Because Anglo-Israelists believe that the ten northern tribes never returned during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, they propose that the Israelites eventually forget they were Israelites.[1] Anglo-Israelists often take biblical verses out of context to promote their claims, and this is what they have done with this notion as well. Frequently cited in this attempt is a verse found in Jeremiah:[2]

 

“And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever.” [3]

 

The first part of the chapter in which this verse is found, reads, “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron.”[4] This introductory sentence tells us that what follows will have something to do with Judah. This passage is not addressing the northern tribes.

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The prophecy found in these verses was set in a time when Israel was divided. The Assyrians had already deported the northern ten tribes, and it was time for the Southern Kingdom to face the punishment for their sin and disobedience through the Babylonians. Jeremiah instructed Judah, the Southern Kingdom, to submit to the Babylonians. However, many of the Jews ignored Jeremiah. They rebelled, and the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem.

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Anglo-Israelists also misrepresent the Hebrew term translated to “heritage” in this verse. They imply that this word means “identity,” as in Israelite identity. However, the Hebrew word here is nachălâh, which means, “something inherited, occupancy or an heirloom, an estate, patrimony or portion.”[5] This word does not mean “identity.” It means the land of Israel. Jeremiah was informing the Judeans that they would lose their inheritance and homeland and that the Babylonians would take them into captivity.

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Other verses that supporters use to advance the idea that the Israelites would lose their identity are found in Isaiah:[6]

 

“The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.” [7]

 

What Isaiah saw, in this section of text, was “concerning Judah and Jerusalem.” Verse 3 does mention Israel, but this is just evidence that Judah can be referred to as Israel. In other words, these verses have nothing to do with the northern tribes. In fact, this area of text has nothing to do with the tribes losing their identity. It is informing us that Judah didn’t know God in the spiritual sense. The ox knows his owner, yet Judah didn’t even recognize God as their God because they became rebellious.

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Anglo-Israelists also use Psalm 83:4:[8]

 

“Let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.” [9]

 

Asaph, the author of this psalm, is quoting what Israel’s enemies (Edom, Ammon, Amalek, and so on) wanted to do. Did they succeed? Apparently not, since the name of Israel continues even today. Again, this verse provides no evidence for the northern tribes losing their identity.

 

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