Reference Library - RESPONSA

Responsa

Answers to questions posed to our staff in recent emails
Responsa Index

Question 3: I have just another question which has me stumped. I looked all over the website, but found nothing on it. This is the question in blue that [someone] sent me: "And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all." Christians and Jews shall be one in the hand of the King. One law for one people! And who might that King be? Of course, YESHUA!

Response: The two kingdoms mentioned in Ezekiel 37:21are the Northern one (Ephraim) and the Southern one (Judah) who were separated at the the time of Rechavam the son of Solomon's reign. In context, it is clear that this messianic prophecy is speaking of the reunification of the 12 Tribes that have been divided ever since. The Moshiach (Messiah) will accomplish this feat - something Jesus never did! Incidentally, it is a major component of Mormon theology to envision a unification of the Priestly caste (e.g Yehudah, although we know the Kohein came from the tribe of Levi) with the Nations of the World (Ephraim) and that is why they are so interested in converting and hooking up with Jews. Mormons sincerely believe that they are the lost tribe of Ephraim!

Rabbi Aaron Parry

Keywords: two kingdoms, exile, 12 tribes,Ephraim,Judah