Anglo-Israelism
As the Stars in Heaven
Because Anglo-Saxons are a large people group, Anglo-Israelists conclude that they are descended from Joseph’s sons Ephraim or Manasseh because the sons were promised to be a multitude, according to Genesis 48:16. Once again, supporters of this system ignore biblical history to make this connection. Exodus 1:7 tells us the sons of Israel increased significantly. The tribes of Israel were already described as being like the stars in heaven in Deuteronomy 1:10–11.
In 1 Kings 3:8, we are told the Israelites were a great people, too many to be counted! Nehemiah 9:23 tells us that God made the sons of Israel numerous. This is equated to the stars in heaven. Another example of the promise of many descendants being fulfilled can be found in Deuteronomy 26:5. Although these examples do not speak of Manasseh and Ephraim’s offspring specifically, they certainly would have been included in these statements. The point is the assurance of Joseph’s sons having many descendants took place during biblical times.
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