By Michael H. Exton
"Nations, listen to Me and proclaim My words on the far-off shores. I scattered My people, but I will gather them and guard them as a shepherd guards his flock…. I, the LORD, have spoken."
This book opens with the touching biblical story of Joseph—sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, yet rising to become ruler of Egypt under Pharaoh. When Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers after more than 20 years, it was a joyous reunion that foreshadows what the author believes will happen in the end times.
The foreword poses a crucial question: Where is Joseph today? While the Jewish people (from the tribe of Judah) were given the "scepter" promise of kingship and the lineage of the Messiah, the Bible indicates that the tribe of Joseph was to inherit the promised blessings of national greatness—"the birthright was Joseph's" (1 Chronicles 5:2).
The author argues that understanding the identity of modern-day "Joseph" provides the vital key that unlocks the real understanding of end-time Bible prophecies. Jesus Himself prophesied of the last days: "For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be" (Mark 13:19).
"A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?" —Amos 3:8
The introduction examines what—or who—was behind the rise of Britain and America to the pinnacle of national wealth and power. The author quotes several historical figures who recognized a divine element in Anglo-American history.
President Ronald Reagan said: "I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this continent here between the oceans."
President Harry S. Truman observed: "I have the feeling that God has created us and brought us to our present position of power and strength for some great purpose!"
The introduction raises thought-provoking questions: Is it reasonable to believe God would not mention influential nations like America and Britain in Bible prophecy? Bible prophecy mentions ancient empires like Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Would the Word of God utterly neglect the greatest empire in human history—the British Empire—and the richest, most powerful nation the world has ever seen—the United States?
The author contends that the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic-descended people are mentioned more often in the Bible than any others—but under their ancient names, not modern ones.
This chapter traces the history of God's chosen people from Abraham through the division of the kingdom. Key themes include:
God chose Abraham and his "seed" to form a new nation. The promises God made to Abraham were dual in nature—promises of ethnic lineage (national greatness) and promises of grace (spiritual salvation through Jesus Christ).
The chapter explains how the birthright—the right to inherit the promises of national greatness—passed from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob (Israel) to Joseph to his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob prophesied that Ephraim would become a "company of nations" while Manasseh would become a single great nation.
After Solomon's death, the kingdom divided into two: the Northern Kingdom (10 tribes called "Israel") and the Southern Kingdom (Judah and Benjamin, called "Judah"). The author emphasizes: Jews and Israelites are not necessarily synonymous terms—the Jews represent only the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi.
The Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria around 722 B.C. The ten tribes were deported and—crucially—never returned to the Promised Land. They became known as the "Ten Lost Tribes of Israel."
This chapter examines one of the greatest mysteries of the Bible: What happened to the northern Ten Tribes of Israel after their captivity?
The author presents evidence from Scripture, particularly Ezra and Nehemiah, showing that only the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi returned from Babylonian captivity. The Jewish historian Josephus (37-100 A.D.) wrote that "the ten tribes are beyond Euphrates till now, and are an immense multitude, and not to be estimated by numbers."
While the Ten Tribes lost their identity, God promised He would not utterly destroy them. The Prophet Amos recorded: "Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob... I will sift the house of Israel among all nations... yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground" (Amos 9:8-9).
The chapter examines biblical clues about Israel's end-time location: to the "north" and "west" of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 3:18; Hosea 11:10), in "isles afar off" (Isaiah 49:1-3). The author concludes these prophecies point to the British Isles and nations that emerged from them.
"The ten tribes are certainly in existence. All that has to be done is to discover which people represent them!" —The Jewish Chronicle, May 2, 1897
This chapter traces how the birthright promises were fulfilled through British and American history.
The chapter recounts England's victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the subsequent rise of British naval supremacy. The author sees prophetic fulfillment in Jacob's words: "Your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south" (Genesis 28:14).
The American Revolution separated the "brothers" Ephraim and Manasseh, allowing each to fulfill their distinct prophetic destinies—Britain and the Commonwealth as the "company of nations," and America as the single "great nation."
The Louisiana Purchase (1803), westward expansion, and the purchase of Alaska (1867) are presented as fulfillments of the promise that Joseph's descendants would possess the "fat places of the earth."
At its height, the British Empire comprised nearly a quarter of the earth's land mass and population—more than five times the size of the Roman Empire. The author sees this as fulfillment of the promise that Ephraim would become a "multitude of nations."
This chapter examines prophecies about Israel's future, including warnings of coming judgment and ultimate restoration.
The author quotes President Lincoln's solemn words about how America has forgotten the God who blessed it, becoming "too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us."
The chapter discusses Jeremiah's prophecy of "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) and Jesus' warning of "great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world" (Matthew 24:21). The author sees these as referring to a future time of unprecedented suffering for the Anglo-American nations.
The chapter concludes with prophecies of Israel's eventual repentance and restoration. God promises to gather the remnant of His people and make a new covenant with them: "I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33).
The author envisions a future time when all Twelve Tribes will recognize their kinship and be reunited under the returning Messiah.
The epilogue presents a call to action, urging readers not to dismiss or ignore the truths presented. The author invokes Winston Churchill's observation that "men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened."
While warning of coming national judgment, the book also offers hope for individuals who turn to God. Jesus promised protection for His faithful followers: "Watch... and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things" (Luke 21:36).
The epilogue closes with Thomas Jefferson's words inscribed on the Jefferson Memorial: "God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever!"
The book includes several supplementary articles that expand on topics discussed in the main chapters:
An important clarification that the Bible does not support racial prejudice. God loves all people of all nations and calls Christians from "all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues" (Revelation 7:9).
Examines the Arab nations' descent from Ishmael and how God's promise that they would become "a great nation" was fulfilled in the vast Arab Empire of the Middle Ages.
Discusses how the Apostle James addressed his epistle "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad," indicating awareness of dispersed Israelites beyond just the Jews.
Important clarifications distinguishing the author's views from certain problematic teachings associated with "Anglo-Israelism."
Recounts several instances where leaders and historians recognized apparent divine intervention in key WWII events, including Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and D-Day.
Examines the identity of the ancient Assyrians and their connection to modern peoples, drawing parallels between ancient Assyrian character and 20th-century events.
Mike Exton
www.TheBibleComesAlive.com
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