Part of my research for this column took me onto the Internet where I found a lot of really strange material. For instance, did you know that the earth tilted on its axis during the eighth century before Christ and released millions of Jews from Assyrian captivity? Or, would you be suspicious of a book on Lost Continents, Astronauts from Outer Space and the 10 Lost Tribes of Israel? Such preposterous materials are commonplace with those who deny the simple history of what happened to the people called The 10 Lost Tribes of Israel.

The term tribe means a group of families who can trace their ancestry back to a common ancestor. Jacob had 12 sons which formed into groups called the 12 Tribes of Israel. The account is found in chapters 29 through 35 in the book of Genesis. The early organization of the Hebrew nation was based on these extended families. However by the time of Solomon, about 1000 B.C., these tribal divisions seem to have become obsolete. Solomon divided up the nation into twelve political districts that did not match the territories of the tribes. In 1 Kings 4:7 we read, "And Solomon had twelve officers over Israel..." 1Kings 4:7.

After the death of Solomon the Hebrew nation divided itself into two kingdoms. The falling out was over the arrogant attitude of Solomon's son and successor, Rehoboam. The new king refused to lighten taxes and instead replied, "I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions." 1 Kings 12:11. Out of the dispute, a northern kingdom known as the kingdom of Israel was formed with Jeroboam as king. It included the 10 northern tribes. To further separate his kingdom from the southern kingdom, Jeroboam created a new religion made up of the worship of Jehovah and the calf worship of Egypt. The history of this kingdom became one of ever-deepening apostasy and corruption over the next several hundred years.

By contrast, the two remaining tribes became the southern kingdom, or the kingdom of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. They fared somewhat better, however, both kingdoms came to a violent end at the hands of their powerful neighbors. In 723 B.C. the northern kingdom was overrun by the Assyrians and the people of the land taken away captive. The northern tribes lost their identity in exile and merged with the nations among whom they were settled by the Assyrians. They were never heard of again.

The southern kingdom never lost its identity, but suffered numerous wars and exile and persecutions. Today, the term "Jew" finds its origin in the southern kingdom of Judah.

What happened to the 10 tribes of the north? They simply disappeared without a trace along with hundreds, maybe thousands of other kingdoms into the dustbin of history.

Blessings in your study of God's Word!

Marvin Hunt

There is never a charge for my articles, and if you have a good reason, there is no limit to how many you may request. However, if you find them valuable you may want to order my latest book, History, Mystery and Facts About the Bible. Order at 1-800-845-7618 (ext. 301). You may also order from Amazon.com. Proceeds from the book go to support this ministry.

Blessings!
Marvin Hunt

Http://www.biblehistory.com

p.s. A new column is posted weekly. Be sure and bookmark the site or put it on your favorites list.