The knee jerk reaction from both Jews and Christians is a resounding, “NO!!!” But, does Scripture bear this out, or are we willfully blind to a most difficult topic that we relegate to some ancient culture and time?
Buckle your seat belt and let’s examine Scripture without doctrinal or cultural filters.
Ezekiel 23 is a vile and gut wrenching chapter that few read with any pleasure. Jerusalem and Samaria, capital cities of Judah and Israel respectively, are vividly described as sister brides, wed to God Himself, who commit adulterous acts.
23 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother; 3 and they played the harlot in Egypt. They played the harlot in their youth; there their breasts were pressed and there their virgin bosom was handled. 4 Their names were Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister. And they became Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. And as for their names, Samaria is Oholah and Jerusalem is Oholibah.
Begin by noting that while the language is metaphorical, God is making a very specific point. This chapter begins with a bold and direct statement: two women, daughters of one mother became His and bore sons and daughters. This is marriage language that is confirmed again multiple times through the text. Oholah and Oholibah pursue other lovers and play the harlot to the anger, frustration and embarrassment of God the Husband.
As second witness comes from Jeremiah 3 where we read,
6 During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there. 7 I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. 9 Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. 10 In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord.
Israel was divorced, but Judah was not. Simply, half of a bride cannot be divorced. Israel and Judah are two separate brides, a fact again confirmed in Hosea 1,
6 Then she conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. And [c]the Lord said to him, “Name her [d]Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I would ever forgive them. 7 But I will have compassion on the house of Judah and deliver them by the Lord their God, and will not deliver them by bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen.”
Still another witness is in the New Covenant itself! Jeremiah 31:32 boldly states, “…My covenant which they broke although I was a husband to them.” Plural.
We have already established that Israel and Judah are each brides.
The immediate Christian response is reactionary against these passages and their implications, but do we take into account the whole of Scripture?
As we read these stories, the first thought that should come to mind is two other sister brides that in fact led to Samaria and Jerusalem. While the story is long and detailed, Scripture clearly relates the history of Leah and Rachel and their offspring, Judah and Joseph. It is through this intriguing story that we see God’s plan and purpose.
Christendom is quick, too quick, to dismiss Leah and claim that Rachel is the one Jacob wanted. They deny that the story of history is wrapped up in Jacob’s learning to walk at peace with both and with the sisters learning to walk at peace with each otherr. Further, the ultimate family story is played out in Ezekiel 37 as the house of Judah (Leah) and the house of Ephraim (Joseph/Rachel) are brought together in the hand of “My servant David’ to live in the land and walk according to the statutes and ordinances in peace forever. As verse 22 clearly states, they will no longer be two nations or two peoples.
Christendom further ignores that it was God’s plan to divide the house, and once divided, the house is to never again be a singularity. Let me explain.
In I Kings 12:24, speaking of the division between Judah and Israel, God clearly says, ‘…this thing has come from Me.’ It was God who chose to divide the house! And, just as God pulled Eve from the side of Adam and then immediately made them echad, one, He pulled the house of Israel from the side of Judah and intends to make them ‘echad!’ Just look at Ezekiel 37:19 (vss.15-28 for full context).
19 say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one (echad) in My hand.”’
The Hebrew says, as noted above, ‘echad.’ Strongs Concordance explains that echad, H259, means ‘united.’ This is clearly seen in Genesis 2:24 where Adam and Eve become “one (-echad) flesh.” Never again are they a singular ‘one.’
What is fascinating is that the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon uses the image of a sword to describe echad, -two edges, two blades, that come together into a point! The two edges are clearly separate and dangerous, but only become maximally effective when united.
The same can be said for Leah and Rachel, aka, Judah and Ephraim. Each is effective, but they will not reach full potential until they come together in unity and operate as ‘one.’ Many Scriptures bear this out, not the least of which are Isaiah 11:11-16 and Zechariah 9:11-17!!
But, what does this have to do with two brides and is that a true representation of Scripture?
Both Judaism and Christianity believe, largely influenced by western Greek culture, that Scripture only allows for one bride and therefore God can only have one bride meaning that either Judaism or Christianity must be that bride. God can’t possibly be interested in both… or, can He?
The answer, from Scripture, is jolting. Just ask Reverend William Luck, former Professor of Bible and Theology at the Moody Bible Institute and author of On the Morality of Biblical Polygyny. In his introduction he states, “God didn’t ask me my opinion about the issue. He expected me to represent His. I’ve tried. If you can prove I’m mistaken, I’ll be the first to thank you. But I’m not holding my breath in the meanwhile.” Luck expresses much more articulately the same conclusions I came to several years ago.
Quite simply, if God is a righteous God, then He must obey His own laws of righteousness as set forth in the Torah and through them we clearly see the provision for two brides and how He relates to each. Further, throughout Scripture, Genesis to Revelation, we see His passion for both and His desire to bring them together into one, unified (echad) family. It was and remains Jacob’s desire.
God LOVES Judah and Ephraim!! God loves Samaria and Jerusalem!! He only chastens those He loves!! And, pictured in Hosea, He pursues His brides-both daughters, with an everlasting love!!
God does not expect, nor even want, Judah to be Ephraim or Ephraim to be Judah! In fact, the two are incomplete if one ceases to exist or tries to be the other. What He does desire is that the two be willing to come together in peace and unity and walk together before Him reflecting His character in each!
The personalities of the brides are different. How they approach the Husband are not identical, but the rules of the house remain the same for all! This explains how Judah can have one understanding of detailed halachah and Ephraim can have another, yet both can be obedient and seek to please Him. Imposing our perspective of the relationship on the other violates our own relationship with the Father. Judah must focus on the Father and Ephraim must focus on the Father. Trouble begins when we turn our attention to each other and assume we know what is best for the other party in this marriage covenant relationship.
Family peace and wholeness comes when we recognize the legitimacy of the other bride and choose, CHOOSE, to walk at peace and harmony, rejoicing in what makes the Husband joyful about the other!! Imagine how selfless and revolutionary that Leah can JOY in the relationship of Jacob with Rachel and likewise, Rachel can be excited concerning the relationship that Jacob has with Leah. That is the point at which true unity comes to the family and envy and jealousy are put away. That is the time of their healing!!
So, to answer the opening question, indeed, God does have two brides. Will we accept this truth and walk in peace with each other, or, will He be forced to put us in a crucible? That is the real question.
11:3 Restoration 
I wonder how Timothy’s understanding comes into play for leaders since God is our leader—if a leader is to have only 1 wife? Thoughts?
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Assuming you are talking about 1 Tim. 3:2. The word ‘one’ is translated from the Greek ‘mia’ which can also mean ‘first’ or ‘a’. If we take Christendom’s translation as ‘one’, then Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Ezra, Joash, many other righteous men, etc would all be disqualified as elders.
If Paul is staying in line with Torah, then either ‘first’ or ‘a’ would be MUCH better translations.
Paul actually demonstrates full knowledge and agreement with Torah in I Cor. 7:2. There are two different words translated as ‘own.’ The Greek indicates ‘his own wife’ is exclusive ownership. ‘Her own husband’ uses Greek word for corporate ownership, as in ‘her own city’, she doesn’t own the city, but belongs to the city…
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Thanks Pete
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Does 2 brides equal 2 different covenants?
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Single covrmant at Sinai. New Covenant (not yet fulfilled) is with both the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Happens after two sticks come together.
I do not see two different covenants as some try to argue. Rather I see the applications and halacha being different. The base standards (Torah) are the same.
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What do we do with the ‘bride’ Has made herself ready? In revelation. Do the two become Echad as they were in the beginning?
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Interesting question… I’ll have to ponder. First reaction is that Judah is still in covenant, while Israel is not. See New Covenant wording and Jeremiah 3. Second thought is that while the two are not yachid, they are echad….
I’ll have to ponder. Somehow the pieces fit together…. not sure how. This article reveals new stuff, therefore we get to dig more and think outside of the current box.
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This is a very enlightening study, I’ve had the question on my mind for some time .”..what about Judah ..I don’t think she was divorced? “……now you have answered my question ! But when Messiah comes for His bride will they be one bride ? One new man ?
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I see Lo ammi asked same question !!! There’s always more , !
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The house of Yoseph /Ephraim /10 northern tribes , lost in the nations , the divorced bride , the wild olive tree , redeemed by Messiah Yeshua , grafted back into the Olive tree, of Israel under guardian ship of Judah , the wild olive tree becomes one with the olive tree ?? So one bride emerges ..the marriage of the lamb has come and the bride has made herself ready???? One new man in Messiah…I’m thinking of the dance we saw presented at last years congress, the two brides jew and gentile /Christian becoming one golden bride …I didn’t particularily like it at the time as it seemed too “churchy ” in the presentation of the gentile bride who now we see as the lost sheep of the northern house of Israel , …but of course we have been in disguise , our true identity hidden until now …and your study on the two brides certainly makes sense and is another piece of the jigsaw , but I think there are still a lot more pieces to find yet as we are moving towards the completion and restoration of all things on the 7 th day ( I’ve just been very blessed by reading Al’s study on the 5 loaves and 2 fish!) ..and that we are in the final stages of the reality of the two becoming one…I remember the wonderful times in Jerusalem that you and your families had building bridges with our sister Judah , and on the plane going home …I’ve had some similar opportunities since ! Repairing the ancient walls ! Thankyou for your study , it’s provoking much thought and seeking for further revelation ! I love the way Ha Shem poses questions to us , like bait on the end of a fishing line , then starts drawing us in ,,the wait for the final answer is always worth it! I hope you and Al and all your families will be blessed in Israel at Pesach , things didn’t work out for me to come to the congress this time , but I will be thinking and praying and missing the dancing !
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Jeremiah 31:31-32 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares YHVH.”
Both Judah and Israel broke the covenant given at Sinai (Deuteronomy 31:16 and Jeremiah 31:31-32), thus the need for both of them to be given a new covenant. This new covenant was the one in Yeshua’s blood as testified to in Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, and First Corinthians 11:25. Just as the covenant given through Moses was ratified in blood here.
Exodus 24:7-8 “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that YHVH has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.””
As the children of Israel and Judah had to agree to the first covenant and accept its blood, the children of Israel and Judah must accept the new covenant and Yeshua’s blood.
First Corinthians 1 11:23-26 “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Yeshua on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Notice that Yeshua says that the blood was for you. In context he is talking directly to his Jewish apostles. Why would the blood be for them if they did not need the blood because they were Jews? Of course his blood is not just for the Jews, but I don’t want that point to escape anyone.
Thus, we should do as Paul did and proclaim the Lord until he comes so that all of Israel and Judah may receive the new covenant that they need for their salvation.
Acts 4:8-12 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people (Judah) and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you (Judah) and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Yeshua Messiah of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Yeshua is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we (Judah and everyone else) must be saved.”
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Good stirring questions, James. But, before we even try and unravel what this Covenant really is all about, and for who it is, 10-Israel and Judah or …? it would be good to clarify first of all the Time setting for this NC to be inaugurated. Christianity has jumped the gun by 2000 years when we establish this Time Setting from the preceding 30 verses (Jer. 31:1-30). According to this explicit section, it is exactly at the time of what this thread here is all about, i.e. when the 2 wives are re-united with the Husband. Another necessary contemplation should be:
– The link between the 1st Covenant and the Exile (from which the Return must evolve), i.e. why did the exile come about”
– which are the details of the NC and the differences with the OC
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“Does God have 2 Brides” – one of my most favorite topics. While reading the first part of your commentary, Pete, I was thinking of a way to send you a large ‘Thumbs Up’ icon.
But then you changed the entire conclusion which you had been building so inspiringly, in one sentence. You first reach this dynamic ever true conclusion from Scripture and confirm it in your own words, saying: “Further, the ultimate family story is played out in Ezekiel 37 as the house of Judah (Leah) and the house of Ephraim (Joseph/Rachel) are brought together in the hand of “My servant David’ to live in the land and walk according to the statutes and ordinances in peace forever. As verse 22 clearly states, they will no longer be two nations or two peoples “ (my bolded emphasis).
You then overturn this Truth (the entire Goal of the current Restoration Process) in one bold statement: “…it was God’s plan to divide the house, and once divided, the house is to never again be a singularity. “ You just overturn the entire Divine Plan and Statement which you had just concluded, and which is repeated in some 18000 words repeatedly in Scripture (as compiled here http://www.kolhator.org.il/bible-confirmations-return-tribes-israel/ ) by saying “it was God’s plan to divide the house (of 12-Isarel) … to never again be a singularity.” You then repeat the Restoration-into-One statement quoting God Himself: ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one (echad) in My hand.”’ How on earth do you reach the conclusion from these Divine Statements that “ the house (of Israel) is to never again be a singularity?”
We have here a prime example of how erroneous conclusions based on misinformation and misinterpretation can be used to distort basic elementary Truth: you do this (certainly unintentionally and ignorantly) by using the misinterpretation of the Hebrew word ‘echad’ (‘one’ as in one – elementary!) which Christianity uses to prove the greatest misconception of all, viz. “a 3-headed god” – regarding the very Identity of the Creator God of Israel. He could not be more emphatic of the fact that HE ALONE is God and He knows no other, by stating the Greatest Command to be: “Hear O Israel (which includes Ephraim) ‘God is ECHAD (ONE)” as He states all through Scripture! Ask an Israeli infant what means ‘echad’ and he/she will put up a finger ‘one’. But, Christianity comes – and re-awakening Ephraim keeps puppeting: “One” really means a compound unity, a couple, a group – in other words, anything but ‘one’ – which God reserves as His Main Honour – unchallenged!
Now if any of this is greatly threatening to Ephraim’s Messianic concept, then perhaps it is time that they start considering some alternative voices amongst the Hebraic Restoration Masses who are not threatened by this because of their theory and interpreting of the Messianic concept under the unpopular topic of the “Oneness of God”, viz. that there is no such thing as a compound, 2-or Trinity God because their Messiah is the God of Israel.
So, you are suggesting, Pete, by your contradictory reasoning (regarding the ‘2 Houses which will become ONE again’ but not singular), that Ephraim has to conclude that the 2 Houses will become a “compound unity State”, i.e. thus a 2-State solution, just as the world is trying to palm off on Israel today. No, it CANNOT work. The only way that it can work is if the Palestinians and Arabs (and Christians) who want to live in God’s Re-united 12-Tribed State will have to subject to ‘Jewish Torah’ – exactly as any country citizen has to subject to that country’s Laws and System. Logic! God certainly does NOT intend to run a 2-State nation where each part does it the way they think! – a main concept held by 10-Israel (Ephraim / Yoseph) generally today as well as most of Judah (through presenting a Noahide and a Ger theology which keeps intending returnees in a 2nd class citizenship status).
And it is Ephraim’s rebellion against the Divinely mandated Jewish Mechoqeck Torah guidance which inspires it to distort the meaning of such a simple term as ‘ONE” – God’s Greatest Honour.
The awesome Truth is, that it was this SAME anti-Judah Torah attitude of the Northern 10-Tribed House of Israel which earned them the ‘no-nation” status and exile amongst the other nations UNTIL the Time of Restoration which now is on the horizon.
Ephraim should contemplate on WHY they do not want to be part of the Mechoqeck guided (Judah Rabbinic guided) Israel. As executive of both the Kol Hator and Commonwealth of Israel Vision promotions, I am well aware of and can quote you many reasons why Ephraim thinks thus. The concluding answer to this is: because HaSatan is going around like a roaring lion to try stop the reborn State of Israel to become the World Empire of the God of Israel – which requires the RETURN of all 12 Tribes to the physical Land of Israel.
In conclusion: Can anyone reading thus far truly envision a Kingdom State of the God of Israel consisting of 2 sections. parts, states, kingdoms – one keeping Torah the one way and the other, resisting this and keeping it the way they cannot even agree upon amongst themselves?
It’s a great Farce!
OvadYah
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OvadYah,
Thank you for your comment.
Chavah was taken from the side of Adam. She the fruitful helper, he the head. They were made echad, not yachid. This is not 2-state. It is unity…
Much of Judah demands that Ephraim become Judah, effectively eliminating Ephraim. You don’t see it that way, but that is what happens.
As for the scepter in the hand of Judah, we agree. It will be there, but some repentance and healing on both sides has to happen.
Blessings
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If you consult a Hebrew dictionary, Pete, you will find a multitude of words hinging on ‘yachid’. Meanings range between unity, oneness, singleness, exclusivity, even monotheism and the unity concept of HaShem, units like combat, sports, investigative units, etc. If God was what Christianity claims Him to be, i.e. a unity, multplicity, then He would have and should have used the word yachid. But, He used echad to leave no doubts. Thus no proof in the word yachid of either ‘oneness or compound unities, etc. Fact is God declares that He s ECHAD = ONE – as any Hebrew child can explain.
Your argument that Adam and Eve became echad is draconic, contorted reasoning to try prove an unbiblical point. In Gen, 2:24 it says they became ‘ONE flesh’ – again, the concept of ONE SINGULARITY, i.e. one flesh, not animal and human mixed, but ONE type of flesh. If yachid was used here, it could have displayed a sort of multiplicity or unity concept of ‘meat’. The same applies to ‘one couple – husband and wife. We’ll know when 2 couples come walking to us. The concept is COUPLE – ONE. The Christian Messianic concept refers to TWO and more, i.e. a “Father and a Son”, or ‘the blasphemous version of a ‘Greater and a Lesser Y-H-V-H’ – God forbid!
Ezek. 37 (which you also quoted) foretells of the 2 Houses re-uniting,
v. 17 “and join them for thee one to another (echad al echad) into one stick (Etz echad)”
19 (If they ask you what it means) ”say unto them: 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 companions; and I will put them unto him with the stick of Judah, and make them one (echad) stick, and they shall be one (echad) in My hand.” Do we really have to discuss the singularity concept (which you deny them) here? Does it need higher maths to figure it out? Can it be more plain? And yet, there is more proof in this chapter.
You further state, Pete, that “Much of Judah demands that Ephraim become Judah, effectively eliminating Ephraim.”
I really do not know where you get that impression from? We are heavily involved here in Israel to try make Judah aware that ‘Yosef is Alive’ and needs to be received back Home. Almost to the man, they resist and reject. And any brave Ephraimite who does fight his/her way home, faces the IMPOSSIBLE. Please realize this: They do NOT want you back! For all the reasons that they can dig up. You should thank KHT (Kol Hator) for fighting for your needs here in Israel.
At this rate, it is still a few centuries off – so you have time, don’t feel pushed.
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Hey Pete. Your article was very thought provoking. As I got to your conclusion, I started thinking of an alternative conclusion that I would like you to also consider.
In your article, you stated: “The Hebrew says, as noted above, ‘echad.’ Strong’s Concordance explains that echad, H259, means ‘united.’ This is clearly seen in Genesis 2:24 where Adam and Eve become “one (echad) flesh.” Never again are they a singular ‘one.’”
If your conclusion is that the two kingdoms would never again become a singular kingdom, I would have to disagree.
I agree that Judah does not become Ephraim or vise versa. But I also believe that when Yeshua comes back there won’t be two any more, but, twelve, all being distinctly different but still just ONE kingdom. We know this because each tribe will inherit land according to it’s own tribe, not as two kingdoms.
The Strong’s number H258 for ‘achad’ mean to ‘be united’ or ‘to unify’. H259, ‘echad’ can mean ‘unity’ but is first a ‘numeral from H258 prop. united i.e. one.’
You quoted Ezekiel 37 in your article. I would like to point out a few things from this passage. First, when Ezekiel is commanded to take the two sticks in his hand, Yah says in verse 17 (KJV) And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
I underlined two words in this verse. First, the word ‘join’ is H7126 ‘qarab’ to approach or draw near. Second, the word ‘one’ is ‘achdeem’, which means that they are still one (achad) and one, (achad) separate from each other but ‘achad’ in purpose.
Now look at verse 19 (KJV) Say unto them, 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 one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
The first word underlined is ‘make’, H6213, ‘asah’. Which means ‘to create, do or make’ and is first seen in Gen. 1:7, “And god made the firmament..” So Yah is not merely ‘joining’ them together as to cause them to approach each other, He is MAKING something here. The second word is ‘one’. Here it is, ‘echad’ (a numeral) one!
I don’t believe that they are to still be two separate brides, i.e. two separate nations, if that is what you are suggesting. We can see this when we continue to read the passage in Ezekiel 37:22-23:
22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.
23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
Yes, unfortunately there are two different nations at this time. But I believe that Yah’s plan is to make them ONE NEW MAN again! Please consider the following verses.
Ephesians 2:11-19 (KJV)
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
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Your conclusion is good and solid, and is actually borne out in the life of Jacob. After Rachel and Leah (Joseph and Judah) cross the Jabbok when the enter the Land there is s period of distinction before Rachel dies and the twelve sons’ names are recapitulated.
Current Jewish thought believes a) they are all Israel and b) any who join must become Jewish. While this is an understandable mistake, the resurrection of Ephraim indicates that the paradigm needs to be reconsidered.
In the end, Rachel dies before the altar is built and twelve sons (tribes) emerge. (This may be a picture of it happening before the Temple is built.)
Bottom line, we don’t become Judah… and, we will walk in unity.
Thank you for your excellent thoughts.
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Please bear with me for coming back to this discussion again, Pete. I have been contemplating much on your interpretation of ‘one nation’. Your points cannot simply be wiped off the table for it holds much value. Like all Truth, HaShem has not made it easy for us to decipher. I guess that His Purpose is that we will learn to forbear with each other in our differences, yet be intimately ONE. Hey … coming to think, it is like a Marriage! Analysts prove (and you can check around you) that the best lasting marriages come from two totally opposites. It certainly is in my own case – we have made it for 60 yrs together!
‘One’ (echad) nation certainly has unity (yachid) qualities: like all nations it consists of different races, nationalities and religions within itself. So will the new re-united Israel. The Jewish Israel nation in the Land today consists of more than 100 nations – perhaps closer to ‘all’ nations within it! It is amazing to walk down the street and hear the different languages that the people converse in – but, in business and society it is Hebrew – the original Bible language – ONE language. The Jews who have returned from different cultures wherein they grew up have retained much of those cultures. They eat much of those traditional foods at home; there music has retained that national style – as is apparent in even popular Israeli music. What a variety of life in Israel! Restaurants, music, cultures, concerts – but ONE nation with a very distinct culture – a Torah culture. It is simply “in the air’, even amongst the secular.
The Promise to Avraham and the patriarchs was that multiple nations – Goyim (Meloh HaGoyim / Fullness of the Gentiles) would be his descendants.
Proverbs 14:28
“In a multitude of people (nations) is the glory of a king,
but without people a prince is ruined”
2 Chronicles 1:9 Solomon’s prayer
“Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.”
Solomon recognized and claimed the Abrahamic Blessing and indeed became a World Ruler, over a World Empire the likes of the Roman, USA, British Empires – over many nations. This fact is well hidden by historians but revealed in the enlightening writings of Steven Collins, one of our Board members at COI http://www.stevenmcollins.com/
The Honour will come to the God of Israel when in the End Times the Lost ten Tribes are re-identified and returned to the physical Land of Israel to become joined with Judah in a re-united 12-Triebd Kingdom to rule over the World with God. That process of re-identification has now started and is increasing like a tsunami across the entire world where the tribes have been exiled.
Zech. 2:7 “Come, Zion! Escape, you who live in Daughter Babylon!” 8 For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—
10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. “
Now for the million $ question: What sort of a multi-cultural kingdom does the God of the Universe foresee for His World Rule? This, in response to the current wishes of 10-Israel and Judah for the coming together of the 2 Sticks:
– An Empire with multiple religions to satisfy the various national cultures from which it will be made up?
– An Empire with several national flags and emblems waving over it?
– With a constitution to please the different cultures from which it became made-up? – Christian, Ephraimite, Messianic, Jewish, Noahide, secular, leftist, and very probably Budhist, Indian, Chinese etc etc from across the world?
The answer to this question will also answer the question that we are dabbling with here, viz. whether God has divided the 12-Tribed Israel nation never to restore its former national and religious singularity again – or under a single common national Torah based constitution.
No use saying we agree to live together in unity but …. But what? Why can we not today do so? Why all the bitterness and opposition amongst us? Granted: how can 2 walk together if they cannot agree together? There are too many issues that divide us. But HOW are we going to do so in the Kingdom if we cannot do so now?
B.t.w. – because of the complexity of this issue, I believe that the New Covenant era, when it is installed after the Regathering and re-uniting, will take away all the differences of opinion and wants across which we now have to prove that we indeed CAN and WILL reconcile for the sake of His Honour and Divine Intentions. But – we first have to prove this capability.
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We are closer thsn you think….
I agree with everything you said and when I am in Israel later this month I will share with you my speaking topic, the wound at the very center of Ephramite rejection of Judah’s scepter.
We have some repenting to do, but -and, I know this is hard to hear- Judah does, too. The main question at the core of the bitterness between the sides is this: Can we trust Judah with the scepter when the last time they held it over us we were nearly enslaved?
Yes, Shlomo’s Kingdom was glorious, but at what price? Put yourself in the house of Israel’s shoes. Shlomi took our sons as woodcutters, took the gerim (labor) off of our farms, demanded that we fill his table with food, then taxed us heavily. Get a calculator and a spreadsheet and figure out the costs… it is shocking.
Glorious for who?
Yes, we need to repent for rejecting that authority, but demanding that we submit to the scepter today smacks of this same abuse. If we are awakening to deep roots of connection, we are also awakening to deep roots of rejection, rejection that goes all the way back to the pit.
Ephraim desires the Messiah, a righteous ruler whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.
Blessings
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Wow Pete! This is interesting.
And we can keep pointing fingers at each other and spew bitterness – but that has NO reconciliation value. Distrust neither. Have you ever experienced a near divorce with your loved one? Then you will know that these are the factors that assure certain divorce. And overcoming them, shelving them is a tall order — but ONLY THEN can there be hope of reconciliation.
I am first in the queue to admit Judah’s faults in this process – but, we are working HARD at it and get no appreciation from Ephraim’s side – just criticism; blaming us for ‘enforcing Judah status’ on them. It is NOT about laying off your tribal identity … it is all about becoming ONE – and Judah happens to carry the banner, the justice dept. and is preparing the country for YOU at great cost: blood and money + sweat and inconvenience – but with great Blessing received for doing so!
I read nowhere in Scripture that 10-Israel was divorced by HaShem for being treated unfairly by Solomon or Judah. Solomon got his awesome punishment: a World Empire pulled from under his feet! Not pleasant for a world ruler with the special fame that he enjoyed. Not blessed for one who pursued and received the Blessing of untold numbers of Goyim in his descendency. All evaporated with the exile!
You hedge against Ephraim’s need to ”Belong to the Scepter today’ and therefore being required to subject to the Scepter (Mechoqeck) of Judah. This has got nothing to do with the past – it simply IS the Way of Return. Ephraim must question themselves if they reject this Scepter today because of Solomon’s harshness. It has nothing to do with Judah’s goodness or badness. It simply is HaShem’s Golden Rule by which His Bride has to live for Blessings. HaShem deals the punishment for non-conformance. Judah has had their share – brutally! I am an ex-South African. We watch with horror today how white S.Africans are slaughtered by blacks (more than 200 000 over the last decade) as revenge for what the whites did to blacks during white rule in S.A. – and with a great possibility of increasing revenge. The hope in a Kingdom future in Israel is worth bearing whatever negativities we may imagine (or real) under Israeli rule (government and Rabbinic). S.Africans don’t have that option in S.A. – but, the Ephraimites can return to the Land – as many do, while many refuse to “come under” Mechoqeck culture. Israelis generally count their Blessings and research finds them to be one of the most content nations in the world while we face Armageddon daily!. It is all about Hope and Trust in HaShem’s Promises.
I wish to refer you to your own NT superb definition in 1 Cor. 13
Specifically, v. 4 “Love keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love … rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Only such real love can secure reconciliation for a splitting divorce scenario.
It is such love that has kept Judah going … yes! believe it or rebel against it! Just for that reason, for having survived against the worst odds for millennia, is Judah worth joining. In fact, THAT is what drove my family and I to join Judah 35 years ago – to be part of God’s nation. Only 20 years after did I discover that this was, in fact, the designd option and route for the harlot Bride to turn back. Even as an informed Hebraic Restoration pioneering commentator since the 60’s I never realized the sublime Truth about God’s Two Brides. I learnt that less than 15 years ago after my family and I had already returned Home 25 years earlier.
And I have never forgotten “my brothers still in Captivity in Exile”. Hate me for caring for them!
Blessings!
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I’ve really enjoyed the drashing going on in response to the 2 Brides article, even though I’m grappling with some things I still don’t understand …..But I’ve never thought about the reason that Ephraim was separated out in the first place before …..in response to that …Yoseph too was sold out by his brothers …..but in the end had the bread to save the the world and was able to forgive and say …What you intended for harm ,Ha Shem brought good from ……repentance and tears from both brothers will come I am sure …..we do know the end of the story ! I shall keep pondering on all that has been shared and hope that you will share your message for the congress with us all who will be staying at home ! Every blessing Margaret
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Shalom Pete and other chaveriem,
This subject needs time to think and memorize…it has my attention, thank you for share it with us.
As far I see from what I have read and studied, His chosen ones at Mount Sinai was one betrothed woman. Until the sin of Salomo it was one nation. After Salomo died, the nation, the one kingdom split into two nations, but that doesn’t mean (as far as I can see), the one woman became two.
Nation Israel became Lo Ammi, Judah always kept known, but still it doesnt meant the Bridegroom have two Brides. With this in mind that at Mount Sinai the one chosen kalah received His Ketuba, we need to study more what the Scriptures mean with telling these splitted nation into two.
We know Jacob/Yaacov blessed all his sons with different blessings, but still they are formed for one nation, one kingdom, one Bride.
When we read about Juda and Efraim, we read them in one accord as one Bride. The pattern from the beginning in the garden of Eden, Mount Sinai and in the final Sukkoth will be one Bridegroom and one Bride.
Abba YHVH showed us the first marriage as a mirror to the other Bridegroom and Bride. All between the first marriage at Eden and the last at Sukkot is just a process of restoration. With both nations the Father is busy to draw them closer, but the final part He will do. Many talents and differences,but one, like the nation at Sinai.
What YHVH planned and created, He will forfill. One great example is chapter 37 of Ezekiel.
What I found in Scriptures in line of my thoughts so far:
One or two nations?
Joh 17:21-23
Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Rom 1:16
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
To the Jew first, and also for the Greek (singular without distinction)
Rom 10:12
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
(no distinction between Juda and Greek, because One is Master for all)
Rom 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
1 Kor 4:6-7
1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
1Co 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
1 Kor 10:32
1Co 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
1 Kor 12:13/20
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
One creation..two nations?
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Efe 4:4-6
One Body, one Creator
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
He is the Head of the body calld kehilah( both singular:
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
chosen..kingdom…holy nation.. (singular):
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Ope 14:12
No division or split
One or two women?
Like Yeshua is the Head of the kehilah (one and singular) :
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Like Yeshua so loved the kehilah (singular) •
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Two become one
30 Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Yeshua and the church (singular).
Thanks for your attention and please correct me if I am wrong…
Blessings, Hadassah
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Two sticks/branches of one tree—one body, without 2 heads, 2 sets of hands, 2 sets of feet, 2 livers, etc. God knew man’s nature to sin but loved his children anyways so that He devised a way to bring them as one never to be separated. Only man’s nature to sin does he willfully side with the enemy to confuse, seperate & devide. God wants a complete relationship with one spotless bride; so for now, the entire world is going through a cleansing in the wilderness until His return for that one bride—the love of His life—no confusion,, no hindrance or distraction, no strife or division. Only man in his sinful nature would think of ways to muck it up. Why give yourself a headache with such confoundedness.
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While this is challenging information, it merely highlights one way God des
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One way God describes Himself and His relationship with Israel. I seriously doubt He would describe Himself in sinful terms….
We must read and understand what Scripture says without cultural, social or religious filters.
Blessings
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