Messianic Rabbi Unknowingly Gives Tacit Evidence for the Location of the Modern-Day Ephraimite Stronghold

 

“…I turned… and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains… mountains of brass. (Zech. 6:1)

Messianic Rabbi Unknowingly Gives Tacit Evidence for the Location of the Modern-Day Ephraimite Stronghold

by Aviel E. Rodriguez

  

                                                           

 There’s an old adage which says that “the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”.  In other words, there’s a great likeness to be found between a child and its parent(s).  In relation to this statement, however, one would have to say that the Messianic Jewish movement adamantly denies any sort of connection, whatsoever, between the “Lost Ten Tribes of Israel” (collectively known as “Ephraim”) and the modern-day ‘Ephraimite’ or ‘Christian Zionist’ movements.

 

Nevertheless, I believe that a Messianic Rabbi by the name of Jonathan Cahn has inadvertently given us tacit evidence for the location of the modern-day Ephraimite stronghold.  This evidence is contained in the video clip situated at the bottom.  However, before proceeding to that, I would like the reader to please consider two very pertinent understandings that I’ve derived from the Scriptures that follow.  They shall, I believe, help to further highlight the Rabbi’s unwitting, yet amazing, revelation concerning the chief and current stronghold of a people known as Ephraim/Israel:  

 

The first consideration…. “And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers [and] streams of waters [yivley mayim… from Strong’s #2988 ‘yabal’ meaning stream, watercourse; but also- it stems from Strong’s #2986 ‘yabal’- inferring the following: to bring, lead, carry, conduct, bring along] in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.” (Isaiah 30:25)

 

THE ONLY OTHER TIME IN ALL OF SCRIPTURE where this particular grammatical form of ‘yabal’ appears again… i.e. as ‘yivley/streams’, is in the midst of the following passage from Isaiah…

 

“For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

 

And they shall spring up [as] among the grass, as willows by the water courses [yivley mayim… i.e., from Strong’s #2988 ‘yabal’].

 

One shall say, I [am] YHWH’s and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto YHWH,  and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.”  (Isaiah 44:3-5)

 

It would seem to me- due to their eschatological nature and their unique grammatical association in Scripture- that the two passages above are attesting to two uniquely singular and prophetic events that are tied together.  It, therefore, appears that in the prophesied “day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall“ there would be an outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) that would then begin to ‘bring’ [i.e., yabal/yivley] us along into a latter-day process of- as it were- reorientation, or better said, “re-identification”.  For the Scriptures, again, would appear to indicate that at that time there will arise in awareness three distinct groups of “blood-washesd/Spirit-filled believers”– which relates, I believe, to the following: i.e., those who say “I am YHWH’S” (blood-washed/Spirit-filled Christians)… those who say “I am Jacob” (blood-washed/Spirit-filled Messianic Jews)… and last but not least, those who say of themselves “I am YHWH’s; and will ascribe to themselves the surname of ‘Israel’” (blood-washed/Spirit-filled Messianic Israelites…aka Ephraimites).

The second consideration that I will offer is related to what the Prophet Isaiah tells us concerning another certain ‘last days’ scenario.  He tells us that YHWH will in the latter-days place “watchmen” [Strong’s #8104… literally, ‘shomrim‘/guardians, protectors] upon Jerusalem’s walls as guardians and ‘intercessors’ for Jerusalem and for Zion’s sakes [Isaiah 62:1; 6-7].  It is this very prophecy which I believe we’re seeing fulfilled before our very eyes, as we see multi-denominational Christian Churches and Messianic congregations of all sorts- all over the world- enthusiastically responding to the call of becoming “watchmen” (i.e., guardians/protectors/intercessors) for the established State of Israel; and for the Jewish people worldwide.  Nevertheless, of still further interest to me is the very strong clue- as I believe it to be- that is put forth by the Prophet Jeremiah as to just who these “watchers” or “watchmen” may specifically be.

In both ‘Jeremiah 4:16‘ and ‘Jeremiah 31:6‘ the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) inspired Jeremiah to use an interestingly distinct hebrew word that we’ve also translated as the “watchers“ and “watchmen“– of the latter days.  I say this even though I believe that Isaiah’s watchmen and Jeremiah’s watchmen are one and the same.  What’s utterly fascinating to me, however, is that Jeremiah’s “watchers” and “watchmen” are both translated from the hebrew word “notzrim” [Strong’s #5341… “notzrim” in the Masoretic text] which, interestingly, is the same modern-day hebrew word for ‘christians‘.  That’s right!..Jeremiah’s word for the latter-day ‘watchmen’ is the same word that’s used by Israelis, today, when referring to Christians!  But also, by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), Jeremiah tells us that these same “watchmen” [Strong’s #5341, “notzrim”] are to be found- most curiously- “upon the mount Ephraim“… which, apparently, signifies their stronghold; the place from upon which they intercede on behalf of all Israel: 

“For there shall be a day, that the watchmen [notzrim/christians] upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto YHWH our Elohim.

For thus saith YHWH [relating to these ‘watchmen/notzrim’]; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief [just as one refers to Genesis as B’reishiyt / in the beginning; so too, b’rosh (among the chief) should, I believe, be more accurately translated as in the chief] of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O YHWH, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.” (Jer. 31:6-7)

 

The modern-day ‘Ephraimite movement’, and ‘Christian Zionist movement’ have their moorings in the United States.  Despite the fact that the Ephraimites and the Christian Zionists exist worldwide [as prophetically indicated in Amos 9:9 and Isaiah 11:12-13], they are, nevertheless, most prominent here within the ‘CHIEF’ of the nations, known as America!

 

In light of all the above, I believe that “Dormant Ephraimites” abound in America.  Why do I say that?  Well, especially, because of what the Prophet Isaiah declares:

 

“I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

 

A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; [cf. Hosea 8:11-12]

 

Which remain among the graves [of the Assyrian-Babylonian system], and lodge in the monuments [Strong’s #5341, notzrim], which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

 

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.  (Isaiah 65:2-5)

 

In conclusion…. please consider again, if you will, that “notzrim” (watchmen) is the Hebrew word used in modern-day Israel to refer to Christians!  America has had the exalted position and destiny of being in the vanguard [the chief of the nations] in order to bring the gospel to the nations… to bring forth fruit for the ‘Kingdom’.  But, like our ancient Israelite forefathers, we’ve turned our backs on YHWH, our Maker, our King.  Yes, “Dorment Ephraimites” abound in America; and so, as it is written, “many are called, but few are chosen”.  Nonetheless, the call continues to go out to Ephraim to awaken from his slumber and to shake off his Assyrian-Babylonian grave cloths.  This harbinger’s call is coming even from the most unexpected sources.  As in the case of the unwitting Messianic Rabbi (recorded below) who tacitly provides clear and astounding evidence for recognizing the direct prophetic connection between the USA and “the mount” [or stronghold] of Ephraim as described in Jeremiah 31:6.  In so doing, he reveals the true identity of the many Christian ‘lovers of Israel’ that fill most Messianic Jewish congregations here in America and worldwide as well.

 

I would hasten to add and emphasize that I am not advocating Anglo-Israelism, for I believe that the collective Lost Ten Tribes of Israel are scattered worldwide.  However, I do believe, as stated above, that the USA is at present the prophetic “stronghold of Ephraim”.

 

In light of all the above, please listen to Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s amazing prophetic declarations which demonstrate that for America and its abounding “Dormant Ephraimites”, indeed, “the fruit has not fallen far from the tree”.  His message is presented in the following videos:  

 

Was Jeremiah Speaking of You?

Was Jeremiah Speaking of You?

A Message To Zionist Christians

by Aviel E. Rodriguez

 

Are you a lover of Israel? That is to say, are you among the growing number of Bible-believing, Zionist Christians who feel curiously and irresistibly drawn to the Land of Israel… to the Jewish people… and to the Feasts and Customs of Israel?

If you relate to these feelings, then discover the Biblical reason for it! It will amaze you and fill you with joy!

PLEASE READ ON SO THAT YOU MIGHT RECOGNIZE YOUR TRUE IDENTITY! FOR THERE EXISTS A DIVIDED ISRAEL AT THE MOMENT; BUT NEVERTHELESS, READ ON ABOUT ITS SOON RESTORATION AND REUNIFICATION. MOREOVER, READ ON ABOUT THE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ROLE THAT YOU, THE ZIONIST CHRISTIAN, WILL PLAY IN THESE EVENTS!!!

This is what Jeremiah said about YOU!

“FOR THERE SHALL BE A DAY WHEN THE WATCHMEN ON MOUNT EPHRAIM SHALL CALL OUT, ARISE, AND LET US GO UP TO ZION TO YHWH OUR ELOHIM! FOR THUS SAYS YHWH, SING WITH GLADNESS FOR JACOB, AND SHOUT AMONG THE CHIEF OF THE NATIONS. CRY OUT, GIVE PRAISE AND SAY, O YHWH, SAVE YOUR PEOPLE, THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL.” (Jer. 31:6-7)

How do the underlined words in the above verse of Scripture relate to you? I think you’ll be utterly amazed once you’ve discovered the secret… please read on.

Let us consider for a moment that in chapter 48 of the book of Genesis, the patriarch, Jacob/Israel, is seen blessing his two grandchildren. These grandchildren are the sons of Yoseph ben Yaacov [Joseph the son of Jacob], and these children were called Manasseh and Ephraim.

Joseph was not Jacob’s firstborn. Nevertheless, he was the son who received the bekhor (right of the firstborn) from his father Jacob- just as Isaac had received it in place of Ismael (i.e., by election). This, therefore, meant that upon his father Jacob’s death Joseph would inherit the place of authority- as head of the clan. It also meant that he would receive a ‘double portion’ as regards to the material inheritance regarding the land of promise. Finally, it also included a special blessing called ‘the blessing of the firstborn’ which confirmed his headship and pronounced a special blessing for ‘fruitfulness’ upon him [e.g. Gen. 27: 28-29; 49:22-26].

This ancient blessing was inherited from the patriarch Abraham by virtue of some very important promises which Abraham received from El Shaddai (also known as YHWH/Yahweh). One of Yahweh’s specified promises to Abraham was that his seed would become a great and fruitful multitude in the earth. [Gen. 12:1; 13:14-16; 15: 5-7, 18; 17:4-7]

This “Firstborn blessing” was always imparted to the ‘bekhor’ with the use of the right hand. Therefore, when the time came, Joseph naturally assumed that his father (Jacob/Israel) would place his right hand upon the head of Manasseh- Joseph’s firstborn son- in order to impart the special blessing of the bekhor upon him. However, that was not to be the case.

“AND ISRAEL STRETCHED OUT HIS RIGHT HAND, AND LAID IT UPON EPHRAIM’S HEAD, WHO WAS THE YOUNGER, AND HIS LEFT HAND UPON MANASSEH’S HEAD, GUIDING HIS HANDS WITTINGLY; FOR MANASSEH WAS THE FIRSTBORN. AND HE BLESSED JOSEPH, AND SAID, ELOHIM, BEFORE WHOM MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC DID WALK, THE ELOHIM WHICH FED ME ALL MY LIFE UNTO THIS DAY, THE ANGEL WHICH REDEEMED ME FROM ALL EVIL, BLESS THE LADS; AND LET MY NAME BE CALLED ON THEM, AND THE NAME OF MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC; AND LET THEM GROW [Strong’s #1711 ‘dagah’- to spawn as teeming schools of fish] INTO A MULTITUDE IN THE MIDST OF THE EARTH.

 

AND WHEN JOSEPH SAW THAT HIS FATHER LAID HIS RIGHT HAND UPON THE HEAD OF EPHRAIM IT DISPLEASED HIM: AND HE HELD UP HIS FATHER’S HAND, TO REMOVE IT FROM EPHRAIM’S HEAD UNTO MANASSEH’S HEAD. AND JOSEPH SAID UNTO HIS FATHER, NOT SO, MY FATHER: FOR THIS IS THE FIRSTBORN; PUT THY RIGHT HAND UPON HIS HEAD. AND HIS FATHER REFUSED, AND SAID, I KNOW IT, MY SON, I KNOW IT: HE ALSO SHALL BECOME A PEOPLE AND HE ALSO SHALL BE GREAT: BUT TRULY HIS YOUNGER BROTHER [EPHRAIM] SHALL BE GREATER THAN HE, AND HIS SEED SHALL BECOME A ‘MULTITUDE’ [A FULNESS] ‘OF NATIONS’ [OF GENTILES]… AND HE SET EPHRAIM BEFORE MANASSEH.” (Genesis 48:14-20)

Ephraim’s name actually meant ‘doubly fruitful’. He was to become Joseph’s ‘fruitful bough’ [Gen.49:22] which is by a well [Isa.12:3] whose branches run over the wall [i.e., beyond its borders]. The Scriptures relate that Ephraim’s descendants went on to become the head of what later became known as the Ten Northern Tribes of Israel [or the Kingdom of Israel] as separate from the Kingdom of Judah to the south.

These ten northern tribes came to be collectively known as ‘Ephraim’ or ‘Israel’. However, because of their idolatries and spiritual adulteries, Yahweh eventually judged them and gave them over to their enemies. Thus, Hosea- a prophet of Yahweh to the Northern Kingdom of Israel/Ephraim- wrote the following:

“Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure. For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.” (Hosea 8:8-9)

“…And Elohim said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.” (Hosea 1:6)

“Then said Elohim, Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your Elohim.” (Hosea 1:9)

“And YHWH said unto him, Call his name Jezreel… and they shall hear Jezreel.” (Hosea 1:4; 2:22) [‘Jezreel’ Strong’s #3157 meaning ‘God will sow’; stemming from the root word ‘zara’; i.e, the cultivation process of disseminating, sowing, planting, bearing, conceiving seed; and a yield]

“And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my Elohim.” (Hosea 2:23)

“Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living El [B’nei El-Chai]. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel [Ephraim] be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.” (Hosea 1:10-11)

Based upon these understandings of Ephraim’s prophetic future, we begin to get the inkling that Jeremiah’s prophecy- concerning ‘THE WATCHMEN ON THE MOUNT EPHRAIM’- is actually talking about YOU, dear ‘Zionist Christian’! You, who were not a people; but now, are a people. You, who were once foreigners and strangers to the covenants; but now, are part of the household of FAITH… and citizens in the commonwealth of ISRAEL! [Romans 9:23-27; Ephesians 2:11-14] You, who have been born of the “incorruptible seed” of the word of YHWH [1Peter 1:23]; and who have a deep yearning to see the salvation of All ISRAEL! [Roman 11:11; 25,26]

Jeremiah is speaking of You… of a people who’ve made ‘shuva’- i.e., a repentant return to YHWH; and thus, a return to the ancient paths/the Hebraic roots- in the latter days! For Jeremiah states the following clearly:

“…in the latter days ye shall consider it. At that same time, saith YHWH, will I be the Elohim of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people”… And again he proclaims:

I (YHWH) have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned, for thou art YHWH my Elohim.

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. (Jeremiah 30:24; 31:1; 18-19)

It is clear to me that the Zionist Christian/Hebraic Roots movements are literally the corporate awakening of the House of Ephraim, and the beginnings of their ‘shuva’/return to the ancient paths of their Hebraic, Biblical roots. This was confirmed to me in relation to the Jeremiah 31:6 prophecy when I discovered an old copy of a book entitled ‘The Pentateuch & Haftorahs’; edited by Dr. J.H. Hertz, C.H. This man, Dr. Hertz, was once the Chief Rabbi of the British Empire; moreover, this was the second edition of a work which he had edited and which the Jewish publishing house, Soncino Press of London, England subsequently published in 1960.

While thumbing through the book one day, I came across the above verses from Jeremiah- and more. In fact, on pages 956-957 of this work, I found the whole passage- Jeremiah 31; verses 2 through 20. It was printed in Hebrew with English translation; and it had some very interesting commentary; but it was a few basic points which caught my eye.

Beginning with Jeremiah 31:2-3, it said the following:

“Thus saith the LORD: The people that were left of the sword

Have found grace in the wilderness,

Even Israel, when I go to cause him to rest.”

The ‘Soncino’ commentary, below the verse, states:

“‘that were left of the sword’… The survivors of the carnage which accompanied the overthrow of the Northern Kingdom. The use of this phrase discounts the interpretation that the prophet is alluding to the exodus from Egypt.” [pg.956]

I was very intrigued by this statement, in that I knew that the “Northern Kingdom”- being referred to here- is synonymous with the House of Ephraim. [Hosea 5:14-15]

But, of even more interest to me was the Soncino commentary on the following:

“’the wilderness’…The land of their exile. They will find favour in God’s eyes. The verbs are in the prophetic past, although applying to the future.” [pg.956]

Did you catch that?!….. “They [Ephraim] will find favour in God’s eyes.” This was clearly prophesied; and yet, to the modern Israeli/Jewish people the ‘House of Ephraim’ (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) were dispersed and lost to them- swallowed up among the Gentile nations long long ago [Hosea 8:8].

 

Yahweh knew it would be so; and so, He declared to Ezekiel:

Son of man, thy brethren, [even] thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, [are] they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from YHWH: unto us is this land given in possession.

Therefore say, Thus saith Adonai YHWH; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. (Ezekiel 11:15, 16)

YHWH’s words are absolutely amazing in light of these statements by Yahshua HaMashiach:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15; cf. Num. 21:8-9)… and

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd. (John 10:15-16)

 

Just a bit further along in John’s Gospel- as if to confirm Yahshua’s amazing “other sheep” statement- it would seem that the Ruach HaKodesh is giving us a tremendous clue regarding the identity of these “other sheep” whom he (Yahshua) would shepherd.  I believe this is given as a prophetic and symbolic illustration enacted by Yahshua, himself.  An illustration which would herald the next major stage in the salvation process for both Houses of Israel:

“Then from that day forth they [the chief council of the Judaens] took counsel together for to put him [Yahshua] to death. Yahshua therefore walked no more openly among the Jews [Judaens]; but went thence unto a country near to the ‘wilderness’, into a city called ‘Ephraim’, and there continued with his disciples.” (John 11:53-54)

Returning to the Soncino commentary on Jeremiah 31 and verse 3, we see that in defining the term “Israel”- it says:

“Israel . The Ten Tribes of the north.”

The Soncino Press- a Jewish commentary- confirms that those who ‘found grace in the wilderness’ were those of the Northern Kingdom of Israel/Ephraim!

Today, the average Jew is a descendant of the Southern Tribe of Judah- hence the moniker, Jew. Our brother, Judah, retains little to no recollection of his banished and “vanished” brethren, Ephraim/Israel. But not so with our Heavenly Father; for He loves both Judah and Ephraim dearly… and thus, He says:

“Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith YHWH.” (Jeremiah 31:20)

“I will ransom them (Ephraim) from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction…” (Hosea 13:14)

I believe it was for this very reason that the apostle John wrote the following:

“And this spake he [Caiaphas] not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Yahshua should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of Elohim that were scattered abroad. (John 11:51-52)

Are you aware, dear Zionist Christian, that even as Joseph’s son, Ephraim, was to become “the fullness of the nations” [see Jay Green Interlinear Bible… Gen. 48:19] that, so too, this same exact expression was used by the Apostle Paul when referring to ‘born again’ believers who would be grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel in the latter days?!

I declare to you that the same FULNESS OF THE NATIONS (GENTILES) that was prophesied concerning  Ephraim in Genesis 48:19 is the exact same fulness of the Gentiles alluded to by the Apostle Paul in Romans 11:25!  Moreover, the “fulness of the Gentiles” is not some sort of arbitrary heavenly quota that’s been designated as the permissable number for “gentile salvations”.  It speaks, rather, of a cohesive Hebraic storyline that links the Old and New Testaments together.  It is- in point of fact- referring to YOU, dear Zionist Christians, but in a way that you’ve never likely considered.  It’s actually referring to your true identity and to your latter-day role in All Israel’s salvation:

“…..that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved…..” (Rom. 11:25, 26)

This begs the following question: If the Zionist Christians are related to the ‘fulness of the Gentiles’ then what exactly is it that they must come into in order for All Israel to be saved???

Answer: They must come into the knowledge of their true identity as repentant, blood washed, Spirit-filled, regenerated, renewed, transformed, Torah-loving, red hot ISRAELITE, Ephraimites!… capable of provoking Judah to jealousy; and then ALL ISRAEL shall be saved!!!

Therefore, going back to my original text in Jeremiah 31, I’d like you to also know, dear Zionist Christians, who are praying and interceding for Israel as ‘Watchmen’: that in Jeremiah 31:6 the Hebrew word for ‘watchmen’ is the word “Notzrim”– as it is found in the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Scriptures. This is the exact Hebrew word used by modern-day Israelis when referring to CHRISTIANS; or to those of the CHRISTIAN faith!!!

“For there shall be a day, That the watchmen (NOTZRIM/ CHRISTIANS) shall call upon the mount Ephraim [WHICH REPRESENTS THEIR HERITAGE] saying: ‘Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion, Unto YHWH our Elohim.” (Jeremiah 31:6)

Therefore, what is our latter-day commission as Ephraim/Israel; i.e., as the Notzrim [watchmen/guardians]?… It is to sing, proclaim, announce, praise and intercede as follows:

“FOR THUS SAITH YHWH: SING WITH GLADNESS FOR JACOB, AND SHOUT AT THE HEAD OF THE NATIONS [USA?… Certainly, this is where the awakening is visibly the greatest]; ANNOUNCE YE, PRAISE YE, AND SAY: ‘O YHWH, SAVE THY PEOPLE, THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL.” (Jeremiah 31:7)

In closing, let us be ever mindful of this as well:

“THUS SAITH ADONAI YHWH; BEHOLD, I WILL TAKE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL FROM AMONG THE HEATHEN, WHITHER THEY BE GONE, AND I WILL GATHER THEM ON EVERY SIDE, AND BRING THEM INTO THEIR OWN LAND:

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 [JUDAH & EPHRAIM], NEITHER SHALL THEY BE DIVIDED INTO TWO KINGDOMS [JUDAISM & CHRISTIANITY] ANY MORE AT ALL…” “…AND DAVID MY SERVANT SHALL BE KING OVER THEM; AND THEY ALL SHALL HAVE ONE SHEPHERD…” (Ezekiel 37:21-22,24).

 

SEE VIDEOS BELOW!!!

Barchu et shem YHWH!

(Blessed be the name of YHWH!)

                                  

 

Looking Closer At The Ephraimite Debate

Looking closer at the Ephraimite debate

  

Note: The following text is from a new report written by Sandy Bloomfield, a Messianic Jewish Believer, and published by the Messianic Israel Alliance. It provides an interesting, “insider’s” view of the religious politics surrounding the Ephraimite debate. Considering the enormous positive response that was generated from the previous topic on this same subject, I’m sure this will prove of interest to this online community. (For more information on this report, visit http://www.ephraimiteerror.com

Introduction

In May 1994, Dan Juster (then president of The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations) opened up a breach within the Body of Messiah, which, to this day, has yet to be resolved. Serious accusations were leveled at that time without benefit of the facts (as repeated requests for meetings to correct and clarify misunderstandings were ignored) and despite several attempts to address the issues, the false allegations continued for the next 15 years. Batya Wootten (later of the Messianic Israel Alliance) was labeled a heretic in an inflammatory and pseudo-scholarly document entitled “The Ephraimite Error,” which used defamatory language such as “racist,” “militant,” and “replacement theology” and was based almost entirely on misrepresentations, errors, and lies.

Most people in Messianic and Hebraic circles are familiar with the term lashon hara (the evil tongue), which is considered a sin whether the information involved is true or not. But a second (and even worse) category of evil speech is motzi shem ra, literally, “propagating a bad name or bad reputation.” The reason this is worse is that it involves slander and the spreading of lies and disinformation which damages the name of the targeted person. In Judaism,

Hebraic Hate Speech

lashon hara is considered identical to the sin of sinat chinam (baseless hatred), and both lashon hara and motzi shem ra are given the same weight as murder, since they are considered an assassination of another’s character and credibility. This brief summary of the controversy seeks to finally toss into the “eternal trash bin” the evil speech regarding this issue, and is an open call for biblical accountability and restored relationship among and between the Messianic communities. Of course, no one can force affection or fellowship upon another, but we must do our best to be “repairers of the breaches” amongst ourselves. Otherwise, how can we — in good conscience — offer Abba’s love to an unbelieving world when we withhold it from each other?

 Controversy Overview

·                  In 1983 Wootten wrote a newsletter article titled “Is the Church Ephraim?” then the books, In Search of Israel (1988), The Olive Tree of Israel (1992), and Who is Israel? And Why You Need to Know (1998).

·                  In 1994, Juster, then president of the UMJC, published a 10-page paper entitled, “Is the Church Ephraim?” His paper was not accurate in its representation of the Restoration of Israel teaching, which was its focus. Wootten responded with a 67-page answer that disproved each of his errant claims and was included in a comprehensive 152-page bound report. Copies were sent to UMJC Theological Committee members, asking them to please correct it — with the single stipulation that they use Scripture to refute it — but they did not respond at all.

·                  In 2000, Kay Silberling, with Dan Juster and David Sedaca, wrote “The Ephraimite Error.”

·                  Moshe Koniuchowsky learned about “both the houses of Israel” (Isa 8:14) through the Woottens. Starting in 1999, he worked with the Messianic Israel Alliance (MIA) for a time, and was thus named in the paper. Koniuchowsky responded to “The Ephraimite Error” with his own document, “The Truth About All Israel,” but he soon chose to go his own way (early 2001), due to increasing doctrinal differences from those of the Woottens and the MIA.

·                  In 2000, the Woottens’ newsletter (The House of David Herald) included an article by Israeli author, John Hully, titled, “Do the Rabbis Expect to See the Lost Tribes?” In the article, Hully, a Harvard graduate, soundly refuted Silberling’s mistaken claims about rabbinic opinion in the matter and pointed out fatal flaws in her reasoning. 

·                  In 2001, John McKee refuted the UMJC’s accusations, particularly the false charges against Wootten, in his 102-page work, ‘The Ephraimite Error’ Errors.

·                  In 2002, MIA leadership published a concise paper titled, “We Declare,” its purpose being to officially refute the false claims. Copies were mailed to the UMJC, the Messianic Jewish Alliance, and many of their congregations, plus it was (and is) posted on the MIA’s website (www.messianicisrael.com).

·                  Twice in 2002 and once in 2003, the MIA’s attorney (the late Mary Elizabeth Orr), wrote to UMJC President Russ Resnik, asking for a meeting so their allegations could be confronted. They refused each time. 

·                  Over the years, Angus Wootten, Batya’s husband and founder of the MIA, made repeated phone calls to Juster and Resnik about the situation and even offered to pay the bill if Juster, who was living in Israel, would return his call. (He was told that Juster “could not spend ministry money on phone calls.”) Angus also called David Chernoff of the Messianic Jewish Alliance. All refused to meet with him or the MIA’s leadership.

·                  In 2003, Dan Juster, Paul Fink and Paul Wilbur met with Monte Judah and Eddie Chumney (of Lion & Lamb and Hebraic Heritage ministries, respectively), both of whom had begun to teach about both houses of Israel. But it was a closed meeting, and they refused to allow the MIA to attend. In fact, Juster encouraged Judah and Chumney to “distinguish their teachings from Batya Wootten’s (the focus of the UMJC papers)” so they might “treat them as brothers with whom we agree or disagree, but who are not considered heretical.” This clear use of “differing weights and measures” raises serious questions about the intentions of Juster and the Messianic Jewish leadership who have been driving the controversy.  Holding “secret meetings” does not demonstrate good faith in dealing with brethren, and instead nurtures division and worldly partisan behavior in the Body of Messiah.

These actions are unsupportable and do not deal in truth. “The Ephraimite Error” is rooted in baseless hatred and is the product of an evil tongue. Like trash, it needs to be thrown out. Let’s look once more at some of the false claims made against Wootten that have never been corrected or removed from circulation despite the evidence provided many times over the years.

Indefensible and False Accusations

The Lineage of Israel

FALSE CLAIM: Silberling writes: “Proponents of this movement contend that members of the born-again segment of the Christian church are, in fact, actual blood descendants of the ancient Israelites who were exiled in the Assyrian invasion of Israel in 722 B.C.”

FACT: Batya Wootten did not say they “are, in fact,” but that they could be descendants.

Messianic Judaism says the non-Jew is not part of Israel, but descent from the patriarchs is essentially un-provable, for Jew and non-Jew alike. The Early Church was “Jewish,” and Batya suggests many non-Jewish Believers could be their heirs, that many Believers could descend from exiled Ephraim, and that all Believers in Messiah belong to Israel’s commonwealth. Batya does not seek to prove descent, but to disprove the flawed teaching that non-Jewish Believers are not part of Israel (Eph 2:11-22). She writes in her book Redeemed Israel:

“Most people define Israel based on some idea of physical descent, regardless of how abstract or vague their definition. Perceived physical descent from the patriarchs or a presumed lack thereof, is most often the deciding factor in everyone’s ‘Israel decision.’ To understand Israel, we are forced to address this universal standard — because it is the underlying and misleading presumption in most conclusions in the matter. We challenge the validity of this misconceived rule, because the errant answers that have grown out of it have affected the very fundamentals of our faith. When coming to know Messiah Yeshua, one naturally asks some important questions: ‘Who are His chosen people? Who are Abraham’s heirs? Who is Israel?’”

Racism as a Ruse

FALSE CLAIM: In “The Ephraimite Error,” Silberling writes: “The Ephraimite message undermines the great power of … the Apostolic Writings. It tries to change a message of hope and comfort for all peoples regardless of their heritage… into a racist and race-based plan of salvation for those with the proper bloodlines … God’s relationship with Israel is not racial. … Israel … [has] never claimed racial priority as the basis for their covenant relationship to God. Jewish identity is based not on racial deliberations, but on a shared communal memory and on choice.”

FACT: God’s relationship with Israel is racial to the extent that Abraham’s heir was from his loins, his seed was to be greatly multiplied, and Israel’s heirs are called the chosen people (Gen 15:4; 22:17; 24:60; 26:4; 28:3; Deu 7:6; Jer 33:24; 1 Pet 2:9). Silberling’s charge is disingenuous. Non-Jewish Believers cannot return to the land of Israel based on “shared communal memory” or “choice.” One must instead have a Jewish birth or conversion certificate. Neither can one “choose” to join her organization, which offers full membership only to those who were born Jewish, or are married to a Jew. Non-Jews can be “associate members,” and are encouraged to support the Jewish community financially, but cannot enter into their “shared communal memory” or “choose” to be a full member. The problem turns serious when they tell non-Jewish Believers they are not part of the people of Israel (despite scriptures like Eph 2:12,13 declaring otherwise).

This has led more than 200,000 to deny faith in Yeshua and convert to Judaism (to be equal to the Jew). In “The Other Side of Evangelism,” Ronda Robinson writes, “A funny thing often happens on the way to trying to convert Jews to Christianity: The Christians convert to Judaism” (Jerusalem Report Magazine, Dec., 2001).

The doors to Israel’s commonwealth were to be open to all who wanted to sojourn with them (Exo 12:48-49; Num 15:15-16; Isa 56:3-8; Eze 47:22; Eph 2:11-19). The MIA excludes no one from full membership, yet Silberling calls us “racists.” She uses race(s), racist(s) racism, 39 times in her paper. To the contrary, Wootten says Israel is found in every nation, are likely of every skin color, and no one can know for certain who is a biological Israelite. Silberling falsely claims Wootten promotes “white races” (six times), “Anglo-Saxons” and “British Israelism” (11 times). Yet, only six times does Batya mention race: once to say it is “wickedness” for man to include or exclude anyone on its basis and once to point out that Peter called the “aliens” a “chosen race” (1 Pet 1:1; 2:9-10). Apart from speaking of fields white for harvest, and of white robes and horses for the righteous, she does not even mention these words.

Use of “Goy” and “Goyim”

FALSE CLAIM: Silberling asserts, “Wootten claims every time the Hebrew word, goy, is employed, it is a reference to a Gentile or a Gentile nation … The first contention, then, that goy or goyim is always translated as Gentile or Gentiles is patently incorrect.” Yet Silberling footnotes her accusation, and in it, contradicts herself: “Wootten … acknowledges that it sometimes refers to Israel … she asserts that by the time of the conquest of the land by Israel, the name referred primarily to the foreign nations” (Who Is Israel?, pp. 82-83).

FACT: It is wrong to say “Wootten claims that every time … goy, is employed, it is a reference to … a Gentile nation.” The truth is, Wootten said goy is “primarily used” in this way and gives verses where goy is used to describe Israel. Wootten has never contended that it is “always” translated as Gentile or Gentiles. Silberling proves her own charge is false yet accuses Wootten of “contradictions.”

FALSE CLAIM: Silberling and Juster refer to “Wootten and Koniuchowsky” more than 40 times in their paper, which was updated in 2007, but emails sent in 2002 between Koniuchowsky and Juster prove he knew Koniuchowsky left the Woottens/MIA in 2001. It is wrong to continue to categorize Wootten with Koniuchowsky; Juster knows he left because the Woottens would not allow him to continue some of his teachings under the MIA banner. People should be judged on their own works (Jer 31:30; 2 Cor 5:10). Yet, the UMJC accused “Wootten and Koniuchowsky” of things that Wootten never wrote, said, or believed.

Blanket Accusations of Heresy

 In 2002, Juster wrote to Koniuchowsky, “My paper for the UMJC was not a wholesale rejection of Batya’s work, but nuanced. It argues that there is something prophetic to the Ephraim issue, but that it is wrongly developed.” Additionally, his letter to Eddie Chumney and Monte Judah, requesting them to “distinguish their teaching from Batya Wootten so they could be accepted as brothers” presents contradictions and points to a problem beyond scripture interpretation.

FACT: A “nuanced” point speaks of a shade, subtlety, or delicate difference. To be “heretical” is to have an opinion that is profoundly at odds with orthodox views and, for the Believer, in clear conflict with Scripture. Juster, like Silberling, contradicts himself.

The truth is that — over “nuanced” differences in a teaching — Juster, the UMJC, International Messianic Jewish Congregations (IMJC), and the MJAA have blacklisted the Woottens, the MIA, and their associates for years. They warn musicians and speakers that, if they ever participate in an MIA event, they too will be blacklisted. They persist in this despite detailed counter-claims to their false charges.

Replacement Theology

FALSE CLAIM: Silberling uses incendiary words like “replacement,” “supplant,” and various forms of “supersession” 29 times in her attempts to incite people against Wootten and the Ephraimite teaching, to warn of Wootten’s supposed “militant” desire to replace Jewish Israel.

FACT: Batya writes in her book Who Is Israel?:
“[Replacement Theology] violates Paul’s Romans 11:18 warning … not to be ‘arrogant’ toward the Jewish branches. And one definitely finds a taste of arrogance in the bitter fruit of Replacement Theology. Moreover, this insidious ideology added fuel to Hitler’s Holocaust flame. By leading people to expect persecution of the so-called ‘rejected’ Jew, it encouraged a condescending placidity in the presence of gross evil.

“Our God is by no means finished with Judah. For there is coming a time when, ‘On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, there will be deliverance … I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,’ says Yahveh Elohim (Joel 2:32-3:1). … He ‘will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people … and will … gather the dispersed of Judah.’ And, He caps this promise with a fearsome pledge: ‘Those who harass Judah will be cut off’ (Isa 11:11-13).

“As promised, Judah is once again in the Land of our forefathers. And in view of the pressure currently being brought to bear against this tiny nation, it is imperative that Believers not be counted among those who, with unrighteous motives, come against her (Joel 3:2).

“Judah remained a kingdom because they were beloved … This remains unchanged. Romans 11:28 says of the Jew, ‘From the standpoint of God’s choice, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.’” (pp. 90-92, 31-32.)

Batya Wootten’s writings often caution Believers against wrong attitudes toward the Jewish people. She speaks against anti-Semitism, and she also stands up for the non-Jew, showing that they too are part of the “chosen people” (1 Pet 2:9-10). It is good that Jewish Believers are awakening to the Messiah, but they must learn to allow for the hundreds of thousands around the world who are similarly awakening to the truth about their own role in the coming reunion of Judah and Ephraim (Eze 37:15-28; Jer 50:4-5; Hos 1:11; Zec 10:7-10). There are hundreds of verses dealing with Ephraim’s last days return, and we must allow room to “agree to disagree” regarding them without labeling brethren or breaking fellowship. To handle differences in biblical interpretation, we must meet scriptural guidelines and correct with the eternal word of God. Scripture itself gives only three essential salvation doctrines: belief in the deity of Yeshua, in His resurrection, and in our salvation by grace. Apart from these, the Body of Messiah must allow for discussion and exegesis of the biblical text. Exegesis means “to draw the meaning out” which implies some messy digging and earnest pursuit of the truths found there — and in order to divide the scriptures in truth, personal agendas and political motives must be set aside as secondary.

An Olive Branch and a Plea

We sincerely pray that the days of the error-based “The Ephraimite Error” might finally come to an end; that we might collectively dispose of it and begin to walk together as brethren who can appreciate — if not fully understand — each other’s different callings and part in kingdom purposes. Why do we bring up this matter up once more? Because many in the Body of Messiah continue to be rejected, confused and even wounded by those who deny their scriptural identity within the commonwealth of Israel. The Nation of Israel needs friends who will stand strong with them.

Understanding about their brotherhood brings rejoicing to both Judah and Ephraim; it leads to a greater honoring of the Father’s commands and causes Ephraim to want to stand with and support brother Judah. The Promise to Abraham is clear, and our God is now regathering His scattered and hidden ones. He is doing a new thing in the earth.

Israel’s last days’ restoration is a glorious thing, and we do not want to be found opposing it. We who see His hand in this choose to enter into that new thing with all our heart (Gen 48:19; Jer 31:7-9 Eze 37:15-28; Hos 5:3; Zec 10:6-10).

Our hope is to make peace with all involved and to step up to a new level of commitment to one another despite our differences, and to stop grieving the heart of our heavenly Father.

So once more, for the sake of a unified Body, we extend the hand of fellowship and humbly invite our brothers and sisters to sit with us and begin dialogue on this important end-time matter. The goal is not for either “camp” to try to convince the other of its truths, but simply to respect and fulfill Yeshua’s last prayer for Believers. In John 17 He prayed that we might be unified so that the world may believe. Let us work together toward that scriptural end.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psa 133:1)