JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

June 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning II Chronicles 30. Some have attempted to use this chapter to prove that Ephraim and Manasseh were not taken captive by the Assyrians.

The Passover mentioned in this chapter, however, took place BEFORE the general captivity. It is only natural that these two tribes would be there. A brief rehearsal of what happened will make this clearer.

The Temple was restored and cleansed in the first month of the FIRST Year of Hezekiah's reign (II Chron. 29:3-36). The Passover was observed in the second month of his FIRST year (II Chron. 30:2). Now let's ask, When did the general captivity of Israel take place? Answer: Years later -- not until Hezekiah's SIXTH YEAR! See II Kings 18:10.

II Chronicles 30:11 might make it appear that the whole tribe of Manasseh humbled itself to God. But, this verse does not say that. We find that only a FEW humbled themselves. In the King James version, the word "divers" is used. Any good English dictionary shows that it means "various." The reference is not to the entire tribe.

Similarly, verse 18 does not show that all of Israel attended the Passover. It merely refers to those who were there. And, they did not remain in Judah, but returned to their own homes (II Chron. 31:1). Remember, again, all of this took place BEFORE the captivity.

The general subject of the captivity of Israel and Judah is covered in detail in our free booklet THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY. We would be happy to send a copy to you upon your request.

We hope you will let us know whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT