History

Home
History

Israel's experience with the luxury and might of the great eastern kingdoms resulted in a calamity. King Solomon established a very affluent and influential central government for the Hebrews, but at an exorbitant expense. Land was distributed to cover his excessive spending, and many were compelled to work in Tyre in the northern region. Between 926 and 922 BCE, after Solomon's death, the ten northern tribes rebelled against his son, Rehoboam, and refused to surrender. From now on, there will be two Hebrew kingdoms: Israel in the North and Judah in the South. The Israelites established their capital in Samaria, while the Judaeans maintained their seat in Jerusalem. These kingdoms were distinct entities for more than two centuries. Both kingdoms have a history marked by inept, disobedient, and corrupt rulers. When the Hebrews first requested a monarch in the book of Judges, they were informed that God was their sole sovereign. Samuel the Prophet warned them that their desire for a king was an act of rebellion and establishing a monarchy would have severe consequences. The narrative recounted in the Hebrew book of Kings confirms Samuel's caution.

The Hebrew kingdom crumbles, Moab revolts against Judah successfully, and Ammon secedes from Israel successfully. Within a century after Solomon's death, the kingdoms of Israel and Judah had diminished in size to small states, comparable in size to Connecticut, on the broader Middle Eastern map.

Historically, small states in the area have often had short lifespans. The Hebrew Kingdoms had significant economic and military significance because to their strategic location between Mesopotamia and Egypt. Small size was a disadvantage.

Israels Conquest

The Assyrians invaded Israel in 722 BC. The Assyrians were assertive and efficient, their rule over the Middle East characterised by continuous conflict. To maintain control over acquired lands, the Assyrians compelled several indigenous people to resettle within different regions of their kingdom. They often favoured the top and more influential classes since they did not have to worry about the majority of the populace. Assyrians were then sent to resettle in the conquered land. Upon conquering Israel, they compelled the 10 tribes to disperse throughout their realm. This may be seen as a proto-Diaspora, when the Israelites, known as "the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel," vanish from historical records forever. Assessing why this occurred is challenging. The Assyrians dispersed the Israelites in many tiny communities around the Middle East instead of settling them in one location. When the Babylonians invaded Judah, they also relocated a large portion of the inhabitants. They relocate the people to a centralised area to allow the Jews to establish a distinct community, while preserving their faith and identity. The Israelites transported by the Assyrians did not live in distinct communities and quickly abandoned their Yahweh faith, as well as their Hebrew names and identities.

Samaritans

Another outcome of the Assyrian invasion of Israel was the resettlement of Israel by Assyrians. This group established themselves in the capital of Israel, Samaria, bringing along Assyrian deities and religious rituals. The inhabitants of the Middle East were very superstitious. The Hebrews did not necessarily reject the presence or influence of other peoples' gods as a precaution. Conquerors were always afraid that the indigenous deities would retaliate against them. Thus, they would incorporate the local deity or deities into their religious beliefs and rituals. Soon after, the Assyrians in Samaria began to worship both Yahweh and their own gods. Over the next several hundred years, they transitioned to worshipping just Yahweh. The only significant division in the Yahweh faith emerged as the rupture between the Jews and the Samaritans. The Samaritans, who were Assyrian and not Hebrew, embraced much of the Hebrew Torah and religious rituals. Unlike the Jews, they thought they could offer sacrifices to God outside the Jerusalem temple. The Jews disapproved of the Samaritans, believing that a non-Hebrew should not be considered part of the chosen people and were upset that the Samaritans would worship Yahweh outside of Jerusalem. The division among the Samaritans significantly influenced Jesus of Nazareth's language, and there are Samaritans still residing near the city of Samaria today.

The Hebrew kingdom, which began with such promise and splendour under David, has now come to an end. It reappeared briefly in the second century BC, but to the Jews who were forced to move and those who struggled to survive in their former country, it seemed that a Jewish nation would never exist again. The specific tie and covenant that Yahweh had pledged to the Hebrews, ensuring their unique position in history, seemed to have been disregarded and abandoned by their deity. This era of uncertainty and hopelessness, when a community is together but without a home on the streets of Babylon, is known as one of the most important historical eras in Jewish history: the Exile.

Pashtuns - “The Lost Israelites”

The "Ten Lost Tribes of Israel" is a term used in Jewish tradition to refer to the tribes of Israel that were said to have been deported from the Kingdom of Israel after its conquest by the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BCE. These tribes are traditionally listed as Reuben, Simeon, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, and Manasseh. According to the Biblical narrative in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), these tribes were dispersed and assimilated into other cultures, and their exact whereabouts became unknown, until now. The subject that Pashtuns are descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel is a theory proposed by many scholars and historians, but it is important to note that it is not merely a speculation and is starting to become accepted universally. This theory, often referred to as the Israeli Origin Theory suggests that Pashtuns are descendants from the tribes of Israel that were exiled by the Assyrians in ancient times and migrated to Khorasan, modern day Afghanistan. Supporters of this matter point to various similarities between Pashtun culture, customs, and some practices found in Jewish traditions. These include Pashtun practices such as Pashtun Wali, circumcisions, dietary laws, and certain religious customs, as well as linguistic and historical connections.

Birthright of Son of Joseph

In the biblical context, the fulfillment of the birthright of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim, and Manasseh, can be understood through their roles in the history and destiny of the Israelite people. Ephraim and Manasseh became significant tribes within the twelve tribes of Israel, each contributing to the development and fulfillment of Hashem’s promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Some key aspects of the fulfillment of their birthright include

Inheritance of the Promised Land: Ephraim and Manasseh received portions of land in Canaan as their inheritance, alongside the other tribes of Israel. This inheritance was part of the fulfillment of Hashem’s promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis12:7).
Numerical Growth and Influence: As Jacob prophesised, Ephraim and Manasseh grew into numerous and influential tribes within Israel. They played significant roles in the history of the Israelites, including the period of the judges and the monarchy.
Leadership and Representation: Ephraim and Manasseh provided leaders and representatives for the Israelite nation. For example, Joshua, who succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel and led them into the Promised Land, was from the tribe of Ephriam.
Spiritual Legacy: The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh contributed to the spiritual legacy of Israel. They were part of the covenant people of Hashem and participated in the worship and religious practices of ancient Israel.
Blessing to the Nations: Through their descendants, Ephraim and Manasseh were part of the fulfillment of Hashem’s promise to bless all nations through the offspring of Abraham (Genesis 12:3). This blessing extended beyond the borders of Israel to impact the surrounding nations and ultimately the world.

In summary, the birthright of Ephriam and Manasseh was fulfilled through their inheritance, growth, leadership, spiritual legacy, and role in fulfilling Hashem’s promise to the descendants of Abraham. Their contributions were integral to the history and destiny of the Israelite people.

Role of the Sons of Joseph

In some interpretations of eschatology, particularly within certain Christian and Jewish traditions, there are beliefs regarding the role of the descendants of Joseph, particularly the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, in the end times. These interpretations often draw upon biblical prophecies and passages to speculate about the future destiny of these tribes. It's important to note that interpretations of these prophecies can vary significantly among different religious groups and scholars.

Some key themes and interpretations regarding the role of Joseph's descendants in the end times include

Reunification of Israel: Some interpretations suggest that in the end times, the twelve tribes of Israel, including the descendants of Joseph, will be reunited. This reunification is seen as part of God's restoration of Israel and fulfillment of Biblical prophecies (Ezekiel 37:15-22).
Leadership and Restoration: Joseph's descendants, particularly the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, are sometimes associated with leadership roles in the restoration and reestablishment of Israel in the end times. This could include political, spiritual, or military leadership.
Inheritance of Promised Blessings: The descendants of Joseph are often seen as inheriting the promised blessings given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This could include blessings of land, prosperity, and spiritual favour.
Role in the Messianic Era: In some interpretations, Joseph's descendants play a significant role in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah or the establishment of the Messianic era. They may be involved in gathering the scattered tribes of Israel, rebuilding the temple, or ushering in an age of peace and righteousness.
Final Battle and Triumph: Some eschatological interpretations envision Joseph's descendants participating in a final battle or conflict, often referred to as Armageddon or the War of Gog and Magog. In these interpretations, they may play a crucial role in the victory of God's people and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.

It's important to approach these interpretations with discernment and humility, recognizing that eschatology is a complex and speculative area of theology. Interpretations of Biblical prophecy can vary widely, and beliefs about the role of Joseph's descendants in the end times should be understood within the broader context of religious traditions and teachings.

In various religious and cultural traditions, particularly within Jewish and Christian interpretations of scripture, there are different beliefs and speculations about the future role of the descendants of Joseph, particularly in the context of eschatology or end-times theology. However, it's essential to note that these interpretations can vary widely, and there is no consensus on a specific "job" or role assigned to the descendants of Joseph in the end times.

In some interpretations, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, as descendants of Joseph, are seen as having significant roles in the restoration and reunification of the people of Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple, or the preparation for the coming of the Messiah. They may also be associated with leadership, protection, or spiritual responsibilities during times of upheaval or tribulation.

It is important to approach these interpretations with caution and humility, recognizing that eschatological beliefs are speculative and subject to diverse interpretations. Moreover, interpretations of Biblical prophecy can vary among different religious traditions and denominations. Therefore, any discussion of the future role of the descendants of Joseph should be understood within the context of specific religious teachings and beliefs.