOT erect institutions, identities and walls between Brethren, whether bloodlines, genealogies or identities, this is a wearisome stroking of the flesh most certainly not the work of the Ruach haKodesh. The Tribes were divided because of disobedience to YHWH, they pushed their "identities" over their calling, they made their own programs and enjoyed stroking their one-up-man-ship grandeur! Yet thousands of years later ex-Christians are using an "Ephraimite" label to foist another divisive religious movement that spurns "one house" Believers or "Judah" as being anti-Two House or anti-Ephraimite when in fact there is no division among those who belong to YHWH and His Mashiyach. Many have told me that they didn't know they were "one-house" people until they met so called "Ephraimites" who demanded that they be recognized as bloodline Israelites, how foolish.
The modern "Ephraimite" movement has been born out of prejudice and fueled by the anti-Torah stance of many "Messianic Jewish" leaders who teach a two class system for Jews and non-Jews. Many "Ephraimites" were once part of Messianic Congregations but were not treated as equals in Torah and Mashiyach. Many Messianic leaders teach that non-Jews are freed from observance of Shabbat and when the Ruach haKodesh is writing Torah upon the hearts of non-Jews these souls are spurned by both Christians and Jews for being "wannabe Jews" which is obviously shameful and ignorant of Messianic Jewish leaders who themselves have little or no Torah consciousness as it pertains to Ger Toshav (those who sojourn with Israel). Jewish identity is a very big deal in rabbinical Jewish communities where Jewish pride is based on bloodline but of course we have many examples in Scripture where YHWH chose non-Israelites (Avraham, Asenath, Calev & Ruth) to reveal His Kingdom to the world. Many religious people give themselves religious entitlement regardless of their religious persuasion.
The Messianic "Jewish" movement however is underwritten by Evangelical Dispensational Christianity so we should never expect Torah maturity from "Messianic" leaders whether they be Jewish or not! Many "Ephraimites" are making a return to Torah in Mashiyach that exceeds the Torah maturity of most Messianic Jewish leaders, but it is also on this basis that "Ephraimites" consider themselves to be heirs of the physical Land of Israel and blood-linked to the ancient tribe of Ephraim. The "Ephraimites" might do well to remember that there are Catholic priests of Jewish bloodline but they wouldn't expect a Catholic priest to respect Torah, so then why should anyone expect a Christianized Messianic Jew to have Torah consciousness?
Scripture bears no coincidence and no redundancy, this is the only verse where "Two families" are mentioned. Note carefully it is mentioned by those who have "despised my people". According to YHWH's math, One is stronger than Two.
United We Stand Divided We Fall
Therefore it is shame for "Ephraimites" to dwell on "Two House" identity shtick, it is both unwarranted and evidence of spiritual immaturity. Modern "Ephraimites" who harp on their untenable Israelite bloodlines have inadvertently included themselves in the fold of the naysayers.
"Two House" ideology is all about "identity", if it were not then these Believers in Y'shua would be content to use "Scriptural identities" that are established by YHWH for the Body of Mashiyach. There are plenty of Scriptural terms available to identify with. As a person becomes a New Creation in Mashiyach a new inward identity in Y'shua Mashiyach is supplied by knowing Mashiyach and having His Spirit dwell inside. To seek after an illusive blood connection is divisive and carnal. How is it that a person would prefer to talk about an identity in physical Israel, rather than their identity in the King of the Universe? Y'shua said, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of Elohim is within you" (Luke 17:21). Albeit this was a novel concept and a radical departure from the traditional religious perspectives of the Kingdom at the time, as contemporary religions were predominately focused on the literal physical land of Israel being the Kingdom.
Jewish identity among Rabbinical Jews is of course very big deal, observant Jews want to know, "are you Jewish?" Because if you are then you should be doing the Mitzvot, but if not then according to rabbinical lore you have no part in Torah. Jewish identity is at war against all form of assimilation of the Jewish people into non-Orthodox "Judaism". A Jewish person could be a Satanist, pervert, murderer or follow many gods but from a Rabbinical perspective, the Jewish soul is a higher status than a non-Jewish soul and has the requirement of doing the Mitzvot, this is very narrow minded anti-Torah religious thinking but that's one of the fruits of man made religious tradition.
Although bloodline identity has become the idol of many Jews it is also a straw man because a Jew is one inwardly who observes Torah and does the mitzvot not outwardly after the flesh. Anyone from any bloodline has the potential of being a better "Jew" than blood born Jews who rebel against YHWH and His Mashiyach. YHWH is the One who says who a Jew is, Rabbis help Gentiles make conversion to Judaism but it is the willingness and intent of the non-Jewish person to enter into Covenant with YHWH and keep Torah that matters, albeit conversion is more about having a Jewish identity and Jewish tradition than observance of Torah. The "Ephraimite movement" is polarized around the identity of "two houses" and oppose "one house" believers who don't see validity in "Ephraimite bloodline identity issues." But according to Ephraimite shtick if anyone wants to be an bona fide "Ephraimite" you simply have to accept the "Ephraimite" identity doctrine and BOOM...you're in there!
The "Ephraimite" movement has taken root out of prejudice, ignorance and jealousy, it is not only divisive but it is taking a name and identity from others which is not rightfully theirs. If one identifies himself as a Christian, Messianic, Netzarim, Believer, a Jew, Follower, Disciple, Talmid, a Spiritual Israelite or someone with a Jewish Heart, Heart of a Jew, or Hebrew heart, they do so by Faith. Anyone can choose to be a Jew, a Christian, a Netzari, a Believer etc, but to call oneself a bloodline "Ephraimite" without physical evidence is by material point of law, theft.
Those who claim to be "Ephraimites" are also claiming to be a portion above their brethren, although a very small percentage of people having a love for Y'shua, Torah, Israel, the Jewish People, Hebrew, Aramaic etc claim to have any blood connection to Israel. "Ephraimitism" is an unsanctified division within the Body of Mashiyach and causing divisions within friends, families, and congregations. Most individuals are interested to grow their Faith in Y'shua and Torah, instead of being sold "Ephraimite" theories and "Lost Tribe" propaganda at Holy Convocations. It is folly to hold meetings in the name of "Two Houses" and spend a majority of effort and discussion around this motif, there are much more vital and important matters at hand. Prophetic passages in the Tanakh and Ketuvim Netzarim direct us to grow in Mashiyach and go out and make talmidim, thus creating the bond of Unity. We are not to focus on political and genealogical theorem ensconced in identity issues.
"Moreover I have given to you one SHEKEM (portion) above your brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow." Genesis 48:22
One of the fallacies of the "Two House" movement is based on this verse that Ephraim was to receive a "portion above thy brethren" as if to receive some behemothic blessing. But the fact of the matter is this blessing was given to Joseph not Ephraim and the blessing was imparted as the doorway for Gentiles to enter into the House of Israel. The Hebrew word for portion used here is "SHEKEM" NOT "CHELEQ" which is the common Hebrew word for "portion". This is the ONLY verse in Scripture where King James translators wrote "portion" for "shekem". The word Shekem means "shoulder", check this in Strongs Concordance #7926, it is mentioned 22 times in Scripture. This verse speaks of Joseph having a literal "Shekem" shoulder, the words "above thy" do not appear in the Hebrew text, they were added by the translators who interpreted Shekem as a "shoulder above," the "Two House" theologians clearly use dubious methods to stroke their egos and build false theorem.
A literal place called "Shechem" Strongs #7927 lies within Ephraim's proposed boundaries. The fact of the matter is that Ephraim was so very disobedient to YHWH that as a tribe they accomplished no great military exploits as the other tribes, neither did they become the largest in number, far from it. Scriptures indicate that Ephraim let Canaanites dwell in their territories. Canaanite idolatry rapidly brought Ephraim down physically and spiritually. To teach that Ephraim irregardless of crass rebellion to YHWH became or will become a great people is antithetical to Scripture, the reality is simply that Ephraim is the covenantal door for the Gentile world to enter into the Kingdom of Elohim, IF they repent and have Torah written upon their hearts.
Relationship dynamics between Ephraim and Judah
"The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim." Isaiah 11:13
Judah vexes Ephraim: the Hebrew for "vex" is tsarar, also rendered as adversary, oppress, besiege, bound up, distress, shut up, afflict, enemy, and trouble. Judah vexed Ephraim but, "let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart" (Zechariah 7:10). The correct response to someone who is vexing another is to avoid becoming enemy centered and reactionary but rather emulate Mashiyach. The modern "Ephraimites" have a habit of putting "Judah" down for not accepting Y'shua as Mashiyach. The modern "Ephraimites" like to put Judah down because of the follies of Rabbinical Judaism, labor Zionism, Jewish conspiracies, the World Bank, the secular State of Israel and any and all failings of Jewish people.
Ephraim envies Judah: the Hebrew for "envy" is qinah, also rendered as jealousy 25, zeal 9, envy 8. If we factor this into the modern "Two House Movement" then "Ephraim" better be wary of their flesh. Modern "Ephraimites" may well be able to delineate many aspects of vexation that has come upon them by Y'hudah, this still doesn't make the cause of "Ephraim" blood legitimate. Rabbinical Judaism might well disdain Gentiles for having Torah written upon their hearts, so what? Rabbinical Judaism might well posture themselves as sole custodians of Torah, so what? Is not Mashiyach greater than man's religions? Messianic Jewish leaders might well be anti-Torah towards Gentiles, so what? Gentiles envy Jews because they are either ignorant of Torah and Mashiyach or they are carnally minded and cannot see beyond the materialistic prosperity of Jews. Modern Ephraimites cannot stop talking about Judah and the irony is that these same Ephraimites have modeled their own traditions after Rabbinical Judaism one could give many examples. Two-House leaders cut and paste Rabbinical thinking and prayers into their Shabbat and Feast observances some even light two candles on Shabbat one for Judah and one for Ephraim, a warm religious fuzzy I'm sure.
NO person in Mashiyach—especially leaders—should need approval or validation from Jews for their Faith, especially from Torahless Messianic Jewish leadership! Some Jews call themselves "Messianic Catholics", "Messianic Christians", "Messianic Seventh Day Adventists", "Messianic Charismatic", "Hebrew Christians" and every other flavor of pagan Christian denominationalism under the sun. The designation of "Messianic" by a Jew often indicates that they have been sold anti-Torah Hellenism, there are also self-hating token Jews in many Christian and socio-political institutions who endorse paganism, so it should come as no surprise that Hellenized Jews adopt paganism under the motif of "Messianic." However, YHWH is a Jealous Elohim who promises to supply ALL our needs according to His Riches and Mercy, we need not seek an identity outside of Him. What benefit would a person have in adopting the title of an "Ephraimite" or "Spiritual" Ephraim according to blood? "Ephraim" isn't such a "Spiritual" bloodline designation to begin with, neither does it hold such powerful prophetic or religious implication—except that portion above thy brethren status—which as already stated is a vast overstatement based on a Greek and/or English manipulation of the text.
Is your label as an "Ephraimite" more important than your identity in Y'shua? or that you have Torah written upon your heart? Is your label on the outside equal to your calling into the Kingdom of Elohim? If so, your flesh has obviously taken precedence over your spiritual person! Ephraim is a metaphor for Gentiles who turn to YHWH not a bloodline identity and this distinction is extremely important because Mashiyach is a higher calling than blood. YHWH is more important that life. The life is in the blood but YHWH has redeemed life through the blood of Mashiyach, therefore Ephraim's true calling is to proclaim Mashiyach and his Government as Gentiles, this is far more profound than trying to make a blood connection and this is also why Paul says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Mashiyach has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). In other words our calling in Mashiyach is according to the Promise not according to who our physical parents are, whether Jew or Gentile our calling is to put our faith in Mashiyach and have Torah written upon our hearts according to the Government of Mashiyach.
Relationship
dynamics between YHWH and Ephraim
So the posts passed from city to city through the country of
Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to
scorn, and mocked them.
2 Chronicles 30:10
For the head of
Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within
threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a
people. And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of
Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely
ye shall not be established.
Isaiah 7:8
The burden of
Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it
shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken:
they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make
them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and
the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be
as the glory of the children of Israel, says YHWH of hosts. And in
that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be
made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.
Isaiah 17:1-4
The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under
feet: And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of
the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit
before the summer; which when he that looks upon it sees, while it
is yet in his hand he eats it up. In that day shall YHWH
of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty,
unto the residue of his people, And for a spirit of judgment to him
that sits in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle
to the gate. But they also have erred through wine, and
through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet
have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they
are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they
stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and
filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
Isaiah 27:3-8
And I will
cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even
the whole seed of Ephraim.
Jeremiah 7:15
They shall
come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will
cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way,
wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and
Ephraim is my firstborn.
Jeremiah 31:9
I have seen an
horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of
Ephraim, Israel is defiled. Also, O Judah, he hath set an
harvest for you, when I returned the captivity of my people. 7:1
When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was
discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit
falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoils
without. And they consider not in their hearts that I remember
all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about;
they are before my face. They make the king glad with their
wickedness, and the princes with their lies. They are all
adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceases from raising
after he has kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.
Hosea 6:10
As for
Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and
from the womb, and from the conception. Though they bring up
their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a
man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!
Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim
shall bring forth his children to the murderer. Give them, O
YHWH: what will you give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry
breasts. All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated
them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of
mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are
revolters. Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they
shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay
even the beloved fruit of their womb. My Elohim will cast them
away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be
wanderers among the nations.
Hosea 9:11-17
Ephraim
compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit:
but Judah yet rules with Elohim, and is faithful with the saints.
Hosea 11:12
When Ephraim
spoke trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended
in Baal, he died. And now they sin more and more, and have
made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to
their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they
say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
Hosea 13:1-2
And he smote
his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual
reproach. Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and
chose not the tribe of Ephraim: But chose the tribe of Judah,
the mount Zion which he loved.
Psalm 78:66-68
If ye will NOT believe, surely
ye shall NOT be established...
When were the Ancient Ephraimites Lost?
"And I will sow them
among the people: and they shall remember me in far
countries; and they shall live with their children, and
turn again. I will bring them again also out of
the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria;
and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and
Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them.
And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and
shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of
the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall
be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart
away. And I will strengthen them in YHWH; and they
shall walk up and down
in his name, says YHWH."
Zechariah
10:9-12
YHWH knew where Ephraim was in the days of Zechariah, and so did
everyone else who wanted to know, they were in
Egypt and Assyria, EPHRAIM WAS NOT LOST then, there was NO
break in history where Ephraim could not identify itself so that
they suddenly
appeared somewhere else. The whole fiasco of the "Two House"
identity is an allurement of the enemy, beware of it!
A look at the numbers
Descendants of Re'uven
46,500
7
41,500
Even if we join the
numbers the two tribes of Ephraim (10th largest) and M'nasheh
(smallest) together we have 72,700, still lagging 1900 souls behind
Y'hudah, so Ephraim (fruitful) clearly does not have great numbers
here. So where then does Ephraim begin to realize it's
behemothic blessings? Here's the next bit of info about the
children of Yoseph from Joshua:
If anything the children
of Yoseph are needing some hand holding, but Y'hoshua encourages
them with something like "you want it, then go get it!"
We definitely do not see some inherent tour de force here. The next thing we discover is that Ephraim made a very,
very bad
choice and became assimilated with Canaanites.
Ephraim experienced the
earliest and largest single slaughter of all of the tribes.
Adding more trouble to
the Ephraimite woes they were foolish enough to join forces to overthrow David.
The
battle was waged "in the wood of Ephraim" where Israel took a
royal
beating and their numbers diminishing by 20,000. No I
don't say this lightly or in jest, it was a very, very sad part of
history, let's not overlook these facts.
The census that David took indicates that there were
800,000 from Israel and 500,000 men from Judah, a whopping 62% all
the tribes were Yehudah?
The tribe of Ephraim never amounted to much, simply
because YHWH's blessings are conditional upon obedience to Covenant.
Yet, some "Ephraimites" point out that YHWH says He will
have mercy upon Ephraim according to Jeremiah 31, and therefore
Ephraim has to show up somewhere for this to happen! Here's
the verse.
Unfortunately modern "Ephraimites" neglect to read the
context of this chapter which is the giving of the Brit Chadasha
(Renewed Covenant) where Torah is promised to be on the hearts of
YHWH's people, from the least to the greatest, ALL will know YHWH! In
this context Jeremiah speaks of Rachel weeping for her children in
Ramah, which is in the territory of Binyamin which is a clear
prophetic link to the coming of Mashiyach who was to bring the New
Covenant and make the offer of the Kingdom of Elohim.
Rachel had two sons, Yoseph was her firstborn and she
died giving birth to Binyamin. Most believers recognize that
Rachel's weeping (spoken of in Jeremiah) was a prophecy pertaining
to Herod's slaughter of all the males in Bethlehem which were two
years of age or younger. However it is clear that YHWH shows great
mercy and love for all of "Rachel's offspring". Ya'akov passed
his mantle on to Yoseph (the coat of many colors), and Ephraim
became Yoseph's firstborn according to a SPIRITUAL CALLING which is why YHWH also calls him His firstborn!
Remember, Manasseh was Yoseph's firstborn by blood. YHWH shows
his limitless compassion for all His Creation, but
anyone who uses this as a political identity ploy is really
missing the boat!
The Ephraimite identity crowd sees a behemoth
physical re-gathering of Israelites to the Land of Israel, whereas
the prophets foretell of the Day of YHWH shaking down all false
governments and religions and during this time of great peril YHWH
will install His Government over all the nations, and redraw the
borders etc.. Then there will be a universal re-gathering of
YHWH's people, of those who are alive at Mashiyach's return and
those of the first resurrection. But among the Ephraimites—believe it or not—there are men who are pining to be the big dog on
the porch, even "king of Israel", who literally think they are the
head and have some sort of right to kingship and that at any moment
they're going to start a massive revival etc.. Don't laugh,
it's not funny. It's fantasy, pride and arrogance clothed with
ignorance of the Malchut Elohim. The reality of Ya'akov and
Rachel's lineage through Yoseph points to MASHIYACH and a universal
Kingdom, NOT some bloodline Ephraim-itish denominationalism.
The Batya and
Angus Wooten material regarding the "Ephraimite theory" has
been in print for many years, much of it comes right out of the British Israel
Identity movement, but without the open hatred toward Jews.
British Israel theories were adopted by the Worldly Wide Church of
God and are still maintained
among WCG's scattered & battered frozen chosen flock.
While the "Two House" Brethren are in a quest for Mashiyach, Torah
Observance etc., the concern is how the posturing of the
"Ephraimite" identity has become an offense to YHWH and the Body of
Mashiyach and yet another religious identity trap.
First off, it is vexing to
hear people calling themselves physical
"Ephraimites" without a shred of proof! The theories and posturing
required to
support the claims of the "Two House" identity are extensive. The theory has
even become a "testing truth"
for some "Ephraimites"... you are either with them or
against them as pertaining to their identity as "Ephraimites" and for this
we must
say a resounding... GROW UP Ephraimites!!!
This is not criticism of
brethren seeking Mashiyach who are zealous for Torah, rather the institution of "Two House"
brothers sparring off against "One House" brothers which
is an offense to YHWH.
Granted, it may be reactionary because of the treatment that non-Jewish souls have received at the hands of Jews for Jesus,
Messy-antic, Evangelical, Lausanne Convention self hating anti-Torah
Jews who despise Gentiles for wanting to do Torah!!!
Baruch haShem YHWH!
Let all Elohim Fearers who suffer consider themselves blessed of Mashiyach! Not all "One House" folk are warning Gentiles off Torah or waving Jewish flesh all over town at the expense of the rest of the Body of Mashiyach. The point is that your identity in Mashiyach is the most important thing you have, no? What? is being yoked with the Master of all and King of all Kings not a good enough identity for you? do you need to go looking for "Ephraimite" blood now?
YHWH spoke definitively about Ephraim breaking Covenant with Him,
but He also called Ephraim His "firstborn", indicating His
intimate desire was for Ephraim to respond to Him as a faithful son, but Ephraim would not!
Those who are now coming out of "the woodwork" and calling themselves "Ephraimites"
(by their flesh) are calling YHWH's Word a lie, UNLESS they speak as Ephraim
in the light of Jeremiah 31 and the Renewed Covenant.
YHWH said He would reduce Ephraim to "not be a people"
after the blood, but NOT AFTER THE PROMISE that is within the gathering of souls
into His Kingdom. So we either believe YHWH or we believe in "Ephraimite"
bloodline theories.
Ephraim bloodline does NOT need to appear on the scene for the Word of YHWH to be satisfied.
Rachel's children are those of the Promise, not after the flesh,
these are after the Faith of Avraham which is a continuum of the
Malchut Elohim from Adam right through to the Olam Haba. But
even though these are "children of promise" it surely does
NOT mean their bloodine has saved them from their sins!
Consider
Apostle Paul exhorts "Ephraimites" (Gentiles) to focus on Mashiyach and grow their love for Torah rather than look over their shoulder and yada yada yada about what Judah is or is not doing. Yet the Ephraimites are busy branding those who don't subscribe to the "Two House" theory are as "One Housers." We find no place in Scripture where the Kingdom of Elohim has people going about calling themselves "Two House", "One House" though does have a "ring" to it as in, One Body, One Mashiyach, His Name Shall be ONE etc. One is better than two when it comes to Mashiyach.
The British Israelite Identity Movement from which gave birth to
the "Ephraimite" movement openly promotes racism, to these folks G-d
invented racism, their thinking follows that G-d
chose some and didn't choose others. Some are blessed others
are not, they teach G-d invented
"racism," and they interpret racism to give themselves the
upper hand, it's not pretty but the "Ephraimites" also take a
similar religio-political stand.
One of the
"Ephraimitish" leaders states on his website: "We believe that the house of
Israel, led by Ephraim, who is scattered in the nations and
their future reunion with the house of Judah is one of the
most significant Messianic prophecies concerning the
role and function of the Messiah of Israel. Yeshua / Jesus
stated that He needed to die on the tree so that His two
houses or sheepfolds could become one (John 10:14-17).
As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I
lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep
I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must
bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be
one fold, and one shepherd.
John 10:15-16
NO, this
verse focuses on the "other sheep", which are
"not of this fold",
Y'shua is referring to those who are not in the Kingdom of Elohim as
yet, he is definitely NOT referring to the "Ephraimites" joining with
Y'hudah.
When we think of sheep, the first thing that comes to mind is
Ya'akov accumulating sheep while working for Lavan, and how he made
an effort to separate those which were his own from those of
Lavan's. Sheep are used in this case to show Ya'akov's
honesty. When the Princes of the 12 Tribes of Israel brought
their offerings in Numbers 7:12-83 each one made a burnt offering of
one young bull, one ram and one sheep. Rashi noted that the
young bull represents Avraham, as it says "He brought a young bull"
Genesis 18:7; of Yitzak, as it says "And he took the ram" Genesis
22:13; and of Ya'akov it says, "And Ya'akov separated the sheep"
Genesis 30:40. Each of the Princes was also symbolically
indicating their Unity in the Kingdom of YHWH, as unto the Elohei of Avraham, Yitzak and
Ya'akov. When the Mashiyach speaks of sheep that are not of this fold, he is
specifically talking about those who are NOT yet of His Kingdom,
regardless of bloodline.
The Maharal points out that Israel is
likened to sheep. When one Jew transgresses (as in the case of
Achan, see Joshua 7), the whole nation suffers. Y'shua stated
He has sheep who will become part of the Israel of Elohim, who He
must bring in, it is arrogant and rude to state this is referring
only to "Ephraim" or to those who have blood lineage in
Israel. It's a lie and it's racism, YHWH did not create human
life to watch it suffer and become fuel for burning Hell, every life
is precious in His eyes and He seeks men everywhere to repent and
put their Trust in Him.
"...It is a
Qalal
(light thing)
that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of
Jacob,
and to restore the preserved of Israel:
I will
also give you for a light to the Gentiles,
that you may
be my salvation unto the end of the earth."
Isaiah 49:6
It is a "light thing" to
raise up the tribes of Ya'akov by comparison of MASHIYACH being a LIGHT TO THE GENTILES! and by my
YESHUA (salvation) unto the end of the earth! Being as the earth is
round, the end of the earth must mean EVERY SOUL ON EARTH!
So
please do your homework "Ephraimites", anyone who interprets the Ministry of Mashiyach
as primarily unto the "Two Houses" is teaching a "bald
faced pathetic self serving lie", it is shameful teaching! The focus on
re-uniting Judah and Ephraim bloodlines is of much less importance
to YHWH and His Mashiyach than the "Ephraimites" would want you to
know. If it were
of such importance there would be many Prophecies to address it, but
there are none so the "Ephraimites" have to stretch the Scriptures
hard to make a name for themselves.
There is NOT ONE MENTION of "Ephraim" in the Ketuvim Netzarim (Netzarim Writings), only a reference to the "city of Ephraim". There are NO prophetic directives of this "joining" in the historical writings of the Netzarim or Christian communities. Orthodox Jewry and their religion however does have both a political and a religious interest in a future prophetic "joining" of the Tribes. The vast majority of Orthodox Jews deny Y'shua as the Promised Mashiyach, therefore by their traditions He is not considered to be a "Light to the Gentiles". However, haMashiyach has a Universal calling to Unify the World in Righteousness, therefore as Orthodox Jews do not accept Y'shua, any joining of "Two Houses" would have to be accomplished under Rabbinical authority and directives. If Rabbinical Judaism were to endorse the "Ephraimites" on behalf of all Jews, they then could clearly point out that Y'shua haMashiyach could not be the True Mashiyach. To submit and follow Orthodox authority in order to facilitate a "joining" of the two sticks is extremely problematic. With the one world government propaganda machine hard at work, "Ephraimites" stand a very good chance of being recognized as a bona fide denominational religion. A bit of money and political lobbying and the Beast would be happy to comply and let the Ephraimites in on their hierarchy so they can control their souls, yes ecumenical "Ephraimitism" is probably coming soon to a theatre near you. Haven't you ever wondered how the Messianic Movement got so messy, and so anti-Torah?
Y'shua first commanded His Talmidim;
LOST SHEEP NOT LOST TRIBES!
Don't you hate that when people twist the Scriptures to suite their own theology? The "LOST TRIBES" theology made way for the British "monarchy" to give itself authority to rape, plunder and pillage the rest of the world under their "god given" right to rule. The American nation has given itself "superpower" status to rape the freedom and resources of every nation they "visit" under the guise of their shameful "god given" Christian message. Certainly many American people are wise to the infidelities of their nation, many Americans try hard to rectify the evil brought upon the world by their evil governments and corporations. But Americans pay their taxes to the Beast, the little good they do is a drop in the bucket against the instability and tyranny wrought upon the world by American greed and lust for power. But most religious people in America believe they have a god given mandate to police the world, which evolved in the same "Christian" manner as the Bloody British. And of course nothing good will ever come out of nationalistic British or Americanism, because "identity" is not community, it is not equality, it is one-up-man-ship and it opposes the Malchut Elohim. Clearly the "Ephraimite" movement is essentially another American white cult movement, where they can profess to others, "god chose US!"
Then Y'shua commanded His Talmidim;
The "Good News" does not prejudice one nation against another or one part of the Body of Mashiyach against another. But Ephraimite leaders are teaching that the "Good News" is that they are of ancient Israel lineage and are destined to dominate and rule the world, they think themselves to be a shoulder above their brethren...
Ya'akov (James) knew where the 12 Tribes of Israel were hiding out and how to get in touch with them.
Some teach it was an open letter to all Israelites and therefore the physical "Church" is Israel, but the problem is there is the Israel of Elohim (spiritual Israel), and the bloodline Israel which is not a guarantee of belonging to YHWH. The Ephraimite "religion" is clearly going after the latter group and the carrot is to be the head, not the tail. As this chap says, "We believe that the house of Israel, led by Ephraim." He clearly states he wants to be the big dog on the porch. The House of Israel also includes Judah, so Mr. Ephraimite really doesn't have an equality mindset, he sees hierarchy and this is the pride behind the American Ephraimite movement. There are even American "Ephraimite" leaders who are gunning to be king of Israel, their fantasies and pride have been carried over from their Hellenistic American dream superpower Christian identities.
A well known and published "Ephraimite" writes:
"Caiaphas prophesied that Yeshua / Jesus died on the tree to redeem and reunite both houses of Israel (John 11:49-52). However, the physical reunion of both houses of Israel from the nations and their return to the land of Israel has not yet taken place. Messiah was asked by His disciples when this event would happen (Acts 1:6). The Apostle Paul preached the regathering of both houses of Israel after the death of Messiah on the tree (Acts 26:6-7). Since the New Covenant was given distinctly to both houses of Israel (Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8) and the Messiah commissioned fishermen (Matthew 4:18-20) to go seek and find the scattered "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6), the Messiah's role as the Great Shepherd (John 10:14) is best pictured in the redemption, restoration and regathering of Ephraim with Judah." (bold italics mine)
"EPHRAIMITE" DOCTRINE: Did Yeshua die on the tree to redeem and reunite both houses of Israel (John 11:49-52)?
NO, if John meant either Israel, Y'hudah or Ephraim he would have said it, he did NOT! This subjective reading into the text is a bald face lie and distortion of truth.
John wrote, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." NOT ALL, but myriads of His own received him, but the Jews who denied Y'shua also said some VERY TELLING things about themselves; John 7:34 "Then said the Jews among themselves, Where will he go, that we shall not find him? Will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?" Yes indeed, make no mistake about it, "the Jews" had a VERY good idea what haMashiyach came to do, didn't they? There Y'shua goes off to the Gentiles to fulfill the prophecies of Mashiyach!!! It seems like almost everyone on the planet knows and understands this, except for a handful of "Ephraimite" leaders.
Isaiah 56:8 YHWH Elohim which gathers the outcasts of Israel says, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. Read the entire chapter, who is "the stranger"? It it most definitely NOT only "Gentilized" Israel. No, the central theme of Mashiyach harmonizing the Universe doesn't end with joining "Two Houses", nor did Y'shua begin with it. The "Two Houses" came about as a product of disobedience and rebellion among the ranks, Mashiyach has a much bigger and more Magnificent Universal calling than this.
NO, even the term "scattered abroad" is applied universally as well as locally as in; Matthew 9:36 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Matthew 26:31 Then said Y'shua unto them, All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. Scattered abroad refers to souls being divided from YHWH and His Kingdom, as physical geography isn't a big deal for the Ruach haKodesh.
"EPHRAIMITE" DOCTRINE: Messiah was asked by His disciples when the "physical reunion" would happen (Acts 1:6)?
NO, they never asked about the "physical reunion" of the Two Houses, the Kingdom of Israel as they knew it was under brutal ROMAN OCCUPATION. Y'shua's Talmidim were hoping Y'shua was going to make a move as Mashiyach Ben David and ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD WOULD BECOME THE KINGDOM OF YHWH! They wanted the Spirit of King David to arise, like the good old times, it was the only logical thing they could think of at the time, and who wouldn't? It's obvious, and self evident, but not for "Ephraimites".
But look carefully at how Y'shua answered; "and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." In other words He said, NO, you guys have a job to do so quit the day dreaming... If MASHIYACH wanted to say "Two House" he would have said it, HE doesn't need an "Ephraimite" to try to put words in His Mouth or twist the Scriptures to say what suits their own religio-political agendas.
"EPHRAIMITE" DOCTRINE: Did Paul preach the re-gathering of both houses of Israel after the death of Messiah (Acts 26:6-7)?
NO, what is the "Hope of our Fathers"? Paul is most certainly NOT referring to the re-gathering of both houses, that is leaning beyond stupidity towards evil. The Hope of the promise made to ALL 12 Tribes of Israel, the ULTIMATE HOPE, the JEWISH HOPE, religious Jew, secular, or every Jew and CHRISTIAN HOPE and the NETZARIM HOPE and every BELIEVERS HOPE or sect and religious fanatic (except some "Ephraimites" leaders) know about the Hope of the Promise! This is a painfully foolish thing for this "Ephraimite" fellow to teach. My sincerest and humble apologies to all "Ephraimites" and the rest of humanity that I have to rebuff such an obvious reality because...
OUR HOPE IS... M A S H I Y A C H! U N I V E R S A L U N I T Y I N T H E N A M E O F Y H W H
"EPHRAIMITE" DOCTRINE: Was the New Covenant given distinctly to both houses of Israel (Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8)?
YES, BUT NOT the way you're TWISTING it "Ephraimites"! Jeremiah 31:31 most certainly refers to the Brit Chadasha (New or Renewed Covenant) made with the House of Yisrael and Y'hudah, BUT (huge BUT) it is extremely shortsighted and ignorant for someone to teach this Covenant was distinctly, uniquely and solely for "the persons" of Yisrael and Y'hudah! How can someone be so naive to build a teaching on this? Yisrael and Y'hudah are chosen to make a covenant with YHWH as representing ALL the Family of YHWH on earth, as a Priesthood. Think about it, we've all come to know and Believe Y'shua is haMashiyach and put our trust in Him—through the Ruach haKodesh convicting our souls—and because His Talmidim gave eye witness accounts of Y'shua and what He accomplished in their lives, these listened and learned from Him directly. These were the "persons" who received him and His Teaching, it is based on THEIR WITNESS that you and I became believers. Y'shua didn't write any "NEW COVENANT WRITINGS", he raised up Disciples! Y'shua said, "blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." Far beyond any physical distinctions, the Ruach haKodesh is revealing Y'shua to people who had never seen, heard, or read the Scriptures, they never heard the Name of Y'shua and never met a Follower of Y'shua but they Believe already because their "spiritual eyes" realize that there is more to the Creator of the Universe and His Creation than religions are teaching.
The revelation of the Covenant has gone forth throughout the earth through the Ruach haKodesh. Many souls have come to know the Name of YHWH and His Mashiyach by opening their Scriptures and making a connection long AFTER they first believed and trusted in One Elohim! People have had visions and dreams of Y'shua in Muslim countries, they've been martyred because they have put Faith in Y'shua for Salvation, just by confessing very simple words of Faith, these are not coming to know Y'shua through "evangelical efforts" of the House of Israel and Judah! They are making covenant based on FAITH, purely from revelation of Mashiyach through the Ruach haKodesh! Therefore according to the making of a RENEWED Covenant, Israel and Judah symbolize the Household of Faith as a Priesthood who are ambassadors, recipients and covenantees for all of mankind! A very important and special honour for Israel and Judah, although most of Israel and Judah have chosen to disqualify themselves and not advance the Kingdom of Elohim, but this cannot and will not in anyway reduce the covenant that was established, as it is a clearly a Covenant for all humanity.
If we continue to read on in Jeremiah 31:34 "And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know YHWH: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith YHWH: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." When Y'shua was asked, "who is my neighbour?" He answered with Deuteronomy 10:12 the word "neighbour" is translated as "stranger", in Hebrew "GER". The GER is a sojourner, a new comer, one who does not have inherited rights in the Land, the GER is required to Observe Torah and be joined with Yisrael. The mixed multitude (EREV RAV) who came out of Egypt along with Yisrael, also entered into Covenant with YHWH by sojourning with and thus functionally being part of "the Children of Israel". The Hebrew word for mixed "EREV" is also used to describe knitted material, this tells us that those who were non-Israelites were woven into the Israelite community. Rabbinically speaking, the EREV RAV was a greater number of souls than the "Children of Israel". And so it is with the Brit Chadasha being made with Yisrael and Y'hudah, the Erev Rav were and are very well represented within Yisrael and Y'hudah!
What about Exceptions?
Nehemiah13:1-3 "On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of Elohim forever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our Elohim turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude." A question for "Two House" leaders; does this mean that any lineage from Ammonite or Moabite bloodlines will never enter into the Brit Chadasha, FOREVER? Does the Brit Chadasha cancel this out? Maybe there's not enough room to get the other foot in your mouth now, "Ephraimites"? Any chance some Ephraimites intermarried with Ammonites and Moabites? (sorry)
There is nothing new under the sun, Non-Jews have tried to usurp an identity of "Ephraim like" proportions before in history. The kings of Scotland according to Scottish legend, are in possession of the stone that Jacob used as a pillow at Bethel, the ole "Stone of Scone", it is now called the "Stone of Destiny". It is this "stone" that many think authenticates a "God given right" to ordain Kings, they believe it to be as a "torch" of authority given them by the will of God. This is Gnosticism at it's finest.
On St. Andrews Day, November 30th, 1996 Scotland's coronation stone made it's way back to Scotland where it is now at the Edinburgh Castle, it had been stolen from the Scotts 700 years previous by the English King Edward. Although it wasn't pretty, having their Stone of Scone stolen, it now rests in their possession. Consider the significance of this propaganda. It is indicative of leaders who feel a need for both approval and "authority". Some leaders have a need to borrow or slime authority from something in order to legitimize themselves as leaders, hence the "Ephraimite" movement and the case of stolen identity, the fact remains that YHWH Himself will ultimately raise up leaders or take them down. Beware of someone who seeks to get authority for himself, he is both a false prophet as well as a false teacher as Y'shua taught that the least (servants) shall be the greatest, and the greatest shall be the least.
The "Seed of
Abraham", as taught by one of the chief American "Ephraimite"
spin doctors, is Christian America.
This strategy of this leader and his cohorts is very much like that of the very late David Koresh who daily
emphasized and wrote songs of his and the Branch Davidians highly esteemed self importance. I've physically visited both camps
and they bear striking
resemblance to each other.
By teaching that the "Seed of Abraham" is Ephraim,
it gives pride and identity to some but puts those who don't subscribe
outside the camp, the issue is not the Kingdom of Elohim, but
whether you will accept the authority of the "Ephraimite" leaders. To gain acceptance with David Koresh you had to believe you
were also part of his elite elect, the frozen chosen "Branch Davidians",
so what's the difference really? The Davidians did Shabbat,
ate Kosher, liked to talk about Hebrew and Aramaic stuff etc., NO lets be
truthful, regarding the "Seed of Abraham" Apostle Paul
wrote;
"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not
to Abraham, or to his seed, through the Torah, but through the
righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the Torah be heirs,
faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the
Torah works wrath: for where no Torah is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end
the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is
of the Torah, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who
is the father of us all."
Romans 4:13-16
No, Paul
never preached that the Seed of Abraham was Ephraim. No,
it takes Faith to
be a "seed" of Abraham, FAITH, not blood.
You got blood but no Faith you go to the back of the bus.
"Not as though the word of Elohim (G-d) hath taken none effect.
For they are NOT all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because
they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac
shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of
the flesh, these are not the children of Elohim: but the
children of the promise are counted for the seed."
Romans
9:6-8
Is
it so bad to
leave paganism behind in exchange for the Kingdom of Elohim, Mashiyach, Torah
and New Life in Him that a person also needs to invent a
physical bloodline?
Are
Ephraimites now going to point fingers to those who don't have the
"Ephraimite" accoutrements? Yes they are, the "One-House" is an invention of the "Two-House"
movement, insecurity about ones identity is an embarrassment to
the Faith of Mashiyach because... "old things have passed away, behold, all
things have been made new."
"But what things were gain to me, those I
counted loss for
M A S H I Y
A C H!"
OBSERVATIONS
Some
"Two House" people say they prefer the term "Hebraic" Roots of
Christianity instead of the term "Jewish" Roots "because Judah
never existed until much later". To these folks, Abraham
was a "Hebrew", therefore as these are not Jewish they are children of Abraham.
So
when did these new "Hebrews" become Hebrews?
When they
came to believe in
Y'shua?
When they started observing Shabbat
or quit eating Pork?
When they
left their
Hellenized Churches?
Where does it say anything in
Scripture about Christians, or Gentiles become "Hebrews"?
How many
Some
"Two House" people say, "Judaism does not accept the Ephraimite
teachings because it threatens a two-class system between Jewish
and non-Jewish Believers in Messianic Judaism."
Why do
you call yourselves "Two-House" and establish a one
House and Two House mandate when the term is not
even in Scripture?
Why do you hold that you
are "Ephraim", why not "Israel"?
TOO MUCH shtick
by Jews, so let's make up our own?
Ephraim got a "portion above"?
"Ephraimites" have
no problem with a two class system provided they are the upper
class. The Spirit and the flesh are most certainly at war,
but the one we feed is the one that wins, so let's not feed the flesh? O foolish "Ephraimites", who hath bewitched you?
Some "Two House"
leaders point to a handful of Orthodox Jews who teach the re-gathering
of Judah and Ephraim as a way of lending
credibility to their cause.
Why would someone who claims to
follow Y'shua as haMashiyach regard "Prophetic" insights from those who
flatly deny
Y'shua as Mashiyach?
Didn't Y'shua say that if you
follow a blind man you both end up in the ditch?
Some Rabbis or "sages" have a wealth of
beneficial understanding only a fool would
discount this, but if you truly follow Y'shua you are
dangerously unwise to
regard prophetic insights pertaining to Mashiyach by someone who denies
Y'shua as Mashiyach.
Either Y'shua is the Center and Focal point of Prophecy or he is
not! The identity of Mashiyach
is the most important singular prophetic revelation anyone could have,
PERIOD. O foolish "Ephraimites", who
hath bewitched you?
Some
"Two House" people believe they are propagating a teaching which will promote unity
between Jews and Christians. No, not at all, the
true founders of modern "Ephraim Movement", are some of the
authors listed below, some who are clearly at war with Mashiyach
and Torah. "Ephraimite" leaders have taken ideas
of "Ephraim" from
these
publications, the "Ephraimite" teaching is divisive and a fad within the Body of
Mashiyach, but Y'shua and Torah is universal everlasting Truth. Here is
the shortlist of the real founders of the
modern "Ephraimite" identity movement.
Are You an Israelite?
Assyrian Invasions and Deportations of Israel by
J. Llewelyn Thomas
Babylon the Great by Frank Dowsett
Britain and the European Union by Alan Cambell
Britain Awake! by David Hilliard
Britain in Prophecy by Brian Williams
Britain's Royal Throne by Brian Williams
British Israel Vital Belief or Optional Extra?
by C.A.J. Cream, B.A.
Covenant People, The by William J. Cameron
Crown of Glory, A by Howard B. Rand
Dan: The Pioneer of Israel by J.C. Gawler
Did Our Lord Visit Britain by C.C. Dobson
Distinction Between Judah and Israel by Curtis
Clair Ewing
Drama of the Lost Disciples, The by Geo. F.
Jowett
Essential Christian Heritage, The by Eric
Butler
Forgotten Monarchy of Scotland, The by HRH Prince
Michael of Albany
God's Covenant People, Yesterday, Today and
Forever by Ted R. Weiland
How the Gospel came to Britain by Brian Williams
Iceland's Great Inheritance by Adam Rutherford
Identity Truth Upheld by Alan Campbell
Incredible Nordic Origins, The by S. Gusten Olsen
Judah's Scepter and Joseph's Birthright by J.H.
Allen
Judgment on Britain by Brian Williams
Lost Chapter of Acts of the
Apostles by E. Raymond Capt
Lost Ten Tribes of Israel, The by
F.W.C. Neser
"Lost" Ten Tribes of Israel...
Found, The by Steven M. Collins
"Lost Tribes of Israel - Still Lost
in Church Theology, The by Richard N. Stuart
Marks of Israel by Henry Houghton
Missing Links Discovered in Assyrian Tablets by
E. Raymond Capt
Nature's Big Twelve by Rev. John Shenton
Our Great Seal
Our Heritage by Moana Finch
Origin And Early History Of
Christianity In Britain, The by Dr.
Our Neglected Heritage by Gladys Taylor (5
Volumes)
Proud to be a Protestant by Alan Campbell
Riddle of Prehistoric Britain, The by Comyns
Beaumont
Royal House of Britain, An Enduring
Dynasty -Milner
St. Paul in Britain by R.W. Morgan
Scottish Declaration of
Independence, The by E. Raymond Capt
Secrets of Time by Stephen E. Jones
Seven Churches, The by Stephan E.
Jones
Seven Times, A Mark of Israel by Michael D.
Bennett
Spiritual Israel by Evangelist Ted R. Weiland
Stars Declare God's Handiwork, The by Howard B.
Rand
Stem of Jesse and The Royal Line,
The by Henry D. Houghton
Stone of Destiny, The Meaning of it's Dimensions
by D.C. Nesbit
Stories of Lost Israel in Folklore by James
Haggart
Symbols Of Our Celto-Saxon
Heritage
Watchword: Expectancy by Wm. O. Lay Jr.
What Happened to the Lost Tribes? by Brian
Williams
Where is Israel? Who are the Jews? by Brian
Williams
Who and Where are the Lost Tribes? by Rev. J.
Hislop
Wolf and the Sheep, The by Richard Kelly Hoskins
Authors
face critical problems with their false theories:
In Jacobs day the most
conservative estimates put the population of the earth at
approximately 6 million people. Jacob was ONE in SIX
MILLION, but now the Identity people want us to believe that
Jacob is responsible for at least every ONE in TEN people on
earth (some claim every one in three). It takes both ignorance of Scripture and
history to
believe and teach this foolish lie.
How did the Israelites
manage to suddenly speak a huge variety of languages and
entirely loose their Hebrew and Aramaic culture? Every culture has an
inherent inclination to maintain cultural values, there are remnants
of ancient cultures all over the world who have retained their
language, for example the Assyrians living in Chicago
http://www.aina.org/aol/ethnic.htm. This is true
also of "the Jews", but where is the "Ephraimite" culture and
heritage? It's only Americanism that boasts of ancient
roots, even in Canada and America Native Indians
have suffered all form of persecution for preserving their
own native language and culture. Native tribal groups have retained their language
and today phrasebooks and all manner of history is evident
within their culture. There is no ancient Ephraimite language or
culture evident in these Americans who call themselves
"Ephraimites", they are ex-Christians who are
fabricating prophetic tales and pretending to be something which
they certainly are not. "Ephraimite" leaders are deeply
"Americanized" and it is within their American
identity that they see themselves as a "Christian nation" and
recipients of YHWH's blessings and this in fact is the tour de
force behind the Ephraimite bloodline movement.
In the
writings of Joseph ben Matthias (Flavius Josephus), we have
historical insight regarding Jewish demographics, social and
cultural values. Nowhere in "Josephus" is there evidence
to support the "Lost Tribes" theories of the "Ephraimites".
The Babylonians, Medes, Persians, Greeks and Romans have all
made war against Jews and their culture, the thought of Jews
relocating to Europe and becoming entire countries is both self serving and shortsighted
Christian propaganda. From
the time Israel came out of Egypt haSatan managed to enlist
most of the world to go to war against Torah, Messianic, Torah Zionist Jews, whether Arab jihad, Christian crusade or
pogroms in Europe or through Sabbatian and Frankist self-hating Jewish
agendas. Jews have been tracked by their enemies and
slaughtered solely for being "People of the Book". Only a
fool would teach that the Tribes of Israel were "lost" in
Europe, this hedonistic thinking concludes that
Israelites were responsible for the crusades against Jews, which is a vile and false religious premise.
No, the vast majority of Christians are Gentiles from pagan
ancestry and who only represent Ephraim when they make teshuva
and come out of paganism.
Those who
expect a massive re-gathering now according to some idyllic
bloodline awareness, before Mashiyach returns, are
fooling themselves and becoming susceptible to entrapment of
globalization. These are willfully
ignorant of the "Day of YHWH" in which "Jacob's
Trouble" comes and YHWH exposes "Jacob" for defiance of
The Covenant. Jacob represents the rightful spiritual
father of Ephraim and modern Christianity that claims to follow
Mashiyach but does not therefore Jacob's Trouble is punishment
upon the Church for its rebellion against YHWH.
Israel became a State by
fighting the bloody British, Israel fights for survival
today against US, European and anti-Zionist oligarchies.
American power and politics are forcing Jews to surrender not only their land to their enemies,
but their Faith in YHWH and Torah. Self-hating Jews are conspiring in a world system
which takes it's mandate from Nimrod and his tower of Babel, a
false worldly "zionism" is at war with Biblical Zionism. The
nations intend to maintain the instability of Israel and the
people of YHWH right up to
the time when the One World Government makes its ultimate boast
of Global control. America funded
Arafat and the PLO since the early days giving Billions to promote
the "Palestinian Agenda" they continue to do so
by funding Hamas and any faction that destabilizes (Hegelian
strategy) the Middle East.
Brits and Americans continue to prove their allegiance to "the Beast",
not to truth, not to Israel, and certainly not to YHWH. At best
blood thirsty "Ephraimites" are simply plying more American
propaganda and religious ideology, wanting more colonization and
more control
and subsequently continuing the Hellenistic values of the
churches they've not entirely left behind.
"Two House" leaders
use age old "identity" teaching to increase their
"flocks".
Deuteronomy 1:10 "YHWH
Elohim has multiplied you, and, behold, you are this day as
the stars of heaven for multitude. YHWH Elohim of your
fathers make you a thousand times so many more as you are,
and bless you, as he hath promised you! Michael
Rood a self proclaimed "Ephraimite" leader teaches that Science has shown the
maximum number of stars a person can count with the natural eye is 600,000.
Torah says there were about 600,000 men who came out of
Mitzrayim (Egypt). Then he asked, how much is 600,000
times 1,000? That would be 600,000,000 people!
Nearly a Billion, there is supposedly 6 Billion people on earth
so he teaches that every ONE in TEN people one earth is
an Israelite. This teaching has now become one of
the "Ephraimite"
lies borrowed from the Identity groups and "science". Clearly Torah, the Neviim and History proves to us that
Israel chose disobedience unto YHWH. This kind of teaching is
extremely dangerous, it teaches that YHWH does not mean or Do what He
says. It suggests that no bad thing will come upon the rebellious and they just keep on growing and prospering,
like Britain and the USA who are money and power mongering pagan
nations.
Now go, write it before
them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the
time to come for ever and ever: That this is a
rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear
the Torah of YHWH: Which say to the seers, See not; and to
the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us
smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way,
turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to
cease from before us. Wherefore thus says the Holy One of
Israel, Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression
and perverseness, and stay thereon: Therefore this
iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out
in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.
And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel
that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there
shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire
from the hearth, or to take water out of the pit. For thus
says the YHWH Elohim, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and
rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be
your strength: and you would not. But you said, No;
for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall you flee: and, We
will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you
be swift. One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one;
at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a
beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an
hill.
Isaiah 30:8-17
Think
about where you might find evidence in history where a bunch of
Jews ended on top of a hill somewhere in Israel, like a beacon,
like an ensign. Here's a hint. There's a cable car
that takes people for a ride to the top of a hill West of the
Dead Sea. Masada. For many Jews Masada represents a
valiant struggle for Jewish Freedom against the Romans, but it is
clear evidence of YHWH demonstrating His Word! Gamla, is
another very tragic and sad part of Jewish history that happened
to our people, it is gut wrenching to see the collateral damage
to those who rebel against YHWH. YHWH is Merciful, Kind,
Forgiving, Full of Justice and He is a Covenant Keeper, the
problem never has been His Faithfulness, but the faithfulness of
all who need His Blessing. No lie is of the truth,
the "Ephraimite" shtick is a blood based lie.
Some
"Two House" people believe that they as the new "Ephraimites"
are becoming a vast number of righteous souls who will fill the
Land of Israel and become a glorious nation unto YHWH and His
Mashiyach. This thinking is in effect sanctifying ones own
belief system by theologically speculating how well one is doing
before YHWH. It is very dangerous to pat oneself on the
back with this kind of theologizing. NO, let YHWH pat the back,
we are to practice humility, repentance and good works before
Him and each other. The fact is all of the Tribes of
Israel were dispersed and scattered out of the Land because of
their disobedience and arrogance to YHWH. To say that
modern American Ephraim "blood" is going to fulfill YHWH's Covenant through
Mashiyach is as arrogant as any other religion that would
consider themselves blessed of YHWH while they stubbornly avoid
becoming a Kedoshim. When and if the "Ephraimites" choose
to see their identity only as a righteous people, they will no longer support the systems of Babylonian Democratic oppressive government, like
the USA where the President "evangelizes" their gospel
through plundering other nations and killing
and stealing from others.
Yes maybe there are certain benefits to being an American,
Canadian or Britain, Paul being a Roman
citizen was beheaded by Nero, but Peter wasn't a Roman so
he was crucified like a slave. O foolish "Ephraimites", who hath bewitched you?
Some "Two
House" people point out that the King James Version of the Bible
states that Ephraim would become a "multitude of nations",
therefore many nations around the world must have come from Ancient
Ephraim, because of this.
And his
father refused, and said, I know my son, I know: he also shall
become a people,
and he also shall be great: but truly his younger
brother shall be greater than he,
and his seed shall become a M'lo HaGoyim
full
the nation."
Genesis 48:19 "
The Hebrew M'lo HaGoyim
means "the fullness of nations". 4393 Strongs/Thayers
The Hebrew Hamon HaGoyim
means "a multitude of nations". 1995 Strongs/Thayers
The Hebrew M'lo is translated into
the English as full 12, fullness 8, all that is therein 7, all 2,
fill 2, handful 2, multitude 2, handful 1, handfuls 1.
So what does it mean to be a "fullness of nations", we know that
at one time Ephraim was pushing out at its borders, it was bountiful
but very short lived.
YHWH
appointed Sarah to "become nations" NOT Ephraim.
And I will bless
her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her,
and
she shall become nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Genesis 17:16
So now, in
places where "nations" are referred to in the Scriptures, it appears as some "Two House" spin doctors are using it to apply prophetically to
"Ephraimites", this theology shows the
"Ephraimites" want to be the "Master Race". O foolish
"Ephraimites", who hath bewitched you?
Is Ephraim considered the 13th tribe?
If so when?
2 Chronicles 30:1 And Hezekiah sent
to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and
Manasseh, that they should come to the house of YHWH at
Jerusalem, to keep the Passover unto YHWH Elohim of Israel.
Are all the blessings of YHWH only
contingent on His Promise, regardless of His people's response? OR must we as a people
respond to YHWH in truth and obedience in order to activate the
Blessings He has for us?
One of leaders of the "Two House" movement sent an email
stating;
"I
made a two hour presentation to TWO Chabad Chassidic Jewish rabbis
making the case that I am "Joseph" their BROTHER..." It's odd that a self proclaimed "Ephraimite" would use the same
strategy as the pope of Rome. John XXIII during the Second
Vatican Council addressed a Jewish delegation with the words, "I am
Joseph, your brother." But even the pope of Rome in his
vileness was more truthful that this "Ephraimite" fellow, at least
the pope had a birth name akin to "Yoseph", the head of
carnal and evil Christian paganism is no brother to YHWH's people. To claim to be something you are not,
is being an imposter. O foolish
"Ephraimites", who hath bewitched you?
Some of the "Two House" leaders point to YHWH's "blessings on
America" as proof that YHWH has endorsed America to represent Him.
Not only is this both shameful and arrogant for American Believers
to think and say, it is also a major deception. This kind of
thinking is indicative of one who wants endorsement for their
religion and their flesh. Nationalism is the underlying
religious motif for someone who follows this line of thinking, it
is yet more pride and division against the Body of Mashiyach. O foolish
"Ephraimites", who hath bewitched you?
Some "Two
House" people do NOT
like to refer to anyone as a "Jew" even if they are from the Tribe of Y'hudah,
but as "Hebrews". But "Jews" from the Tribes of Asher,
Benjamin and Levi where grateful to be referred to as "the
Jews" or "Yehudi".
Luke 2:36 "And there was one Anna,
a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Asher:
she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years
from her virginity;"
Acts 21:39 "But Paul said, I am a
man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no
mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people."
Philippians 3:5 "Circumcised the
eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an
Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;"
Romans 11:1 "I say then, Hath
Elohim cast away his people? YHWH forbid! For I also am an
Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin .
Acts 4:36 "And Yosef, who by the
apostles was surnamed Barnabas, a Levite, and of the country of
Cyprus."
History indicates that those from all
the Tribes of Israel came to be known as "the Jews". The
people of Israel were referred to both as "The Hebrews" and
"The
Jews". It's rather odd how a person can walk into a
meeting as a Christian and walk out of it as a Hebrew? No,
don't reduce that which is Holy into yet another "Americanism"
please. O foolish
"Ephraimites", who hath bewitched you?
"And I heard the
number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed
an hundred and
forty and four thousands of all the Tribes of the Children of
Israel.
Of the tribe of
Y'hudah were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Re'uven were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Asher were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Naftali were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
M'nasheh were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Shim'on were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Levi were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Yissakhar were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Z'vulun were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Yoseph were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of
Binyamin were sealed twelve thousand."
Revelations 7:4-8
So where is Ephraim?
The Sons of Ya'akov provide much insight into life, human
nature and the Will of YHWH as each of the sons and their
respective "Tribes" respond to the Covenant in various ways.
Instead of weighing the Tribes as matters of geo-political
identity, a righteous soul will seek to understand why and
how each Tribe of Israel functioned within the family of
YHWH, and apply wisdom to live out Truth.
There are many problems with fabricating lies one of the biggest
being...
"all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone"
Revelations 21:8
"Ephraimites!",
stop telling the lies about being blood
line "Ephraimites!"
If you don't want to accept the authority of the Scriptures, what
will happen one day if archeologists dig up archives in HaEretz regarding Ephraim, and we all discover the ancient Ephraimites drank themselves into oblivion, only
a handful survived, those remaining moved to Sefat to study
Kabbalah and they now call themselves Jews? "Ephraimites" wouldn't
be able to get the egg of their faces fast enough, no?
Y'shua haMashiyach
doesn't need
bloodline "Ephraimites" to establish a "Two House"
identity movement.
Certainly we have only briefly touched on a few areas regarding the
"Two House" movement, much more could and will be said I'm sure.
Nor have the praises of those my brothers and sisters living in
Mashiyach, doing Torah as unto YHWH who are hanging with the
"Ephraimites" sufficiently been praised
here. It's not right to
criticize unless the motive is out of love, in hope to strengthen
each one in the Body
of Mashiyach.
Some of the "Ephraimite" and
"Two House" people tell me of how they felt rejection from
the Messianic Jewish community, or by Rabbis, the JCC
etc or how sad it is that Jews don't walk in Torah or come to know
Y'shua etc. This is all clearly adding fuel for the
"Ephraimite" cause when Jews do not regard non-Jewish souls as
equals. However, Y'shua must be our Aim, He is the Goal of Torah,
He is the
Defining Factor of our Characters and Identity. If we seek any
acknowledgment or approval from anyone, let's seek it from Elohim Chayim.
We shall all stand or fall based on whether we are Faithful to the One who called us and gave us
Life. YHWH's Promises and Blessings are irrevocable and manifold
to those who Keep Covenant, but which blessings mentioned in Torah will we reap if we are NOT
Faithful? There is a very big difference to find one's
identity as an American or otherwise "Ephraimite" or find one's
identity in Y'shua and in His Word.
Our resolve whether Ephraimite or not must be to
singularly uphold the Kingdom of Elohim in our identity in Y'shua Mashiyach,
everything else has no lasting potential in itself. Our authority as individuals and leaders must
rely solely upon our calling in Him, not our identities after the
flesh. Our
mandates to move forward in His authority must include all souls
regardless of bloodline, real or perceived. Our discussion and
studies of the Word of YHWH, in Torah, Tanak and Ketuvim Netzarim
must be directed within the Kedoshim of YHWH. We need no
affiliation with a hierarchy that upholds any other Authority than
haMashiyach and Truth. The Unity of the Faith is not based on affiliation or identity
within a label, the premise must be the Kingdom of
Elohim. As we learn to walk in True authority, we will once
again experience what Y'shua and His Talmidim did in shaking the
world, and yet not only the world but we shall join with Mashiyach
to shake even the heavens. Let YHWH be true and every man a
liar.
"Turn, O
backsliding children, says YHWH; for I am married unto you:
and I
will take you one of a city , and two of a family,
and
I will bring you to Tsiyon:" Jeremiah 3:14
Whether we are blood descendents of
Israel or Y'hudah or not,
YHWH says
He will
choose from a city and
from a family
which ones He will bring
YHWH be with you,
Shalom
U'Vrachot!
Baruch
Ben Daniel
"And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went
northward, and said unto Jephthah, why did you pass over to
fight against the children of Ammon, and did not call us to go
with you? We will burn your house upon you with fire.
And Jephthah said to them, I and my people were at great strife
with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, you delivered
me not out of their hands. And when I saw that you
delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over
against the children of Ammon, and YHWH delivered them into my
hand: why then are you coming up to me this day, to fight
against me? Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of
Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote
Ephraim, because they said, You Gileadites are fugitives of
Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites.
And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the
Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which
were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said
unto him, Are you an Ephraimite? If he said, No; Then said
they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he
could not frame to pronounce it right."
Judges 12:1-6
It is interesting to note that Ephraim was driven so low
that they tried to falsify their own identity. Three thousand ninety one (3,091) years
later there are people who call themselves "Ephraimites" who are
also trying to assume an identity that is not their own, others may
believe this is only coincidence. The "Two House" identity
bloodline movement is a deception from haSatan levied by false prophets
whom YHWH is using, "for YHWH proves you, to know whether you
love YHWH Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul."
D'varim 13:3
The "Ephraimite" movement has helped many
take a good first step out
of Christian Babylon (Hellenism) but then to focus on identity
blood line issues means that modern "Ephraimites" still have a
foot in man's religion.
More reading on the
"Ephraimitism":
The Two House Theory: Three Fatal Flaws by Tim Hegg
http://www.torahresource.com/English%20Articles/Two%20House%20Fatal%20Errors.pdf
JACOB'S DOZEN - A Prophetic Look a the Tribes of Israel by
William Varner
"Bald faced lie" -1940's
Merriam-Webster means undisguised, or "barefaced". Late 16th
Century means having no covering over one's face, beardless,
undisguised, unconcealed, open, transparent, not hiding behind a
disguise. If one extends the boldness of the lie it goes
to brazen, to impudent, to shameless.
"Ephraimite"
-has been placed in quotations so as to distinguish between the
theory and the genuine Ephraimites.
While some Jews seek a new
identity in Y'shua,
some ex-Christians "Two House" people
seek a blood identity in Ephraim.
The enemy is trying to use confusion to
split the camp into "two houses."
Labels, pride and identities
in the
flesh are used by the enemy to divide
those who choose not to carry
man's "approved" labels. |
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