NATIONAL ISRAEL

NATIONAL ISRAEL

In The World Today

by Conrad Gaard

Originally An Interpreter Reprint

THE INTERPRETER

NATIONAL ISRAEL IN THE WORLD TODAY

Conrad Gaard

Instructing His prophets in the last days Jehovah says, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My People their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins," (Isaiah 58:1).

As we continue reading the rest of this chapter it becomes clear that this admonition to "My People" and the "house of Jacob" was not addressed to the Children of Israel when they were in Palestine: and those who know and under�stand that the modern Celto-Anglo-Saxon-Christian Israel peoples and nations are the literal descendants of the so-called "lost sheep of the house of Israel" realize that Jehovah addresses this warning to us, as "His People," at this very time.

In fact through all His prophets Jehovah warns us of the trials and tribu�lations which will come upon us if we disregard His plans and purposes for us and "continue in our own way."

However, many sincere Israel believers lull themselves into a false sense of security that nothing very terrible can happen to us "because we are modern Israel and Jehovah has promised to protect and bless us."

Now it is true that Jehovah has promised to "protect His People" from complete destruction for He has called them out "for His Holy Name's sake," but it is also clear from the writings of the inspired prophets that we can never en�joy the promised blessings until we "turn from our own way" and "walk in the way He has commanded."

In Micah 3:9-11 Jehovah warns, "Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.�� They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money; yet they lean upon Jehovah and say. Is not Jehovah among us?�� None evil can come upon us."

This is exactly what many are saying today but if we read the next verse of this passage we see how mistaken they are, for Jehovah goes on to say,. "Therefore shall Zion for your sakes be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps."

Surely the time has come, when we must "search the Scriptures" careful�ly and prayerfully to learn just where we stand today in relation to Jehovah's plans and purposes with and for us as His People, under the Covenants and Prom�ises that we must, and shall, work out our divinely appointed destiny.

The Abrahamic Covenant

Jehovah began making His Covenant with the�� seed of the Woman," - - through the line of Seth, for the working out of His Program for the "restitution of all things, which He hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began," but it was with "Abraham and his seed," through Isaac and Jacob, that He began to reveal His plans for the establishment of His Kingdom

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on earth, with a particular race, raised up from the "seed of Abraham," as the citizenry of that Kingdom.

Jehovah's Covenant with "Abraham and his seed" is epitomized in Gen. 18: -17-19 where we read, "And Jehovah said. Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and Mighty Nation, and all of the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?�� For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Jehovah, to do justice and judgment; that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him."

There is no doubt that this Holy Covenant with "Abraham and his seed, in their generations after him" is the Master Covenant under which Celto Anglo Saxon Israel peoples and nations are the natural heirs "by promise," and�� it is under this Covenant that we shall ultimately fulfill our National Destiny, but it is also very clear that the fulfillment of This Covenant is still future, for there is not now, nor has there ever been, such a Great and Mighty Nation keeping the "way of Jehovah to do justice and judgment."

Many Christian-Israel believers hold that "We, The People of the United States" and the "British Commonwealth of Nations" are today at least partially fulfilling this Holy Covenant, but if we dispassionately consider the facts in the case it becomes quite evident that such is not the case.�� First the "seed of Abra-him, through Isaac and Jacob", is not now "ONE GREAT AND MIGHTY NA�TION," and secondly modern Celto Anglo Saxon Israel peoples and nations are NOT "keeping the way of Jehovah, to do justice and judgment."

Therefore we must search the Scriptures more carefully to find the-divine Charter under which modern Christian Israel is today working out its collective and national destiny.

The Sinai Covenant

After bringing His People, the Children of Israel, out of Egyptian bond�age, Jehovah through Moses codified his eternal and unchanging principles, or laws, of righteousness as His Commandments, Statutes, and Judgments and de�clared that these codified laws should be a National Constitution and Body of Law for His Kingdom on the earth.�� Then Jehovah offered to make the Children of Israel His Kingdom on the earth, IF they would accept this Divine Constitu�tion and "obey His Voice indeed, and keep His Covenant."�� In other words, they were "to keep the way of Jehovah, to do justice and judgment," collect�ively and nationally under this perfect Constitution.

Moses presented this offer to the whole assembly of Israel�� (See Exodus 19) in convention assembled, and in a solemn popular referendum the people voted unanimously, "All that Jehovah hath said we will do," and when Moses "return�ed the words (or vote) of the people unto Jehovah" the contract was ratified and became mutually binding.

Thus the whole "family of Jacob Israel" was organized as the Kingdom of Israel, and after forty years of training in the wilderness, they were brought into the land of Canaan, which Jehovah had promised to give them.

Had the children of Israel, as a nation, remained faithful to their oath "to

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obey the Voice of Jehovah" and continued "in the way of Jehovah, to do jus�tice and judgment," under their divine Constitution, the Kingdom of Israel would still have been in existence as Jehovah's Kingdom on the earth, but both Biblical and secular history agree that they failed to keep the Covenant they had made at Sinai.

For several hundreds of years the Kingdom of Israel had a somewhat check�ered national existence, but when David ascended the throne, the Kingdom for the first time was really stabilized but during the reign of Rehoboam, David's grandson, the Kingdom was divided into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.

For more than two hundred years the two kingdoms existed side by side and then the Kingdom of Israel was destroyed completely by the Assyrians and the people taken into captivity into the land of the Medes.

About 135 years later the Kingdom of Judah was overthrown by the Baby�lonians and the remnant of the people of Judah were carried captive to Babylon.

Thus we see that both the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah were completely destroyed and the National Covenant made at Sinai became null and void because the children of Israel had failed to keep their part of the compact.

Under the terms of this Sinai Law Covenant, no provision was made for a restoration, under that Covenant, if the Covenant was broken.�� But Jehovah's Holy Covenant, made with Abraham and his seed, under which the children of Israel are the heirs, was still binding and under this Covenant Jehovah was, and still is, bound by His own oath, to make of the children of Israel a Great and Mighty Nation, but this promise is not contingent upon the Sinai Law Covenant in any way.

We shall consider the national implications of Jehovah's promises to re�store His people later in this study, but for the present the point we wish to make clear is that when the children of Israel failed to keep the terms of the Si�nai Covenant, the Kingdom of Israel, established under that covenant, was com�pletely destroyed and that Nation connot be restored under that covenant again. Consequently modern Ce I to-Anglo-Saxon-Israel peoples and nations are not now, nor can they ever be, the restored Kingdom of Israel, and we must continue our search of the Scriptures to find the national status of modern Christian-Israel at this time.

Jehovah's New Covenant

Since Jehovah was still bound by His unconditional Holy Covenant with His People, it would be natural to expect that He would make a New Covenant with them, under which that Holy Covenant shall be fulfilled and that is just what Jehovah promised to do in Jeremiah 31:31-33, where we are told, "Behold the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a New Covenant with the House of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the Covenant that I made with them in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt which My Covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith Jehovah; but this shall be the Covenant I will make with the house of Israel;

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After those days, said Jehovah, I will put MY LAW in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts and will be their Elohim, and they shall be My People."

When we read the rest of this chapter we see that under this New Cove�nant, the "Seed of Israel" is to be restored to national existence in conformity with Jehovah's everlasting Covenants with them,�� However, unlike the Old Covenant, this New One does not merely demand obedience to Jehovah's Laws written on Tables of Stone and in the Books of the Law, but Jehovah declares that he will make His law a part of the very nature of His People�� All of the prophets tell of the restoration of the children of Israel, under this New Cove�nant, and all of them agree that the children of Israel shall be redeemed, re�generated and resurrected through the Redeemer and Saviour, whom Jehovah will send.�� When this work of redemption is completed, then "a righteous BRANCH of the house of David" shall reign over them to "execute judgment and justice."�� (Jer. 23:5-6)

In the New Testament we find that Jesus Christ came as "Saviour and Redeemer of His People" and that Jehovah will "give to Him the throne of His father David and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever." (See Luke 1:30-33; 67-75.)� That this salvation and redemption of Jehovah's People are fulfilled in the work of Jesus Christ is shown by His own words when, at the Last Supper, He gave the Cup to His disciples, saying, "This Cup�� is the NEW COVENANT in My Blood which is shed for you," and clearly this New Cove�nant cannot, and will not, be fulfilled until He comes to take His rightful throne.

When we fit all of the pieces together in this prophetic picture we find modern Celto-Anglo-Saxon-lsrael peoples and nations have not yet been restor�ed under this New Covenant and consequently our present national status is not determined by that Covenant.

What Does It Mean?

It may surprise, and perhaps even shock, many of our readers to hear that modern Celto -Anglo-Saxon-Israel peoples and nations are not today function�ing nationally under any of the three Covenants which we have so far considered, but such is the case nevertheless.

First, we are NOT "One Great and Mighty Nation," keeping the way of Jehovah, to do justice and judgment.

Secondly, we CANNOT be restored under the Sinai Law Covenant for that Covenant is now null and void, having been broken by the children of Israel themselves.

And finally, we are NOT YET established under the New Covenant, with Jesus the Messiah on the throne of David executing judgment and justice in the earth.

Nevertheless, we are still Jehovah's People and it is inconceivable that He would fail to reveal our collective and national status at all times until we shall finally be restored as His Kingdom on the earth, nor has He failed to do so.

In order to clarify the whole matter it will be well for us to "search the Scriptures" to learn just how Jehovah declared that He would deal with Hispeo-

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ple, if they failed to keep the vow they had made at Sinai.

First of all they were to be exiled among the nations for Seven Times, or 2520 years, if they�� "walked contrary to Jehovah."�� (Lev. 26).�� Now time was the essence of this judgment and when the children had served out their sentence they would, of course, be freed from this judgment.

However, there is another aspect of the matter of which must be consider�ed.�� In Deut. 11:26-28, Jehovah, through the servant Moses, says, "Behold, I put before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the com�mandments of Jehovah your Elohim, which I command you this day; and a curse if ye will not obey the commandments of Jehovah your Elohim, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day."

When the children of Israel did "turn aside out of the way which Jehovah commanded" they naturally came under the curse of the law and this curse could not be eliminated simply by serving a sentence of Seven Times in exile.�� Re�member that the children of Israel had promised unequivocally and without re�servation, that they would do "All that Jehovah hath said," consequently as long as Jehovah stands ready to fulfill His promises, the Children of Israel are bound by this vow.

It was from the continuing curse of punishment for broken law that Jehovah promised to free His People under the New Covenant, by "writing His Law in their hearts" (Jer. 31:21-33), and putting "His Spirit within them, to cause them to walk in His statutes, and keep His judgments, and do them,"�� (Ezk. 36:28), and in Gal. 3:13 Paul writes, "Christ has redeemed us (Israel) from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us."

Thus we see that the children of Israel collectively "served out their Seven Times of punishment" pronounced upon them, but Jehovah Himself, in Christ, must redeem them from the curse of the law which must continue as long as they con�tinued to disobey his law.

Now clearly the Seven Times of Punishment are ended, for more than2520 years have now passed since the children of the Kingdom of Israel were taken in�to captivity and consequently modern Celto-Anglo-Saxon-lsrael is now free from this judgment, but it is still equally clear that modern Celto Anglo Saxon Israel is still suffering under the curse of the law because they have not availed them�selves of the redemption from that curse, which has been provided under the New Covenant in Christ.

Now it is self-evident that the three covenants we have so far considered cannot apply to the national status for modern Israel peoples and nations during the time intervening between the expiration of the Seven Times of Punishment and the time when the children of Israel shall be restored as A Great and Mighty Nation under the New Covenant, but this does not mean that we are today with�out Covenant relationship with Jehovah in so far as our national status is con�cerned for Jehovah did make a Covenant which does apply to�� us at this time.

Covenant With Jacob

In Gen. 35:10-11 we read that the Almighty El came to Jacob to ratify the changing of his name to Israel and then He goes-on to tell Jacob, that as

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Israel, he should "be fruitful and multiply (and) a Nation and a Company of Nations shall come of thee."

It should be noted that this Covenant was NOT made with either Abra�ham or Isaac, and that it was not made with Jacob until after his name had been changed to Israel.

While this Covenant with Jacob, as Israel, could not change or disannul the Holy Covenant with Abraham and his seed, it is nevertheless a solemn un�conditional Covenant which cannot be disregarded, so the only thing we can do is to fit it into the whole prophetic picture just as it was given.

Note that the Covenant is made with Jacob alone and is not passed on to his 11 sons who had been born to him as Jacob.�� Furthermore, as we shall see shortly, the promise of becoming a "Nation and a Company of Nations" was NOT made with the children of Jacob, born to him as Jacob, but only that part of his "seed" which was entitled to the name of Israel.

We know that 11 of Jacob's sons were born before his name was changed to Israel and only Benjamin was born after the change.�� Since the name Israel was NOT conferred upon the II sons, born Jacob, they naturally remained as the "house or children of Jacob."

An illustration may help to clarify the matter.�� Let's suppose that a man named Smith, had 11 sons and that he then by proper legal action changed his name to Brown.�� Now these sons would retain the name of Smith unless they were specifically included in the action changing the name to Brown or by their own voluntary action changed their names to Brown,�� On the other hand all children born after Smith had changed his name to Brown would naturally be called by the name of Brown.

In the same way Jacob's 11 sons born before his name became Israel, would retain the name Jacob, but Benjamin, who was born after Jacob's name was changed to Israel, was born Israel.� In other words, Benjamin was the only natural born Israelite among all of the sons of Jacob-Israel.

Thus we see that there was a division in Jacob-Israel's family, namely, "the house of Jacob" and the "house of Israel." Generally speaking this dis�tinction is preserved in the Holy Scriptures, although there are some instances where the term "House of Israel" clearly refers to the whole family of Jacob-Israel.

While Jacob-Israel's family was in Egypt, and also after the Israelites came into the Promised Land, the terms "children, or house, of Israel" was usually used to designate all of the descendants of Jacob-Israel.�� But after Jacob's name had been changed to Israel, the terms "Israel" and "Jacob" were used to designate two distinct divisions in Jacob-Israel's family.

The term "Israel" refers to that portion of Jacob-Israel's family which is under the Israel Covenant, which Almighty El made with Jacob when He changed his name to Israel, while the term "Jacob" refers to that portion of the family not under that Covenant.

As we have previously noted Jacob's eleven sons, born before his name was changed, were born to the Jacob name, and only Benjamin was born after Jacob became Israel.� This distinction means that the Benjamites alone have (8)

the right to the name Israel, by birth, but we shall see that at least two tribes or families from the house of Jacob became Israelites "by adoption," and that provision has been made for all of the children of Jacob also to become Israel�ites by adoption.

Jacob Adopts Two of His Grandsons

When Jacob had become old and was soon to go to his rest, he called his son Joseph to his bedside, saying, "Almighty El (God Almighty) appeared unto me at Luz .� .� . and said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and mult�iply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude (or Company) of Nations." (Gen. 48:3-4.)�� In other words Jacob calls Joseph�s attention to the Covenant which Almighty El had made with him when his name was changed to Israel

Then we are told that the dying patriarch "adopted" Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, giving to them the birthright, which Reuben, the eldest son, had forfeited by his own actions.�� Of course, this birthright carried with it a primary right and interest in the great heritage passed down under Jehovah'% Holy Covenant made with Abraham and his seed, but it should also be noted that Jacob "adopted" his two grandsons, as his own, after his name had been changed to Israel and hence his "adopted" sons were entitled to the name Israel.

That Jacob intended that Ephraim and Manasseh should be called Israel is shown in verses 14-16 of this 48th chapter of Genesis, for we are told, "And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon the older Manasseh's head, guiding his hand wittingly; for Manasseh was the first born.�� And he blessed Joseph, and said, Elohim, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, Elohim which fed me all my life unto this day, the Angel which redeemed me from evil (See Gen. 32:24-29), bless the lads; and let my name (Israel) be named on them, and (or as well as) the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac."

Note carefully in verses 3-7 it is as Jacob that the patriarch talks with his son, who was born Jacob, but beginning with verse 8, it is as Israel that he blesses Ephraim and Manasseh and asks that his name be conferred upon them. Note also that the name of Israel was conferred only upon Ephraim and Manas�seh.�� In verses 5-6 Jacob tells Joseph, "thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh . . . shall be mine.�� And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance."

The distinction between Israel and Jacob is generally preserved by all of the sacred writers and the tribes entitled to the name Israel are clearly shown in Psalm 80, when the Psalmist prays, "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that d we I lest between the cherubims shine forth.�� Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up Thy strength, and come and save us."

Now let's turn back to the 48th chapter of Genesis.�� In the last part of verse 16, Israel, after asking that the name of Israel be conferred upon Ephraim and Manasseh, continues his prayer, "and let them (Ephraim and Manasseh)grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

Then looking down the long vista of time to the last days, Israel prophesies

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in verse 19, "He (Manasseh) shall become a People (or. Nation), and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother (Ephraim) shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude (or, Company) of Nations."�� Finally Is�rael concludes the ceremony of adoption and blessing, as told in verse 20, "And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, Elohim make thee as Ephraim and Manasseh; and he set Ephraim before Manasseh."

To summarize the whole matter.�� Almighty El changed Jacob's name to Israel, declaring that, as Israel, he should be multiplied exceedingly and that this multitude should become "A Nation and a Company of Nations."�� As pre�viously noted this covenant was not made with Abraham and Isaac, but was made with Jacob-Israel and his descendants as Israel.�� Since this Covenant is not di�rectly related to the Holy Covenant with Abraham and his seed through Isaac and Jacob, it must be an interim Covenant to be fulfilled during the time inter�vening between the expiration of the Seven Times of Punishment and the esta�blishment of the children of Israel as that "Great and Mighty Nation" promised to Abraham and his seed.

Furthermore, the Holy Covenant was confirmed to the whole family of Jacob-Israel, but the Covenant made with Israel was made only with a portion of that family, namely, those descendants entitled to the name "Israel". Benja�min was the only son born Israel, but Jacob-Israel "adopted" his two grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, giving his name of Israel to them and declaring that they should become a great multitude of people in the midst of the earth, which in the latter days would become "A Great People (or, Nation) and a Company of Nations."�� In short Ephraim and Manasseh were "adopted" to fulfill the Cove�nant made by Almighty El with Israel

This means that there must today be on the earth "A Great People (or, Na�tion)," representative of Manasseh and a "Company of Nations" fulfilling the prophecies for Ephraim and these two must be carrying out the destiny of Israel.

Lost Israel Found

As previously brought out both Biblical and secular history agree that the children of Israel, in Palestine, became divided into two nations, namely the southern Kingdom of Judah and the northern Kingdom of Israel.�� The Kingdom of Israel was overthrown by the Assyrians and the Kingdom of Judah by the Babylo�nians.�� The inhabitants of Jerusalem, "the Jews," were taken captive to Jeru�salem and their identity and history have always been known, but the children of Israel from the northern Kingdom of Israel, and the "men of Judah" who were all taken into captivity into the�� land of the Medes," disappear from the sight of man, seemingly swallowed up by the peoples and nations among which they were exiled.

However, Jehovah declares that they would never be lost from His sight even though they would be lost to the world and would even forget their own identity and destiny.�� In Jer. 16:17 Jehovah says, "Mine eyes are upon all their ways; they are not hid from mine eyes," and Hosea 5:3 he declares, "I know Ephraim, and Israel (Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin) is not hid from Me."

In the 18th chapter of Jeremiah we find an allegorical picture which

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gives us a very definite clue as the the latter day national status of the children of Israel for this allegory patently must deal with the experiences of the children of Israel after they had left Palestine and before they are finally restored under the Abrahamic Covenant.

Beginning with verse one we read, "The word which came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear My words.�� Then I went down to the potter's house and, behold, he wrought a work on wheels.�� And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.�� Then the word of Jehovah came to me, saying O House of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith Jehovah.�� Behold as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in Mine hand, O house of Israel."

From this story it is clear that Jehovah will use the house of Israel as the clay from which He will build a Nation to serve His purposes.�� And the prophet revealed that if in the process any nation is marred, then the Master Potter will "destroy" the marred vessel, but using the same clay, He will remold it into another vessel, and this process will be continued until a perfect vessel has been molded.

Now let's turn to Chapter 19 where beginning with verse one we read, "Thus saith Jehovah, Go get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests; and go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom .� . . Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee.�� And shalt say unto them. Thus saith Jehovah of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a porter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again .� .� . Thus will I do to this place, saith Jehovah, and to the inhabitants thereof .� .� . And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the, place of Tophet."

Here Jehovah makes it clear that the Kingdom of Judah should be com�pletely broken and like the Potter's earthen bottle, it will not be restored again.

On the other hand, we saw in the 18th chapter that the "house of Israel," like plastic clay in the hand of the potter, shall be nationally molded over and over until it finally becomes that "Great and Mighty Nation" promised to the seed of Abraham.

Clearly this national remolding must take place following the expulsion of the children of Israel from Palestine but before their restoration as Jehovah's Kingdom on the earth, and the prophecy of a "Great People (or Nation) and the Company of Nations" which multitudinous Israel should become in the last days fits into the picture of this national remolding of the house of Israel, as revealed in the 18th chapter of Jeremiah.

According to the ancient Assyrian records, the Assyrians called the cap�tive children of Israel "Beth Khumri" and "Beth Sak", the Assyrian equivalents for the "house of Omri" and the "house of Isaac" respectively.�� The Cylinder of Cyrus informs us that the children of Israel, whom Cyrus placed in the vanguard of his armies, were called the "Thiuda Guta," meaning the "Great God's Troops."

Esdras, in the Apocrypha, and Josephus, in his "Antiquities of the Jews," tell us that the children of Israel (not Judah) moved from Media, where they had

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been placed by the Assyrian, into the territory between and around the Black and the Caspian Seas.

Historians also tell us that in Scythia and Crimean, just where Esdras and Josephus left the Israelites, there lived peoples variously known as the Gimiri, the Cimiri, the Sakai, the Sacae, the Scythians, the Getae, the Massagetae, etc, and the historians trace these peoples back to Media.

Herodotus says that the "Khumbri," in the Crimea, and the "Souths," lo�cated at Arsareth, came from Media.�� Pliny writes that the "Cimmerians," later known as the "Cymri," came from Asia Minor, and the same writer also says, "The Sakai were among the most distinguished people of Scythia .� .� . and were called the Sacae-Sani."

Sir Henry Rawlinson, who deciphered the Behistun Rock, says, "The eth�nic name Gimri occurs in the cuniform writing of the time of Darius.�� It is the equivalent of the Greek Cimmeri and of the Danish Cymbri, and of the Welsh Khmri."�� He also expressed the opinion that "we have reasonable grounds for regarding the Gimri, or Cimmerians, who first appeared in the confines of As�syria and Media in the seventh century, B.C., and the Sacae of the Behistun Rock nearly two centuries later, as identical with Israel."

The reasonableness of this conclusion becomes apparent when we remember that all of these peoples, whose names were clearly derived from the "Khumbri" and the "Saks," came from the very territory where the Assyrians had carried the captive Israelites.

Historians trace the later Saxons from these same peoples.�� Ptolemy finds that the Saxons (sons of Isaac) were a race of Scythians, called Sakai, who came from Media.�� Albinus writes, "The Saxons were a Scythian nation, and were called Saca, Sachi, Sacs, Sachsen, etc."

In the same way we can trace the "Thiuda-Guta" of the Persians down to the Getae," from which came the more recent "Goths," and the march of the Saxons, Angles and Goths into Northwestern Europe and the British Isles is a matter of undisputed history.'

M. Paul de Chaillu, the French historian, after extensive investigations of the old records in all of the northern European countries, declares, in his great work, "The Viking Age," dhat the modern Celto-Anglo-Saxon and kindred peoples are descended from the more ancient Sacae, Scythians, Sakai, Cimmer�ians, Getae, etc.

According to historic record, Tiglath-Pileser carried away the half tribe of Manasseh and the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who were on the east side of the Jordan River, between the years 745-40 B.C.�� Consequently their Seven Times of Exile among the nations ended 2520 years later in 1776-81 A. D.�� It was ex�actly at that time that the 13 American Colonies became�� We, The People of the United States" in literal fulfillment of the prophecies made for Manasseh and the United States of America has truly become "Great."

In 721-20 B. C. Ephraim and the rest of the tribes of Israel, on the west side of the Jordan, were taken into captivity by the Assyrian and exactly Seven Times, or 2520 years later, on Jan. 1, 1801 A.D. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was formed.�� From this United Kingdom has grown the "Brit-

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ish Commonwealth of Nations," a literal "Company of Nations," fulfilling the prophecies for Ephraim

In other words, The United States of America and the British Common�wealth, which came into national existence exactly on schedule according to the pre-written records of the prophets and which were organized by the modern Celto Anglo Saxon Israel peoples when their Seven Times of Exile had expired, are modern Israel nations carrying on under Jehovah's Covenant with Israel, as clay in the hands of the Master Potter which shall finally become a perfect ves�sel for the accomplishment of His eternal purposes.

Modern�� Israel's�� National�� Destiny

Since becoming "The Great People" and the "Company of Nations," mo�dern Israel has been fulfilling its divine destiny as revealed in the Holy Scrip�tures, and we shall now briefly consider this matter.

In Deut: 33:13-17 we read, "And of Joseph he (Moses) said, Blessed of Jehovah be his land, for the precious things of heaven .� .� . for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun .�� For the chief things of the ancient mountains ... for the precious things of the earth and the fulness thereof, and for the goodwill of him that dwelleth in the bush .� .� . His glory is like the firstlings of Sis bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns; with them (the two horns) he shall push the peoples together to the ends of the earth; and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manaaseh."

The United States and the British Commonwealth have so completely ful�filled this prophecy that we need merely call attention to it, for surely we have been blessed with the precious things of the heavens, of the mountains and of the earth, while the 'goodwill of him that dwelleth in the bush" has surely been a great help and blessing.

And as for "pushing the peoples together to the ends of the earth" secu�lar history completely corroborates this prophecy.

Again in Jer. 51:20, Jehovah says to Israel, "Thou art My battle-axe and weapons of war; for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms."�� The 50th and 51st chapters of Jermiah contain a pro�phetic account of the overthrow and destruction of the Babylonian Beast King�doms and Jehovah, in verse 20 quoted above, is referring to the destruction of the Babylonian Succession of Empires beginning with Nebuchadnezzar, which should not be confused with Great Babylon, which includes Assyria, Babylon, Egypt and all of the Kingdoms of this World Order.

Since becoming "The People" and the "Company of Nations," the U.S.A. and the British Commonwealth" have continually weakened those nations which grew out of the old Roman Empire and in World War II "The Beast was slain and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame."�� (Dan. 7:11).

This does not mean that Great Babylon has yet been destroyed for the 50th and 51st chapters of Jeremiah deal only with the destruction of the Babylonian "Beast" succession, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar.�� The overthrow of Great Babylon, including modern Assyria and Egypt, is still future and we shall be

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compelled to ask Jehovah to help us destroy Great Babylon.

Another striking prophecy is found in Gen. 49:24 where Jacob declared that "in the last days" the shepherd "of the stone of Israel" should come from Joseph and today Ephraim-Britain is guarding "Lia Fail," Britain's "Stone of Destiny," which is really "the Stone of Israel."

Scores of similar passages could be quoted but limitations of space make it impossible to do so.�� There is, however, a very clear national responsibility still largely unfulfilled by "The People" and the "British Commonwealth," as modern Israel, which should be briefly considered.

The 49th chapter of Isaiah opens with the salutation, "Listen, O, ISLES, unto me; and hearken YE PEOPLE, from far."

This is a puzzling salutation indeed, for clearly it is not addressed to the "Church," but when we know where modern Ephraim and Manasseh are lo�cated the difficulty disappears and we find that this chapter is addressed mod�ern Ephraim-Britain IN THE ISLES and to "THE PEOPLE OF MANASSEH," (U.S.A.) from far.

As we read the opening verse of this chapter we find that it is not Je�hovah Himself who is speaking to the ISLES and the PEOPLE, for the speaker declares that "Jehovah hath called me from the womb."�� In verse 3, however, we find the clue as to his identity when he says, "And (Jehovah) said unto me, Thou art My Servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."�� In short, it can be none other than Jacob-Israel addressing his adopted grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, "in the Isles" and as "the People from far," to whom he gave his name ISRAEL and whom he now charges with the destiny and responsibilities of carrying on under Jehovah's Covenant.

In verses 6-7, Israel explains to America and Britain what their national destiny is, as revealed to him by Jehovah, and I shall quote from Moffatt's Translation, "And the Eternal who had formed me from my birth to serve Him in restoring JACOB, in gathering ISRAEL back to Him, the Eternal now says, "Tis too slight a service to set the clans of Jacob up again, and restore Israel's survivors;�� I now appoint you to bring light to the nations, that My salvation may reach the world's end."

First of all note that here the distinction between Jacob and Israel is clearly shown and that "the Isles and the People from far,"�� (Britain and Amer�ica) are "to serve Jehovah" by "setting up the clans of Jacob," who are still scattered among the nations, and to "restore Israel's survivors," who have fallen upon evil ways.

Too many Israel believers imagine that all of the "children of Jacob-Israel" are now to be found in the "U.S.A." and the "British Commonwealth," but this claim is not borne out by the Scriptures, for the prophets agree that Jacob is to remain scattered "among all the nations, of the earth" until in the last days the children of Jacob shall be "regathered from the four corners of the earth."

In Isa. 11:12 we are told, "And He shall set up an ensign for the na�tions, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together togeth�er the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth."

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This is merely one of the many similar passages, but I cannot find a sin�gle promise or covenant under which the house of Jacob will be restored to na�tional existence, as Jehovah's servant, until "the whole family of Jacob-Israel is restored as "A Great and Mighty Nation," under Jehovah's Covenant with Abraham, but the prophets emphatically declare that Israel (Ephraim and Manasseh) are "to serve Jehovah" as a Nation and a Company of Nations.�� Of course the children of Jacob are in "the many nations" prophesied for the seed of Abraham, but these "many nations" are not Israel.

Clearly the immediate national task assigned to "We, The People of the United States" and the "British Commonwealth of Nations," as outlined in the 49th chapter of Isaiah, is to "raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the deso�lations of Israel."

However, Jehovah adds that it is not enough for us merely to "raise up and restore Jacob-Israel," but we must also become "a light to the nations, that we may bring His salvation to the end of the earth."

As we continue reading this 49th chapter we learn that there will be a great influx of peoples to the U.S.A. and the British Commonwealth for in vers�es 11-12 we are told, "I will make all My mountains a way, and My highways shall be exalted.�� Behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim."�� But verse 14 shows that we shall not understand what is going on and shall feel helpless and for�saken, "But Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken Me, and my Masters hath for�gotten me "�� In answer to this cry of hopelessness, Jehovah replies, "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?�� Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.�� Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually be�fore Me."

Verses 17-18 make it clear that the ingathering is positively to take place even though we will be unaware of what is taking place, for Jehovah declares, "Thy children shall make haste; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.� �Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold! all these gather themselves together, and come to thee.�� As I live, saith Jehovah, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth."

Verse 17 quoted above makes it clear that "destroyers and wasters" must ravage the "Isles and the People from far," before "the tribes of Jacob and the preserved of Israel" come from "the four corners of the earth."

These "Destroyers and Wasters" are the modern Assyrians and all of the prophets make it plain that modern Christian Israel, and especially Britain and America, must suffer at their hands.

Furthermore it is clear from the writings of the prophets that the Assyrian yoke shall not be lifted until modern Israel (Britain and the U.S.A.) turns to Jehovah for help.

In Isa. 10:5-6 Jehovah declares, "O Assyrian, the rod of Mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.�� I will send him against an hy�pocritical nation, and against the people of My wrath (or, My people revolt-

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ed - -F. Fenton,) will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets."�� In Ezek. 20:35-38 Jehovah says, "I will bring you (O house of Israel) into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you, saith Jehovah.�� And I will cause you to pass under the ROD (Assyrian), and I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant and I will purge out from among you the rebels and them that trans�gress against Me."

Vanity and pride have always been the "sin of Israel," and it is still true today of modern Israel�� In Hosea 10:8 we are told "The high places also of Aven (Vanity), the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed .� .� . O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah . . . Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity ye have eaten the fruit of lies; because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.�� Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled."

In the 28th chapter of Isaiah we read, "Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome of wine!�� Behold Je�hovah hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing shall cast down to the earth with the hand.�� The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under foot."

These prophecies are not very flattering to a proud people but it is Jehov�ah Who speaks and if any one would argue about the matter he will have to ar�gue with the Lord Himself.

In the 8th chapter of Isaiah we learn that the "overflowing flood" which shall pass over Israel is the Assyrian and we are told that Jehovah will permit him to ravage the land because we "refuse the waters of Shiloh (the Prince of Peace) which go softly, and rejoice in Rezin," which means "dominion."

No, the picture as painted by the prophets for present day Israel is not a very pretty one, but there is one encouraging aspect to the matter for the Assyrian shall be driven away, when Jehovah intervenes.

After recounting the sins and shortcomings of modern Israel in the 28th, 29th, and 30th chapters of Isaiah and warning us that the Assyrian shall vex and plague us greatly, we read in the 31st verse of chapter 30, "Through the voice of Jehovah shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with the ROD."

In chapter 31, verses 6-8 Jehovah declares that the Assyrian shall be de�stroyed but he makes it very clear that we shall not overcome him b/ our own might, when He says, "Turn ye unto Him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted�� For in that day (of tribulation) every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin.�� THEN shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him; but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited."

Again in the 14th chapter of Isaiah Jehovah makes it clear that He will be the ONE who breaks the Assyrian, for beginning with verse 24, we read,

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"Jehovah of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass and as I have purposed, so shall� it stand; That I will break the Assyrian in My land, and upon My mountains tread him underfoot; then shall his yoke de�part from off them, and his burden depart off their shoulders.�� This is the pur�pose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations."

That the "destroyer" will leave desolation behind him is clear from verse 1� of Isaiah 49, "For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away."�� Surely this verse tells us that the people, who shall come "from far, and from the north and from the west; and from the land of Sinim," shall find our land waste and desolate even though "they who swallowed us up (the Assyrian) shall be far away."

Under such conditions it will be difficult for such a great multitude to live, for in verse 20, we read, "The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears,, The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell."

Many Israel believers hold that the phrase "after thou hast lost the other" refers to the breaking away of the "United States" from the British Throne, and those who went out and settled the later British colonies and dominions.�� Such an interpretation seems to the writer to represent very superficial, and even wishful, thinking.�� Certainly the conditions and events described in this 49th chapter of Isaiah do not fit the conditions in Britain at the time that the U. S.A. broke away from the Mother Country for no desolator had left her desolate at that time.�� Furthermore a careful study of the original text makes the A. V. translation of this verse seem rather ambiguous.�� Moffatt renders verses 19-20 "As for� your ruins and desolate places, your ravaged land, it shall be too small then to hold your citizens, once your invaders have been driven afar; your ex�iles (who have flocked in) shall one day be calling out to you, "The land here is too small to hold us, give us room."�� Ferrar Fenton translates these same vers�es, "Your plunderers and wasters, who tore up your land, which your people (now returned) will fill, and drive out your invaders.�� Then the sons you had lost (but who have now returned) shall exclaim in your hearing, "This place is too narrow, make room for my dwelling'.'"

The clear sense of these verses would seem to be that after the invaders or destroyers have been driven out there will be a tremendous influx of the "dis�persed of Jacob and the desolations of Israel," to "The Isles (of Britain) and The

People afar off (The U.S.A.)," and the problem of housing and feeding this great host of people will become a serious problem indeed.

And verse 21 makes it clear that we shall not understand what is going on, for we read, "Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and remov�ing to and fro, and who hath brought up these?�� Behold I was left alone; these, where have they been?"

But Jehovah answers, in verse 22, "Behold, I will lift up Mine hand to the Nations, and set up a standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons

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in their arms, and their daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders." Even today we can see the beginnings of this great movement of peoples, particularly those who are being driven out from the control of the modern Assyrian (Russia) and it is becoming a problem for American and British forces to care for them. However, this is merely a beginning for when the real influx begins the numb�ers of the peoples will be as numerous as the sands of the sea.

We have seen that modern Israel (The U.S.A. and the British Common�wealth) will be totally unprepared for the great ingathering of "the dispersed of Jacob and the desolations of Israel" and this is certainly borne out by our present blindness as to what is now actually taking place.�� According to the positive statements of the prophets, the nations of the earth will be the instru�ments used by Jehovah for bringing the children of Israel home although they will not be aware of the divine purpose they are fulfilling.�� In verse 22 we read, "Thus saith Jehovah, Behold I will lift up Mine hand to the nations, and set up a standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried on their shoulders."

Isa. 11:10-12 relates that "In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people, to it shall the nations seek; and his rest shall be glorious .� .� . And he shall set up an ensign to the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth."

As we read the chapters from which these passages are taken it seems clear that this gathering of the children of Jacob-Israel will not be fully com�pleted until "the root of Jesse" shall appear, but even today we can see the first signs of this great realignment of peoples taking place, especially in cen�tral Europe.

From the 49th chapter of Isaiah, which we have been considering, the scattered children of Joseph cannot, and will not, be from the United States and the�� British Commonwealth for we are already the "Nation and the Com�pany of Nations," prophesied for Israel, and it is our national destiny to "raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the desolations of Israel."�� However, this does not mean that we shall escape trouble and tribulations.�� As previously no�ted, we are told in Ezek. 20 that Jehovah will bring us "into the wilderness of the people," where He will "plead with us face to face .� .� . and will purge out from among us the rebels and them that transgress against Jehovah."

Verse 23 of Isaiah 49 reads, "And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth."

In other words, the children of Israel who shall be brought back to modern National Israel (The U.S.A. and the British Commonwealth) shall be "nursed" and "guarded" by Kings and Queens, undoubtedly of the line of David.�� We have seen a partial fulfillment of this prophecy during the last great war when the kings and queens of the little nations of Europe, like the Scandinavian Countries, Holland, etc., peopled by the children of Jacob-Israel, "nursed" and preserved these children.

However, all of the "kings and queens," ruling over "the many nations"

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of the seed of Abraham, who must be in existence now, will be called upon to perform even a greater task of "nursing and guarding" the "sons and daughters" who will be brought back to us from among the nations of the earth, after we have been through our "time of collective and national cleansing."

"They shall bow down before thee with their face to the earth."�� To un�derstand this prophecy we must go back and read Joseph's dream, as recorded in Gen. 37:9-11, where we are told that Joseph had a dream in which "the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to him," and his father (Jacob) said, "What is this dream that thou hast dreamed?�� Shall I and thy mo�ther and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?"

To understand the full import of this matter we must remember that in the 49th chapter of Isaiah, which we have been considering, Israel is talking to his two "adopted" grandsons, who have now become "the Nation and Company of Nations," in the "Isles" and "The People," telling them that their "brethren or children" are to be brought back and that they "shall bow down before thee (Ephriam and Manasseh as 'Joseph') with their face to the earth."

In a limited sense this "bowing down to Joseph" has already begun for the nations of Jacob are looking to the U.S.A. and the British Commonwealth for leadership and protection, but the time will come when the children of Ja�cob shall "gather themselves together and come to us" in great numbers and when the "many nations" of the seed of Abraham shall be allied with us, bow�ing down to Joseph, and becoming that�� Great and Mighty Nation," through which all of the nations of the earth shall be blessed.

Israelites by Adoption

There has been much confusion and misunderstanding as to the restoration of Israel and Judah how the children become "united" as Israel, and we shall briefly summarize the whole matter.

(1)�� Jehovah called out Abraham and his seed to become "a Great and Migh�ty Nation, and all of the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him."

(2)�� This Covenant was "confirmed" to Isaac and Jacob and their seed.

(3)�� Jehovah changed Jacob's name to "Israel," and confirmed the "Holy Covenant" to him, as Israel, for an�� everlasting Covenant."

(4)�� The 11 sons of Jacob, who were born Jacob, do not inherit by birth un�der Jehovah's Covenant with ISRAEL, their inheritance come through their "adoption into Israel."

(5)�� Benjamin was born Israel and Jacob-Israel ''adopted" his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and conferred the name of Israel upon them.�� Thus we find that Israel consisted, by birth and specific act of adoption, of the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin.

(6)�� However, in Gen. 48:20, it is clear that the rest of the house of Jacob is to be "adopted" into Israel, for we read, "And he (Israel) blessed them that day, saying. In thee shall Israel bless; saying Elohim make thee as Ephraim and Manasseh (that is Israelites by adoption.)"

(7)�� After calling out "Israel" Jehovah makes His Covenants and promises

"with Israel," and it is the�� Whole House of Israel," by birth and adop-

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�(7)�� tion, which is to be finally restored under Jehovah's Holy Covenant with Abraham and his seed, through Isaac and Jacob.

(8)�� In order that the children of Jacob-Israel might learn by experience that they could not walk ''in the way of Jehovah" in their own power, Jeho�vah entered into a mutually conditional covenant to "make them A King�dom of Priests and a Holy Nation IF they would obey His Voice indeed." (Ex. 19:5-6)

(9)�� When the children of Israel failed to keep this Covenant, Jehovah pro�mised to make a New Covenant with the house of Israel to redeem them so that the "seed of Israel might be a Nation before Jehovah for ever." Jer. 31: 31-36)

(10)�� Into this redeemed and restored NATION all of the children of Jacob Israel are to be united through adoption.

(11)�� When Jehovah changed Jacob's name to Israel, He made a Covenant that, in the last days preceding the final restoration of the seed of Abraham, ISRAEL, should become "A Nation and a Company of Nations," and when Israel "adopted" Ephraim and Manasseh, this Covenant was continued with them, Manasseh to become "A Great People," and Ephraim "A Company of Nations."�� (Gen. 48).

(12)�� This "Nation and Company of Nations" was to be used (a) "to push the na�tions together to the ends of the earth (Deut. 33:17); (b) as Jehovah's "battle-axe and weapons of war ... to break in pieces the nations and to destroy kingdoms" (Jer. 51:20); and (c) "to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the desolations of Israel .� .� . and also to be a light to the nations, to bring Jehovah's salvation to the end of the earth ."� (Isaiah 49:6).

It is under this Covenant with Israel that "We, The People of the United States" (Manasseh) and "The Britisn Commonwealth of Nations" (Ephraim) have, since the Seven Times of Exile ended, carried out our divine destiny, and it is under that same Covenant that we are today carrying out that destiny.

However, before we can completely fulfill our mission, as modern Israel, we must be "purged and cleansed" and the "rebels" driven out from amongst us (Ezek. 20:37-38).

As His ROD of chastisement and correction, Jehovah will use the As�syrian, as "an overflowing scourge ... to destroy the high places of va�nity (Aven), the sin of Israel (Hos. 10:80) .� .�� to tread down the crown of pride .� .�� sweep away the refuge of lies .� .� . disannul our Covenant with death and our agreement with hell�� (Isaiah 28.)"

This "correction in measure" is not intended for our destruction, how�ever, but merely to "bring us into the bond of the Covenant."�� In short, we must collectively "turn to our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, "who is none other than Jesus Christ.�� Only when we do this can we truly be�come Jehovah's "Servant, Israel, in whom He will be glorified."

When Israel accepts this "Redemption," THEN it shall become "A Kingdom of Priests and an Holy Nation," to which shall be joined, by adoption, the whole family of Jacob-Israel, and this "Great and Mighty Nation" shall become "a blessing to all of the nations of the earth."

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�(13)�� Jehovah's program for the "redemption of His people Israel," and Jacob Israel's "adoption" into "redeemed Israel" is made very clear in the New Testament.

In the first chapter of Luke, the priest Zacharias exulted "for Jeho�vah hath visited and redeemed His People (Israel) and raised up a horn of salvation in the house of His Servant David ... to save us (His People) from our enemies and the hand of them that hate us; to perform the mercies promised to our fathers; and to remember His Holy Covenant, the Oath which He sware to our father Abraham."

Speaking to the people at Antioch, Paul said, "Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.�� The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers .� .� . and raised up unto them David to be their King ... Of this man's (David's) seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus .� .� . And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again,."(Acts 13:16-33).

Into redeemed Israel, all the seed of Abraham, through Isaac and Ja�cob, is to be "adopted" through faith in Jehovah's Promise to His People Israel.�� In Romans 9:4 Paul makes it clear that to Israel belongs "the adop�tion, and the glory, and the Covenants, and the giving of the law and the services, and the promises."�� Many Bible students have held that Paul was here speaking of the Jews but a careful reading of the whole sentence will show that he includes much more for we read "I could wish that myself were separated from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh; who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, etc."�� Now Paul was a Benjamite.�� In Rom. 11:1 "I say then, Hath God cast away His people?�� God forbid.�� For I am also an Israelite, of the seed of Abra�ham, of the tribe of Benjamin."�� In short Paul in Romans 9:4 is simply stating what is so clearly brought out in the Scriptures, namely, that his kinsmen after the flesh (Benjaminites) are ISRAELITES , "to whom pertain�eth the adoption," etc.�� In verse 6 he explains just what he means when he says,�� "They are not all Israel, which are of Israel (Jacob).�� In other words, the Benjamites are born Israel, but the rest of Jacob's sons must become Israelites by adoption.�� Then he adds that not all of�� the seed of Abraham are children; but IN ISAAC shall thy seed be called,"�� and in the next verse he explains "They which are the children of flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of promise are counted for the seed."

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made," through Isaac, in whom Abraham's seed should be called, and these were confirm�ed to Israel, into which the sons of Jacob must be adopted.

After showing that these promises cannot be realized "under the law," Paul points out that they can be claimed by faith, "For the promise, that he (Abraham), should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to

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his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." Then he sums up in Rom. 8:15;�� "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear (under the law); but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Again, in Gal. 4:4-5, Paul writes, "But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adop�tion of sons," and in Eph. 1:4-5 Paul declares that "He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world . . . having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will."

(14)�� As previously noted, Israel consisted of Benjamin, born an Israelite and Ephraim and Manasseh, who were adopted into Israel by Israel himself. Manasseh was to become "A Great People," and Ephraim "A Company of Nations," in fulfillment of Jehovah's Covenant with Israel.�� Today, "We The People of the United States" and "The British Commonwealth of Na�tions" exist In literal fulfillment of this Covenant, and these two "Na�tions" constitute modern Israel, together with the Benjamites.

Through Jesus Christ, Jehovah has redeemed Israel collectively and nationally, and we must collectively and nationally claim this redemption through faith in the promise of Jehovah, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as Sa�viour and Redeemer.

Since at the present time neither the U.S.A. nor the British Common�wealth show any disposition to return to Jehovah and execute judgment and justice under His perfect laws of righteousness, we shall come under the yoke of the Assyrian, whom Jehovah will use as the "Rod of His an�ger" to "bring us into the bond of the Covenant.

However, we shall "acknowledge our offense, and seek Jehovah's face; (for) in our affliction we shall seek Him earnestly," (Hos. 5:15)and when we do, then "the tribes of Jacob and the desolations of Israel" shall be gathered to us, to receive the "adoption of children," through faith in the promises under the New Covenant with the "house of Israel."

The fact that the United States and the British Commonwealth are National Israel in the World today means that the prophetic admonitions given to Israel for the last days apply directly to us as peoples and na�tions.�� In short we are today fulfilling a divinely appointed destiny as truly as did Israel of old.

The outlook for the immediate future is not too bright because we are not yet ready to assume our mission as God's Great Servant Nation, but we can rest assured that our enemies will never destroy us, even though they will afflict us greviously.�� However, the Lord has declared that "in our affliction we shall seek Him earnestly, and Jesus said that when we saw the things now coming to pass on the earth, we should "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth night." And that redemption is national as well as individual.

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