Faith of our Fathers
We are living in the generation the prophets designated as a time of great confusion, making it extremely difficult to sift out the chaff of propaganda and discern the whereabouts of error while endeavoring to garner the kernels of the wheat of truth. No field of human endeavor is free today from the subtle influence of the devil�s planting, with the tares ripening among the wheat during the harvest of the ages.
Before us is a circular advancing a theory that purports to add two more tribes to the Israel encampment, making a total of fourteen tribes instead of twelve. In order to accomplish this, the author of the circular states that Ephraim and Manasseh, sons of Joseph, became the thirteenth and fourteenth tribes of Israel. To muddle the issue further, that England is Ephraim and the United States is declared to be Manasseh.
When this abortive theory was first presented, many reacted by simply ignoring what to them was clearly without Scriptural foundation. But the passage of time has demonstrated that unsound doctrines must be vigorously challenged by the presentation of facts sustained by documentary evidence. Actually subversion and error will multiply upon itself because it is subtle and especially designed to deceive the unwary.
We are referred to Paul�s exhortation that �the unruly should be warned,� (1 Thessalonians 5:14) and he counseled further, �Never disdain prophetic revelations but TEST THEM ALL (1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Moffatt Translation), to which is added, �retaining what is good and avoiding every kind of evil� (1 Thessalonians 5:22 - Smith & Goodspeed Translation). Paul gave his reason for his concern for the spiritual welfare of those striving to become overcomers: �May God himself, the giver of peace, consecrate you through and through. Spirit, soul, and body, may you be kept sound, and be found irreproachable when our Lord Jesus Christ come.� (1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Smith & Goodspeed Translation).
If the above-given deductions were true to the Scriptures, there would be no adverse evidence anywhere in the Bible that could be used to in any way refute the position taken. If the Scriptures definitely show that the government of the Kingdom consists of twelve tribes only, who are to rule over all Israel, there is no place for more than the designated number of tribes.
Actually the Scriptures provide for only twelve tribes in Jacob�s household. While one additional portion was ADDED tot he inheritance of Joseph because of his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:17-22), there is, nevertheless, no Scriptural evidence that warrants in any way altering the fact that JACOB�S HOUSEHOLD consists of more than twelve tribes.
There are only twelve gates in the wall of the New Jerusalem, a designation that symbolically refers to the restored Kingdom of God on earth, and the twelve foundations of that wall are inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles. The whole message of the Bible is quite clear regarding the number of the tribes of Israel.
This is confirmed in the two dreams of Joseph before his brothers sold him into Egyptian slavery; Genesis 37:9‑10: �And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?�
The fact that the number of the tribes of Israel is thus designated to be twelve is further confirmed in the twelfth chapter of Revelation: �And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.� (Revelation 12:1)
Moreover, the number of the gates of the New Jerusalem is given in Chapter 21 of Revelation. Appearing on each one of these gates is the name of one of the tribes of Israel and there are twelve gates in all: �And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.� (Revelation 21:12)
The Prophet Ezekiel listed the tribes whose names will be inscribed on the gates of the city. He states: �And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel.� (Ezekiel 48:31)
The names of the tribes and the location of the gates bearing their names is then given:
North Side�������� East Side���������� South Side�������� West Side
Reuben� Joseph���� Simeon���������� Gad
Judah������������������ Benjamin������� Issachar����������� Asher
Levi�������������������� Dan�������������� Zebulun������������ Naphitali
Neither Ephraim nor Manasseh are listed here because these are the two sons of Joseph who are to have his inheritance. Yet when we look at Revelation 12:21 we find the tribes listed as Reuben; Judah; Levi; Joseph; Benjamin; Simeon; Issachar; Zebulun; Gad; Asher and Naphitali, but Ephraim nor Dan are mentioned, yet we know they were also the sons of Jacob/Israel and Joseph. And Joseph is listed instead of Ephraim. This is where some get the idea that there were 14 tribes instead of 13 the correct number. The same as the original number of states of the United States.
Turning now to the second of Israel�s encampment, as set forth in the first chapter of Numbers, we find only eleven tribes were numbered for battle, for the men of the tribe of Levi were exempt from going forth to war. However, in this case the number twelve is maintained by designating the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, as tribes rather than naming Joseph. (Numbers 1:32-35)
Joseph was to inherit one portion above his brethren (Genesis 48:22); not two portions, or three, but one extra one only, for the two tribe Ephraim and Manasseh. You will also notice that whenever the name of Joseph is mentioned, Ephraim�s name is not mentioned. When Ephraim�s name is mentioned, Joseph�s name does not appear in the listing, until Revelation 7:5, and there Manasseh is listed along with Joseph. This is because Ephraim was set before Manasseh. (Genesis 48:20) Ephraim inherited the headship which was Joseph�s. (1 Chronicles 5:2)
Ephraim was, therefore, selected to inherit the authority, the leadership, the right to rule and the royal greatness which belonged to Joseph. Ezekiel confirms this in the instructions he records, as given to him by the Lord, concerning what is to follow the restoration of Israel as set forth in the vision the prophet had of the valley filled with dry bones: �Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them on stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.� (Ezekiel 37:19)
Here we have definite instructions from the Lord Himself that Ephraim holds in his hand the stick, or staff, of Joseph; that is, the authority, the power and the rights of his father in the exercise of the birthright privileges which passed from the hand of Joseph into the hand of Ephraim. Thus, the posterity of Ephraim, inheriting the dominion, would have the shout of the King in their midst, in conformity with Baalam�s prophecy. (Numbers 23:21) This is further confirmed by Ezekiel for, after recording the fact that Ephraim would hold the stick, or staff, of Joseph, and this would be united with that of Judah, the statement is made: �One king shall be king to them all.� (Ezekiel 37:22)
This fits the United States perfectly, as the President is the King or ruler over all the 50 separate states of the union. But it does not fit Ephraim because England, whom many have believed to be Ephraim, has NEVER been the ruler over all of the various nations which comprise of the descendants of the children of Israel.
In the British Coat of Arms there is the lion of the tribe of Judah. So those who hold to England being Ephraim reply that because the unicorn, representing Ephraim, joined together with one monarch ruling over them; therefore, they say, the House of David, of necessity, must be where Ephraim, the headship tribe, holds the staff of Joseph and exercises dominion and rule.
But it would appear they have overlooked the fact that when the Ancient Nanton of Israel split up, the House of David did stay with Judah, but Ephraim separated from both the House of David and the tribe of Judah, therefore, we submit that because Christ has not returned to take over His throne over the Kingdom of God on earth: The United States of America and the other Christian Nations of the Western World, that Ephraim is not joined with England.
When Jacob gave his blessing to Joseph he said: �Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.� (Genesis 49:22) And Joseph did, indeed, run over the wall and formed many nations, as the Scriptures attest. The United States, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Scandinavia, New Zealand, South Africa, Australis, Austria and etc. But England has never ruled over all of these nations. Some of them of course, but not all. Because all the nation of Israel, the original 12 tribes of Jacob, have not been under one rule since they split up after the death of Solomon.
How aptly this analogy depicts what actually happened to the seed of Joseph. If Joseph himself is likened to a bough, a fruitful bough, then among his descendants would be those who would represent the branches that ran over the wall. One branch particularly severed itself from its source by even removing itself from the authority of the House of David ruling over the seed of Jacob. Manasseh, whose name means forgetfulness, did this very thing. In our inception as the people of the United States of America, we separated from the rule of the Throne of David in England, not from Ephraim.
Through Manasseh�s separate and distant inheritance, Joseph�s one portion above his brethren was claimed. Consequently, in relation to the twelve tribes of Israel, i.e., the household of Jacob, the number thirteen became associated with Manasseh. It is this very number; thirteen, which predominates in the history of the United States and in our heraldry.
Some say that the prevalence of the number thirteen in American heraldry is slim evidence indeed upon which to base the conclusion that we are Manasseh Israel. It is not conclusive evidence in its self, of course, but it is a sign. A marker at the city limits announcing, �This is Texas,� would not lead one to infer that the sign created the state, nevertheless, the sign does indicate the whereabouts of the state.
In the science of the meaning of numbers, the number thirteen signifies rebellion and revolution. It was in this actual manner that the people of Israel completely separated themselves from their brethren and from the rule of the House of David. Ultimately, in order to have their rightful place in the restored Kingdom of God, they will resume their position as a member of the House of Joseph within Israel.
The painstaking work of the pioneers of this great movement was not faulty. Their testimony has been proven to be true to fact, for the Spirit of the Lord guided them and led them aright as they proclaimed the identity of modern Israel.
Since the fathers who were responsible for laying the foundation of this end-time witnessing fell asleep, contentions have arisen within the ranks, fanned into misunderstanding and causing confusion by views expressed which are Scripturally unfounded. Growing out of the failure to acknowledge the United States of America as representing latter-day Ephraim, the added portion of Joseph�s inheritance, is an endeavor to make our great country �the Zion of Israel.� In so doing the fact is completely overlooked that Zion is the seat, or center, of Kingdom government, in the midst of which must be heard the shout of a king.
There is no throne established over the United States, nor is the shout of a king heard in our midst, but there will be, when Jesus Christ returns to take His rightful throne. The United States, true to the meaning of Israel, has utterly forgotten the importance of the Throne of David in its relationship to the administration of the law which will go forth from Zion. Many still believe that the kingly line is in Britain, but the so-called royal line has been so polluted by Jewish blood that they are not what they once were; but God has held the true line separate from the Jews and it has not been polluted. Just as Mary and Joseph were of the kingly blood line, they were not recognized as such by anyone, not even the Jews, but when the time came God recognized them and showed the whole world if it would only listen. So God has hidden the true kingly line until the time arises for them to come forward and play their proper role in His Kingdom.
The declaration that Ephraim possesses the staff of Joseph presupposes the fact that the Throne of David would be with Ephraim and that throne was originally established in the Isles of Great Britain, the company, or commonwealth, of nations. There, also bearing mute testimony that was the Stone Kingdom, with the Throne of David in its midst, �was� the presence of Jacob�s Pillar; the Coronation Stone, in Westminister, once the center of religious worship in the Isles, just as formerly Eastminsiter, at Jerusalem, was the center of worship. (Isaiah 2:3)
But just recently the �Stone� has been removed from Westminister and returned to Scotland, thus bearing witness that the true kingly line is no longer in England but has departed to some other place. And that place is the United States. The �Stone� has not made the transition to the United States as of yet, but it will in God�s own good time.
That it has not come to America yet is because the United States refuses to recognize the hegemony of the House of David, it is impossible for us to claim the right to exercise the authority and power which, in the administration of the affairs of state, are associated with the Throne of David at the center within the Kingdom of Israel.
Ephraim was to become a nation, a commonwealth of nations in one. The preamble to our Constitution confirms the fact that we are a people, not a commonwealth of nations, certainly not a kingdom. The Preamble states: �We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution of the United States of America.�
This is a statement of a great people, not a pronouncement from the center of a kingdom. Every American confirms basic truths concerning our national status when he declares in our Pledge of Allegiance to our flag: �I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of American, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.� The portion �under God, indivisible� bears witness that when Christ returns that we will still be indivisible; however, this portion was not added until some time in the 50s, which is just more preparation for America becoming the Kingdom of Christ.
�One nation under god, indivisible.� This inspired phrasing testifies to the national unity of our people, for the essential meaning of indivisible is inseparable. This, it is completely logical to constitute those bodies endowed with statehood, committed to regional administration, as national entities, or nations. It is sensible to declare that, because city and county governments operate as administrative entities, they too are nations. In the final analysis, city, county and state governments must look to the federal government in the handling of the affairs of state, just as the different parts of a kingdom in dealing with foreign powers.
There are those who undertake to claim that Canada is Manasseh, but Canada is as much a part of the British Commonwealth, as Australia and New Zealand are and other possessions of Great Britain. Being nations themselves, they are a part of a Great Nation in fulfillment of prophecy. Canada, with all the others, looks to the Throne of David as the center of government in Zion.
In answer to the question, What, then, and where, is Mount Sion (in the Old Testament it is spelled Zion), it is pointed out in a book by Howard B. Rand, �Study in Revelation�: �Isaiah declares, For Zion�s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem�s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth (Isaiah 62:1) Thus righteousness, or the law, goes forth from Zion, the seat of administration and authority in Israel; while salvation is represented as flowing from Jerusalem, the ecclesiastical center within the Israel government. Zion, therefore, represents the throne and seat of the administration of the law within the Israel Commonwealth.� (Study in Revelation, p. 203)
The remarks are definitely in conformity with Isaiah�s pronouncement in regard to our Lord, who is to be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God and the Everlasting Father, as well as the Prince of Peace. The statement follows: �Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.� (Isaiah 9:7)
In the light of these Scriptural pronouncements, it is not preposterous to claim that the United states is Ephraim and the seat, or center, or Zion, from whence the work of administering righteousness will go forth. Isaiah definitely states this will be the results which will flow from the Throne of David in the midst of Zion and that Throne is not in the United States YET. But it will!