JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding references dealing with the modern identity of the ancient house of Israel.

The primary source of evidence used for identifying the descendants of the house of Israel and the throne of David is the Bible itself. God's Word, despite the ideas of critics, is as much a form of evidence as any secular historical record.

The knowledge of the identity of the house of Israel is a major key to understanding biblical prophecy. But it was God's intention to seal many prophecies from the world and reveal them only in these latter days. Much of this sealing was accomplished by hiding the identity of the house of Israel. Therefore, we should not expect to find recognized historical records giving clear evidence of the migrations of the ten tribes of Israel.

We might, however, expect locally preserved individual accounts to include information about these people. And indeed they do. In Ireland, for instance, tradition marks the arrival in the first half of the sixth century B.C. of a small group of people led by a white-haired prophet known as Ollamh Fodhla. Local unwritten tradition further has it that this man was really the prophet Jeremiah.

It is significant that most kings of Scotland and England have been Masons and that one of their traditional beliefs is that the house of David was transferred to Northwest Europe from Palestine. This information can be found in Algernon Herbert's "Britannica After the Romans". The old book entitled "Irish Prince and Hebrew Prophet," Masonic Publishing Company, Bleecker Street, New York City, also makes reference to a Hebrew prophet (Jeremiah), especially in chapters 5, 11, and 12.

Other books of interest are "Our British Ancestors," by Samuel Lysons, London, 1865; "Irish Pedigrees," by O'Hart, James Duffey and Company, Ltd., Dublin; "Ogygia, or, A Chronological Account of Irish Events," by Roderic O'Flaherty, Dublin, 1793; "Judah's Scepter and Joseph's Birthright," by J. H. Allen; "History of Ireland," by Thomas Moore; "History of Ireland," by Abbe MacGeoghegan; and "Towers and Temples of Ireland," by Keane.

These authors probably did not fully understand God's truth or His purpose regarding Israel. Nevertheless, helpful information can be gleaned from their writings by anyone who does understand God's purpose and uses the Bible as the primary source.

Critics may say that local traditions are no proof. But, together with the biblical record, there is no other evidence which God allowed to be preserved. Those who believe the Bible will understand the identity of the ten tribes of Israel. Those who do not will come to understand this wonderful truth once God's plan is fulfilled.

Thank you again for your inquiry. It is our pleasure to be of service.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT