BISHOP ON DECK: The Great Commission
Contributed by Bishop Nathanyel
The dispersion of the Israelites now is coming to light. Israel United In Christ has taken up the charge of our Lord and Savior, to preach the “Good News” throughout the four corners of the earth!
The history of the Israelites, a people with a rich and complex heritage, is a tale of dispersion and resilience. From ancient times to the present day, the Israelites have been scattered in the four corners of the Earth. Their heritage, traditions, culture, and identity were all lost being scattered in distant lands. This article delves into the profound narrative of the Israelite diaspora, exploring the challenges they have faced, and the enduring strength of their heritage.
The story of the Israelites begins thousands of years ago in the land of Canaan, which is present-day Israel and Palestine. They once established a royal civilization, guided by their laws, faith, and religious practices. However, due to breaking the commandments of their God, the Israelites found themselves scattered, dispersed far beyond their homeland.
The first major dispersion occurred in 722 BC, when the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of the ten tribes that inhabited the region. This event, known as the Assyrian Captivity, scattered the Israelites throughout the Assyrian Empire, forever altering their trajectory and identity.
The kingdom of Israel was divided into two kingdoms after the reign of King Solomon: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and deported many of its inhabitants. This event led to the dispersion of the ten tribes of Israel, and they became known as the "ten lost tribes."
2 Esdras 13:40
“Those are the ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners out of their own land in the time of Osea the king, whom Salmanasar the king of Assyria led away captive, and he carried them over the waters, and so came they into another land.”
In 605 BC, the Babylonians conquered the Southern Kingdom of Judah, resulting in the Babylonian captivity. This event marked a significant turning point for the Israelites, as they were forcibly taken to Babylon.
The Arab slave trade primarily involved the enslavement of Israelites from sub-Saharan Africa and their transportation to various regions in the Arab world, including North Africa, the so-called Middle East, and parts of Asia. Slaves were obtained through various means, such as warfare, raids on their villages, and through long-distance trade networks.
Throughout history, the Israelite diaspora has experienced slavery, discrimination, persecution, oppression, and all attempts made to ensure they are forgotten on the face of the earth. Yet, by the mercies of their God they have persevered. Now it is time to awake from their sleep and remember who they are - God’s chosen people.
Matthew 24:14
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
Bishop Nathanyel