Re-defining the word: “Jew”

This blog should be read in conjunction with: Who are the Joes? and Content on the Lost 10 Tribes of Israel.

The Jews are NOT fake (as some anti-semitic historians have tried to surmise), nor are they a pure race, but they are largely and literally physical (and spiritual) descendants of Jacob, but this is where the word "Jew" should be redefined for the modern world populace: the Jews aren't exclusively representative of ALL descendants of Jacob.

In the words of a respected scholar in the late 1800's:

I can never be too thankful to the Almighty that in my youth he used the late Professor Wilson to show me the difference between the two houses. The very understanding of this difference is the KEY by which almost the entire Bible becomes intelligible, and I cannot state too strongly that the man who has not yet seen that Israel of the Scripture is totally distinct from the Jewish people, is yet in the very infancy, the mere alphabet, of Biblical study, and that to this day the meaning of seven-eighths of the Bible is shut to his understanding.
- Prof. C.A.L. Totten [1851-1908] Yale University

Furthermore, not only are the Scriptures unintelligible in many respects, it would appear "Elohim is a liar" in respect to His promise of multitudes... IF the TWO Houses of Israel are NOT understood in their proper context, regarding antiquity and prophecy yet fulfilled. And it should be noted that Totten considered the Jewish people as Israelites... just not the House of Israel, otherwise known as "Joseph" and/or "Ephraim" figuratively. He would have connected them to the House of Judah.

The modern definition (or perception) of ***THE JEWS*** is that they are NOW representative of Israel in her entirety... "the Israel of old", ..."the Chosen People". They are indeed chosen and they are Israelites, but they themselves do not claim to represent all Hebrews exclusively. Read 10 Reasons the Jews are from Judah.

The ancient definition of Israel was quite different than the modern and most popular understanding. The sons of Jacob were segmented into two Houses as early (indeed even earlier) as the days of Samuel the Prophet (II Samuel 5:1-5). The two Houses of Judah (Jew Da) and Israel even had their troops numbered separately (II Samuel 24:9). David referred to them separately. They are referred to in the Writings and Prophets continually as two separate entities. Their demise and captivity were inflicted by separate Empires (Assyria and Babylon). And the Prophets indicate the two Houses will continue to trouble each other even unto their latter day (Isaiah 11:12-13)... when finally... the BRANCH of David unites them under his reign (Ezekiel 37:24). The BRANCH is the Messiah... whom we believe to be Yehoshua (Jesus)... at his next coming.

Understanding that, we should logically surmise the two Houses are separate now too... of course... since the BRANCH of David has not united the two Houses yet. And this begs the question: Who are they now?

First, why does it matter? Why is it important to understand this reality in scripture and history... and in our modern world?

Many are departing from their trust in the Almighty... for many reasons. And many students of scripture have determined the Almighty to be a liar in regards to His own promises to Jacob. The promises to Jacob's seed to become a "multitude of nations" never seems to have occurred (in their minds) according to secular history, based on widely accepted definitions of who "Israel" is in the modern world. The fact is: "The Jews" simply can not be representative of such promises. And indeed, they are NOT. Jew-Da has a separate and very important promise in regards to the Scepter (Genesis 49:10). Jew Da's House never received a promise to become a great multitude. It was the House of Israel (the House of Joseph) that received such. So, if these definitions and perceptions are re-defined and re-learned... we would see, as students of scripture and history, there is no reason to accuse יהוה , the Almighty, of being a liar in this regard. Nor is there any reason to lose trust in Him in any regard. The House of Israel did indeed become a multitude of nations... just as He promised. He may seem a far off to many now, but He also promised he would bring us close again. He will hear our cries for help again (Isaiah 65:24) and we will again hear His voice and know His compassions. Let Isaiah 54 bring you comfort if יהוה feels as if He is afar off.