Updated: March 9, 2025
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Not All Hebrew Israelites Believe the Same Thing.
What I say in this article about Hebrew Israelites beliefs, be aware not all of them may hold a particular belief that I may mention. Therefore, one should be careful not to lump all Hebrew Israelites together. For like Christians there are various groups with different beliefs on various matters.
What I say here is based on some of the beliefs of Hebrew Israelism members that I have encountered and based on my research though that research be not comprehensive. Indeed, Hebrew Israelism members do not all have the same beliefs to include on what the Bible says. This is also true of Christians and every other religious group. Moreover, the message here is largely about the American Hebrew Israelism rather than Hebrew Israelism worldwide as Hebrew Israelism do exist in other countries including the current nation of Israel.
In short, I find some aspects of Hebrew Israelism not problematic and some aspects problematic. I find the same thing about Christianity of which I am a part.
Definition and Historical Beginning of the Terms Hebrew Israelite and Hebrew Israelism Among Black Americans.
This article is about a religious group called the Hebrew Israelites who associate with a form of religion I will herein label Hebrew Israelism. Here the suffix ism has the sense of the Merriam-Webster dictionary entry of ism referring to “a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory”. So here I emphasize the doctrine and cause of Hebrew Israelites in using the phrase Hebrew Israelism. I do not use the suffix ism in any negative way as it might be used on some words as the word ism has multiple definitional usage as is the case with many words in all languages including not only English but also Hebrew and Greek.
Note that the phrase Hebrew Israelite refers to a person who is a biological descendant of the Hebrew Abraham through Isaac, and Jacob/Israel. Therefore, there is nothing dishonorable at all about identifying as a Hebrew Israelite. The term Hebrew Israelism however is not a biblical term and it is about the doctrine and cause of some Hebrew Israelites. Some of those doctrines are problematic and dishonorable and as a result some of the causes of some of the Hebrew Israelites are problematic and dishonorable.
Hebrew Israelism reportedly can be traced back to at least o/a 1886 when Paul Cherry and William Saunders Crowdy started preaching/teaching and organizing around the concept that enslaved American Blacks were biologically descendants of the original Israelites of the Bible. It would therefore follow that descendants of those American slaves were/are themselves Israelites.
Hebrew Israelism believe that the fact they were enslaved in America scripturally proves that they are the original Israelites. They point to various scriptures such as Deuteronomy 28 where it talks about enslavement of the Israelites. Of course, they could be right. On the other hand, they could be wrong and their blind hatred and resentment of white racism leads them to that racist conclusion and makes them similar to the white slave master.
They reportedly originally labeled themselves Black Hebrew Israelites. However, later generations dropped the word Black and now self identifies as Hebrew Israelite rather than Black Hebrew Israelite.
The original inclusion of the word Black seemingly stems from the perception that their focus is more on people with melanated skin being the characteristics of the original Israelites. The logical consequence of that is that those of non-melanated skin are considered by most if not all of them to be non-Israelites. That means in their view that those who are traditionally categorized as Caucasian are non-Israelites. This includes those over in the land of Israel and elsewhere who have traditionally identified and been considered Jews/Israelites are non-Israelite/non-Jew according to the Hebrew Israelites.
Though I have no historical documentation at hand, I suspect the word Hebrew is included in the identity to emphasize biological descendancy as an Israelite in contrast to proselytes (non-Israelites strangers who convert to Jew/Israelite) who themselves might identify as Israelite but not as Hebrew. In other words, the term Hebrew prefixed to the word Israelite seems to have been chosen to distinguish them from those traditional “Jews/Israelites” and to highlight Hebrew Israelites heritage as biological descendants of the Hebrew Abraham
Strangers Belong to and Inherit Land in Whatever Tribe They Sojourn/Reside With.
Ezekiel 47:21-23 says: “So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD.”
Stranger or proselyte means one who is not biologically a Hebrew Israelites. Such people God clearly accepts as part of God’s family in both the Old Testament and New Testament per Exodus 12:48-49 and Acts 2:10; 6:5; 13:43.
Some Hebrew Israelites are Part of Judaism; Some are Part of Christianity.
There are three major religions in the Western World in order of advent: Judaism (Jews’ religion), Christianity, and Islam.
These religions divide into sub-religions constituted by major and minor groups. These major and minor groups may be labeled sects, denominations, camps, etc.
Hebrew Israelism involve (1) those who hold to the Old Testament only and (2) those who hold to both the Old Testament and New Testament.
Those who hold to the Old Testament only fall under Judaism. Those who hold to both Testaments fall under Christianity. However, neither group associate themselves with modern day Judaism or Christianity. The former group believe modern day Judaism is the creation of those like the Whiteish Jews/Israelites over in the land of Israel who claim to be Jews/Israelites; however Hebrew Israelites say those are impostors and are not truly Jews/Israelites. The latter group does not associate with Christianity because they claim Christianity is the “white man’s religion”. Now here I generalize as there may be those within both groups who do not hold those views or at least not to the degree that some others do.
Hebrew Israelism gives a lot of attention to the law as given under Moses to include weekly sabbath, feasts, and dietary laws as prescribed under the Old Covenant. Hebrew Israelism is similar to Judaism and Islam in that respect. For those who subscribe to the Christ of the New Testament, Hebrew Israelism points to Matthew 5:17-18 where Christ talks about the law not passing away until heaven and earth pass away. But Hebrew Israelism fails to understand that the New Covenant brought in some changes to the Old Covenant which is why one is called New and the other Old. Also, Hebrew Israelism fails to understand that Christ has already fulfilled (satisfied and kept perfectly) at least some of the law (for example, Romans 10:4; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 9:12) rendering their compliance by Christians no longer mandated by God even if they are yet good to do or even best to do in most instances.
Possibility of At Least Some Black Slaves in America and Their Descendants Being Biologically Hebrew Israelites.
Given possible migrations it is possible that some Blacks in America and elsewhere are descendants of biological Hebrew Israelites and/or proselyte Israelites who were slaves or free. It is also possible that others are descendants of biological non-Israelites who were slaves or free. Of course, in the absence of any written historical evidence to the contrary it is reasonably more honorable and not problematic to self identify as a Hebrew Israelite rather than a proselyte Israelite if one chooses to self identify as a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel.
It is also possible that others who are whitish and otherwise are descendants of either biological Israelites or proselytes, or biological non-Israelites.
If one identifies as a biological Israelite or as a biological non-Israelite that is fine with me for I nor anyone else can conclusively show that you are not just as you cannot conclusively show that you are. It is only by your faith that you can justify that you are the identity you choose concerning folks long ago. DNA is speculative not conclusive that far back in time. History books written by humans and scriptural speculation are not conclusive proof. For history books are always based on the writers’ limited information, purpose, and perspective. Speculation is always based on the person presuppositions, desires, and goals.
Response to Racism as the Reason for Rise of Hebrew Israelism Among Black Americans.
It is abundantly clear that Hebrew Israelism arose in response to a desire to overcome the harm, hurt, and disappointment caused by America’s form of slavery of Black Americans, post slavery abolishment Jim Crow Era injustices, and the lingering effect of those and other oppressive acts.
The intensification of Hebrew Israelism in America in modern times is a direct reflection of that though America has made great progress in helping Black America to overcome the injustices of past large-scale government sanctioned and structurally institutionalized racism there is much more yet to be done by governments, businesses, and individual citizens, white and black especially with respect to recognition of structural racism historically and presently. There is clearly a need for folks of all races, white and black to have a better attitude, speech, and action with respect to moving the nation further forward toward that more perfect union of which our founders spoke.
Of course, a response was and is appropriate and required. Yet, the response should be rooted in non-violent righteous truth, attitudes, speech, and actions.
One major problem I have with Hebrew Israelism is that it tends to promote a doctrine that excludes whiteish people and native Africans from qualifying to inherit the blessings that God promised Abraham and his seed. Under Christ that seed is not biological but rather spiritual based on faith in Christ per scriptures such as Galatians 3:26-29. Some Hebrew Israelites do recognize it is spiritual not biological.
Moreover, Hebrew Israelism tend to boastfully promote a doctrine that Whiteish American will one day be enslaved by Blackish Hebrew Israelites due to the American form of slavery and follow-on Jim Crow era and other oppressive acts by Whiteish America against Blackish Americans.
The racist doctrine of some Hebrew Israelites is very problematic.
I am convinced that if Hebrew Israelites who exclude Whiteish folks had the power they would be at least as cruel to White people as the White racists were to Blacks in America. I am convinced they would do so even today.
These no salvation and enslavement doctrines of Whiteish and other non-descendants of Shem are the most dangerous part of Hebrew Israelism that could potentially lead to civil war within America.
Any doctrine that exclude Whiteish folks from qualifying as Hebrew Israelites and/or from qualifying for salvation under Christ is a doctrine not conclusively determinable from scripture. Any such doctrine asserted by Hebrew Israelism or any religious or other group is merely self-serving speculative. Such only-ism arise out of an unholy self-serving only response to racism.
I do not find it problematic for certain groups to focus on building up the Black American community as long as such action does not seek to harm or dehumanize or de-spiritualize folks who are not Black Americans.
I also do not find it problematic for certain groups to focus on building up non-Black American communities, for example Whiteish American communities, so long as such action does not seek to harm or dehumanize or de-spiritualize folks who are not non-Black Americans.
All groups should seek to help those not like them while they focus on helping those like them. It is about having the attitude of the love thy neighbor as thyself biblical principle of Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
Since strangers or proselytes who permanently lived among the Israelites were brotherly neighbors God told Hebrew Israelites to love in the days of Moses and Christ, non-Israelites today are included in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39 as neighbors of Hebrew Israelites historically and today and future. This would include Edomites and Egyptians per scriptures like Deuteronomy 23:7-8. It would also include all native Africans and others of all nations.
For we find in the following scriptures:
Exodus 12:48-49 says:
“And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.”
And Exodus 22:21 says:
“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
And Exodus 23:9 says:
“Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
And Leviticus 19:18 says:
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Jesus in Matthew 22:39 is believed to be quoting from Leviticus 19:18 where Jesus says:
“…Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
And Leviticus 19:33-34 says:
“And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
And Leviticus 23:22 says:
“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.”
And Leviticus 24:22 says:
“Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.”
And Deuteronomy 10:18-19 says:
“He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
And Deuteronomy 23:7-8 says:
“Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation.”
And Deuteronomy 27:19 says:
“Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
Jeremiah 7:5-7 says:
“For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.”
Certainly in regards to Deuteronomy 23:7-8 we are far past the third generation.
I mention the above scripture to show that God expects Hebrew Israelites to love non-Israelites and to not oppress them in attitude, speech, or action. I do not mention them to suggest every aspect of them apply under the New Covenant. For example, we know that Acts 15 renders the circumcision no longer required under the New Covenant.
The exclusion doctrine of some Hebrew Israelites is partly the cause of what is perceived to be “Trumpism” against Black Americans today. Common sense says if a group is claiming to take over America one day and one day enslave another group then at some point that group will push back. No one with reasonable common sense would think such a group would accept formerly oppressed people saying God is going to get them for something their dead ancestors may or may not have done. I surely would not if I was Whiteish and neither would any of the Blackish Hebrew Israelites spreading that revengeful ideology if they were Whiteish. It is just common sense to think Hebrew Israelites are twisting scriptures to suit their fleshly desires just as White Slave masters twisted scriptures to suit their fleshly desires.
The rising up of Black Men similar to the manner portrayed in Old and New Testament of Israelite men arrayed for battle against all types of enemies, spiritual and natural, is certainly needed but so also is the rising up of men of all races and nationalities so as to lead homes, churches, communities, cities, counties, states, and nations.
Of course, this should be done with spiritual weapons rather than carnal weapons. Christ’s principle of love for all demands that we do not resort to carnal weapons of violence.
Hebrew Israelites do not have to put others down to lift themselves up is the attitude I have and all should have about themselves no matter their identity.
Lifting oneself up as an individual and/or as a community does not and should not require one to attempt explicitly or implicitly to impose guilt upon people alive today for what their dead ancestors may or may not have done. This does not mean that those who benefited directly or indirectly from past injustices do not have a responsibility to help those affected down through the years by the lingering effects of such injustices. For certainly all have a responsibility to help the nation overcome its oppressive injustices upon Blacks and others in America without causing self-harm. This includes the affected Blacks and others doing their part as well. This is the love thy neighbor as thyself principle.
Romans 10:11-13 says: “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
In Romans 10:11-13 and most other scriptures in the Bible especially the New Testament the words Greek like the word Gentile at least includes non-Israelites. This is so despite the fact that some Hebrew Israelites for revengeful reasons say the words Greek and Gentile in the Bible refer to wayward Israelites and does not include non-Israelites.
I believe Romans 10:11-13 applies not only to salvation unto eternal life but also salvation in the form of help in overcoming and/or dealing wholesomely with oppression while on this earth all for the glory of God.
Psalm 103:6 says: “The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.” and James 2:26 says: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” and Revelation 21:7-8 says: “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Except when one considers the American slavery and racism issue, it is difficult to understand how Hebrew Israelism tends to ignore the fact that even under Moses non-Israelites were welcome into God’s family as long as they committed to keeping God’s law to include circumcision per scriptures such as Exodus 12:48-49. Therefore, one can only reasonably conclude that the false exclusion doctrine is only because of the revengeful desire to punish Whiteish folks for the Atlantic Slave trade and related acts and to punish native Africans who they say helped the Whiteish folks. It is for that reason Hebrew Israelism conclude they know for certain that all Whiteish folks of today are descendants of Esau and Edomites and will be punished by God for enslaving them as Hebrew Israelites. It is for that revengeful reason that some Hebrew Israelites say the words Greek and Gentile in the Bible refer to wayward Israelites and does not include non-Israelites.
I do not set forth that no Black Israelite existed in Moses or Jesus day. I simply set forth that Jews/Israelites were probably of a variety of skin colors or races including blackish and whiteish rather than being restricted to one color of skin or race. Certainly, one should expect strangers or proselytes accepted by God as part of God’s family to have been of a variety of skin colors.
Hebrew Israelism conveniently and self-servingly ignore the fact that Japheth is historically believed to have been Whitish though the Bible does not give skin color of any. Moreover, Japheth descendants are not descendants of Esau even if there were some intermarriage going on. For even under Hebrew Israelism false doctrine that ancestry/descendancy is only based on the father, surely some of Japheth men mixed with Esau women which would make the descendants of Japheth not Edomites but Japhetites even if one considered such intermarriages to have produced all Whiteish folks of today. That means there is no reasonable expectation that Hebrew Israelites would be able to look at a Whiteish human and conclude that person is an Edomite that would be enslaved by Hebrew Israelites one day even if God has such a plan for all or any Edomites.
American Hebrew Israelism is similar to American Islam in that it arose in response to American white racist improper use of Christian biblical scriptures to justify in their minds the American form of slavery and subsequent racial discrimination whose negative effects linger today in a multitude of systemic and non-systemic ways. Like American Islam, Hebrew Israelism holds that Christianity is false and that Christianity was created by the white man to enslave the Hebrew Israelites and some other Blacks in America.
Hebrew Israelites are similar to white slave masters in that Hebrew Israelism claims the Bible renders Hebrew Israelites superior to all non-Israelites. They claim that all Israelites were black.
Some but not all claim Jesus did not come to save any white person; they justify their claim by saying the Whiteish people are Edomites and God says he hates their ancestor Esau and therefore them. Also, some Hebrew Israelites say God prophets prophesized about God never accepting Edomites (Malachi 1:1-3; Romans 9:13).
Hebrew Israelism view native Africans as not Israelites but rather descendants of Ham not Shem. Some therefore claim Jesus did not come to save native Africans. They claim that the blacks brought from Africa as slaves were not native Africans but were Hebrew Israelites scattered to Africa. They claim that is why the native Africans sold blacks (non-natives) to whites as slaves. That of course could possibly be true as given the scattering of Israelites once the Temple was destroyed; it is likely some went to Africa and were later sold as slaves and brought to America possibly along with non-Israelites. Of course, no one can say for certain what skin color Jesus and the apostles had or the Israelites in general. Skin color does not matter anyway.
Hebrew Israelites also fail to properly apply the scripture where God says not to abhor Egyptians and Edomites. For Deuteronomy 23:7 says: “Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.”
Indeed, God says Edomites are the brothers of Hebrew Israelites. This means Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39 about loving thy neighbor as thyself applies to Hebrew Israelites viewing Edomites and Egyptians as their neighbors to love and not hate. Clearly when God says he hates Esau he is talking about Esau sinful behavior not the person Esau. This means Esau and even Edomites and Egyptians are to be viewed as a type for those who rebel against God no matter the nationality. For the type includes Hebrew Israelites who are depravedly rebellious just as it includes non-Israelites who so depraved by wickedness.
Indeed, Hebrew Israelites in general look for that day when they say scripture says God will destroy all non-Israelites, especially Edomites who they say are descendants of Esau. They say all white people are Edomites. Hebrew Israelism speak of the scriptures that talk about God’s hate for Esau (for example, Romans 9:13). Yet, they neglect to recognize that such hate does not necessarily transfer to all Esau descendants. Moreover, the word hate has various meaning as indicated by Jesus in Luke 14:26. In Luke 14:26, Jesus says if a man does not hate his mother, father, etc. enough to follow Jesus then that man can not be Jesus disciple; the same Greek word (Strong’s G3404) is translated hate in Luke 14:26 and Romans 9:13. So then it is proper to conclude that it is not the person that is hated but what the person does/did that is hated. Also, Deuteronomy 23:7-8 tells the Israelites not to abhor (detest, loathe, strongly dislike) the Edomites nor the Egyptians. Indeed, Jesus says even love those you believe to be your enemy.
Let us not be the evil we despise in dead white slave masters and others.
The False Only Israel Can Be Saved Doctrine and False Understanding of Biblical Language.
Some but not all Hebrew Israelites claim that the words Gentile and Greek in the bible do not refer to non-Israelites but rather to wayward Israelites scattered to other nations throughout the earth.
Those who make such a claim do so in an attempt to bolster their false claim that Jesus did not come to save non-Israelites (Gentles) but only biological Israelites. This of course contradicts the Great Commission and Jesus words in John 17:9, 20 about those who believe on the words of the apostles by the Holy Spirit becoming Jesus disciples.
Therefore, at the very least the words Gentiles and Greeks include non-Jews/non-Israelites even if they include wayward Jews/Israelites.
Those who subscribe to the Israel only doctrine erroneously conclude that the word world in John 3:16 and Mark 16:15 only refers to Israelites to include those scattered. Similarly, they say Matthew 28:18-20 is only talking about making disciples of scattered Israelites.
They point to John 3:16 and Jesus prayer in John 17:
John 17:9 – I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Thus, they say Jesus didn’t pray for the world but only for those disciples which the father had given him which Hebrew Israelism says were only Israelites. But they ignore John 17:20. a part of that same prayer where Jesus prays for those who come to believe through his disciples preaching which we know include even in this day people from all nations and races:
John 17:20 says: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Hebrew Israelism use verses like Isaiah 45:17 as justification for restricting the word world to Israelites.
Isaiah 45:17 says: But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
As a matter of language, the phrase “world without end” in Isaiah 45:17 is not even talking geography.
The phrase “world without end” means in a state of existence having no end, eternally, forever, and everlasting, according to the dictionary.
So then Isaiah 45:17 is saying the Israelites in this case will not be confounded and ashamed forever. In fact, the Hebrew word for world does not appear in Isaiah 45:17 but rather a sequence of Hebrew words translated in the Kings James Version as “world without end” is what appears.
Indeed, the dictionary’s various definitions of the word world tells us something we ought to intuitively recognize. It is that the scope of the word world varies depending on the context. Indeed, I can in the same conversation use the word world to mean three different scopes. I could say in my world, in your world, and in the world. The scope differs in all three instances.
Hebrew Israelism conclusion about the word world based on their partial and bias reading of Isaiah 45:17 ignores the fact that even if Isaiah 45:17 is talking about the Israelite world that does not mean John 3:16, Mark 16:15-16, and Matthew 28:18-20 are only talking about the Israelite world. In these latter scriptures, the word world clearly refers to the whole earth just as the word world does in Psalm 24:1 that says: “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein”.
Furthermore, Psalm 33:8 says: Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
According to Hebrew Israelism doctrine of restricting the word world to mean Israelites, only the Israelites should stand in awe of God. Of course, such doctrine is ill-informed.
Also, does Psalm 9:8 mean that God will only judge the Israelites in righteousness? And in Psalm 89:11, is it only the Israelite world that the Lord has founded/created? One could go on and on; but my point ought to be clear. Hebrew Israelism conveniently ignores a universal language truth. That truth is a word has different scope of meaning. The specific meaning of a word is a function of the specific context in which that word is used. Its usage relationship to the use of the word in other contexts must first be limited by the specific context.
Indeed, one major problem with Hebrew Israelism is many of them don’t understand language. Hence, they say the word Jesus should not be used. So they use the Hebrew word Yashua or Yahusha or Yahawashi and various other spelling instead of Jesus. (It is noteworthy that even they can’t agree on Jesus Hebrew name or consider him to have multiple names.) I suspect the KJV translators faced the same problem of which Hebrew name disagreement among themselves which may have contributed to their settling for using an easily pronounced English name. In any case, in English his name is Jesus for me; though Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6 and Matthew 1:23 show he has many names. This same lack of understanding of language causes Hebrew Israelism to misapply Isaiah 45:17.
Some Hebrew Israelism proponents use false logic claiming the letter J did not exist until a certain point in time. Therefore, according to them Jesus could not be his name. This illogical argument seems to stem from the original translation of the Greek version of Jesus not containing a J.
To them I say: Jesus is an English word. The English language did not even exist at the time of Jesus birth. So none of the letters existed. So to single out the letter J is rather nonsense.
The Issue of the Language the Bible Was Written In.
Now let me say a few words on the fact that some Hebrew Israelites emphasize the study of the Hebrew Language holding it superior to the Greek and English languages. It is well agreed that the Old Testament was most likely written in the Hebrew Language. Unfortunately other than fragments in the form of the Dead Sea Scrolls no manuscripts of the Old Testament written in Hebrew prior to the 6th Century AD is known. The oldest text we have written in Hebrew of the Old Testament is the Masoretic Text. However, the Hebrew manuscripts from which the Masoretic Text was taken is not known.
The Septuagint is a Greek translation of some of the Old Testament books that took place before 1 AD. However, the location of the Hebrew manuscripts from which the Septuagint was translated is not known. It is believed based on the wording of many of the New Testament quotes, the New Testament writers used the Septuagint to quote from. Yet, there are some scriptures that are believed to be quotes from Old Testament writings that differ from the wording of the Septuagint suggesting the quote is from a different writing rather than the Septuagint.
In any case, what we have is the Masoretic Text, the Dead Sea Scroll fragments and the Septuagint. So that is what we go by.
Some Hebrew Israelites claim the New Testament must have been written in Hebrew since Jews were Hebrew and in scripture it speaks about Jesus and Paul speaking in Hebrew.
Yet, because the only manuscripts we have of the New Testament is in Greek then many people assume and teach that the New Testament was written in Greek. Personally, I say parts of it was possibly written in Hebrew and part of it in Greek.
The Jews of that day most likely knew both languages. They most likely knew both languages because they were biologically Hebrew but living in Greek culture which mostly spoke Greek. It is similar to people whose native language is Spanish who come to America. Many though not all of them speak both Spanish and English well.
It is reasonable that the New Testament was written mostly in Greek because it would more easily reach a wider audience. It would reach Jews because they spoke Hebrew and Greek. It would reach Greek because they most likely only spoke Greek. A good writer always considers the audience. Certainly, the Holy Spirit the greatest writer of all, wanted the message to get to the widest audience.
Now certainly in translations some meaning of the original word may get lost in some cases. Yet, the claim that one must know Hebrew or Greek to sufficiently understand what the scriptures intend to communicate is a false claim not rooted in reality. Moreover, the purpose of Concordances and Dictionaries that show correspondences between Hebrew and Greek and English provide adequate understanding of original words that the translated or transliterated word might not capture.
Certainly, the translators make mistakes in translations at times. But those are rare and are usually have no doctrinal implications. If one is found then there should certainly be a correction made. But to claim that because one would have translated a word differently rendered the previous translator wrong or up to no good is simply arrogantly claiming a superior understanding of languages and its challenges. This arrogance is the reason we have many unneeded English translations. For the English language has not dramatically changed since the 18th century AD.
The Canonized Books of the Bible and Non-Canonized Books.
The Authorized King James Version (KJV) is my standard for worship, doctrine, and discipleship. This means the KJV is the standard Bible to be used in all church sponsored assemblies. The KJV that I speak of is the 1611 version as updated in 1769 containing the core 66 books. As I understand it, the 1769 version corrected printing errors, grammar, and spelled words differently due to a major shift in the way words are spelled in the English language.
In the original KJV these fifteen (15) books are said to have been sandwiched between or included as an addendum the Old and New Testament. These 15-books were called the Apocrypha where Apocrypha means hidden. This was done because the KJV translators did not consider these books to be of the same doctrinal value of the other books; yet, they had historical value and were therefore retained as they were good to read.
There are two other books that some Hebrew Israelites look to and consider authentic. These are the Book of Jubilees and the Book of Enoch.
I have not looked into the Book of Enoch much. I do know it contains a calendar of 364 days which seems problematic.
The Book of Jubilees I have two major doctrinal problems with.
The first is that in Chapter 3 of the Book of Jubilees, it claims Eve was not created until the “second week” which would put here creation not on the first 6th day before the first seventh day. That is inconsistent with Genesis 1:26-27 which says she was created on that first sixth day.
The second problem I have with the Book of Jubilees is that in Chapter 50 says a man who has sex with his wife on the Sabbath is to be put to death.
The Reference section contains a link to further discussion of Book of Jubilees.
Celebration of Christmas is as Valid as Celebrating Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication).
In the New Testament John 10:22-23 we have: “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
In modern time the Feast of Dedication is commonly referred to as Hanukkah. Hanukkah is not a feast of celebration commanded by God. This feast was instituted by Judas Maccabaeus, in the year 164 BC after he led a group of Jews to retake the city of Jerusalem and the Temple from the pagan Antiochus Epiphanes who had taken it in the year 167 BC.
Under Christ feasts like Hanukkah and Christmas are a matter of cultural or customs that amounts to matters of human preference much like physical circumcision. Under Moses even strangers not only Israelites were compelled to be physically circumcised to be counted among the family of God. According to Acts 15 that is not a requirement under the New Covenant to be counted among the family of God. Yet just like the custom of the New Testament Jews/Israelites if a non-Jew/non-Israelite desires to get circumcised it is okay to do. For it is right to be circumcised and it is right to not be circumcised. The key is that one knows neither is required to be counted faithful by God.
Differences such as circumcision and food and feasts and holidays are what define different cultural communities even within a nation such as America. These are matters of human preference not of commandments. For God has the same laws for all whether Jew or non-Jew, Israelite or non-Israelite. We are all equal in Christ Jesus. For as Romans 10:12 says: “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek [non-Jew]: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”
Christmas was established by the church to honor Christ birth whose birth was prophesized in Isaiah 7:14 with the prophecy having scriptural support in Isaiah 8:18 and Matthew 1:23. There is nothing in scripture that prevents the establishment of Hanukkah or Christmas. Hence, both of them are valid as a matter of human preference.
Yet, no one Hebrew Israelite or Christian is commanded by God to keep either. Both are a matter of human preference.
The written article’s reference section contains a link to article that covers feasts, holydays including various Christian Holidays and American National Holidays. This include a calendar of Leviticus 23 feasts and Christian and National Holidays that I prepare each year for my own usage as I do believe there is value and righteousness in keeping to some degree all the Leviticus 23 feasts and celebrations like Christmas, Easter, Juneteenth, Independence Day and many others. I do find Halloween problematic however as presently done in modern times.
The Law of God is Not Done Away With But Differs Under the New Covenant From Under the Old Covenant.
The phrase “the law is done away with” is an unfortunate phrase found within Christianity and used by Hebrew Israelites to question Christianity’s commitment to living a life of obedience to God.
I will only make a few comments here. I cover this matter in some measure of detail in various other articles to include an article entitled “Old and New Covenant Law Differ” whose link is available in the Reference section below.
The law of God runs from Genesis to Revelation being progressively different over time.
The main point of controversy within Christianity, within Hebrew Israelism and between Christianity and Hebrew Israelism is not whether there is law.
The main points of controversy are what laws yet apply and to what degree does the keeping or not keeping of certain or all laws have on salvation.
The main particular controversial laws are the Sabbath and the Dietary Laws. Even Christians have differences of understanding about the Sabbath. Hence, there are denominations within Christianity called Seven Day Baptist and Seventh Day Adventist. I subscribe to Colossians 2:16 which warns against judging others as to what they eat and regarding sabbaths.
The fact that prior to Christ the law required the periodic sacrifice of animals with respect to sin and the fact that with the coming of Christ that is no longer a requirement means there has been a change of the law. Moreover, Hebrews 7:12 speaks of a change where now a priest from the tribe of Levi is no longer the high priest. Instead Christ from the tribe of Judah is the high priest. Indeed Hebrews 7:12 says: For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.” So whatever the scope and type of change mentioned in Hebrew 7:12 it is a change such that the law before Christ crucifixion differs from the law after Christ crucifixion. For as Hebrews 9 teaches that the New Covenant began with Jesus death on the cross. For Hebrews 9:14-18 says: “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.”
Old Covenant Israel Was a Prototype for the New Covenant Church.
Moses and the other Old Testament prophets primarily spoke to the Israelites. Therefore they naturally used reference words such as Israel. It is no different when Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. often used reference words such as America since he was primarily speaking to America.
God chose Israel to be the protype nation through whom he revealed his plan to bring his creation back in good standing that was lost in Genesis 3. So the Bible often uses terminology centered around Israel.
So it is with the twelve gates and walls having the names of the twelve tribes and twelve apostles, respectively (Revelation 21:12). The naming is to honor them for their special role in God’s plan.
Some Hebrew Israelites believe God only gave the promises God gave Abraham and the Old Covenant to the biological Israelites. Consequently, they hold that the New Covenant is only for the biological Israelites. This is the reason they claim to be the original Israelites less they be excluded. Of course, such a claim is also necessary for them to disqualify white people from salvation.
Moreover, Some Hebrew Israelites claim that the New Covenant is not yet in effect. Of course, in doing so they reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah who has already come to save and sanctify all who believe. In doing so, they are akin to those Jews/Israelites who rejected Jesus in biblical days and who reject Jesus even today. Indeed, it is through Jesus Christ that God brought in the New Covenant by which he reconciles the believing world unto himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-20); this believing world consists of repentant people from all nations of all races and skin colors, ethnicities and nationalities who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Reconciliation means through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ the believer is brought back to the right relationship with God that was lost through sin that began with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3).
In considering scriptures, Hebrew Israelism fails to look at the context and their relationship to the entirety of the scriptures (Old and New Testaments) not just their relationship to selected other scriptures in other contexts. Thus, they fail to rightly divide the word of truth.
In the final analysis:
- Some Hebrew Israelites do not understand God’s plan of salvation. They do not accept the biblical truth that the Old Covenant is passed away in that Christ brought in the New Covenant and that the New Covenant (Hebrews chapters 8 and 9) is available to all people (Israelite and non-Israelite; black and white, etc.) who accepts Christ as the Messiah/Saviour (John 3:16; Matthew 28:18-20).
- Christianity is superior to Hebrew Israelism just as Christianity is superior to Judaism and Islam. Christianity is superior to Hebrew Israelism, Judaism and Islam in that Christianity gives man a more certain and greater hope than Hebrew Israelism, Judaism, and Islam for all people not just those who are of a specific nationality, skin color, or experience here on earth before the grave. Thus, all humans should accept Christianity and reject those portions of Hebrew Israelism, Judaism and Islam that are inconsistent with Christianity.
Christians are Under the New Covenant Not the Old Covenant and Not a Renewed Covenant.
Now let us consider the false doctrine of the New Covenant being a renewed covenant rather than a New Covenant.
I have heard it said that the New Covenant is a renewed covenant. To say such is false doctrine.
The New Covenant is not a renewed covenant. The word renewed has the sense of making something new again. Renew is to revive, reestablish, to resume. To be renewed a thing must have existed before. It does not have the sense of major improvement upon. Renewed does not have the sense of something having been insufficient or flawed. The Old Covenant was not flawed, for it was the people who were at fault. Yet, the Old Covenant was insufficient for eternity purposes, hence God brought in the New Covenant.
New has the sense of something that is better than and supersedes that which was.
The New Covenant was prophesied about before Christ but it did not come into being until after Christ crucifixion (Hebrews 9:14-18).
The phrase Old Covenant has reference generally to the way things were after the fall and before Christ, more specifically to the way things were as the law was given to Moses mainly for Israel.
The phrase New Covenant has reference to that which completely replaces and supersedes the Old Covenant.
The phrase New Covenant does not have reference to the way things were in the garden before the fall of Genesis 3. For there was no eating of animal meat of any kind for only vegetables and fruits were given to humans and animals to eat as there was and is after the fall.
Once we arrive in the Heavenly New Jerusalem then things will be as they were before the fall. For it is then when we will partake of the Tree of Life. But that will not occur until Christ returns.
Until Christ returns, we are under the New Covenant not a renewed covenant.
Perhaps that is partly the reason Hebrews 8:13 says: “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
Note that in Hebrews 8:13 the word covenant is italicized in the King James Version as it does not actually appear in the text of the verse. However, it is explicitly used in Hebrews 8:8; therefore, it is correct to view it as implicitly occurring in Hebrews 8:13 given the entirety of the context of Hebrews 8:13.
Notice Hebrews 8:13 says God has made the first old. It does not say God has renewed the first. God clearly says he has replaced not repaired and not renewed the first. The New Covenant under Christ supersedes as in does away with the Old Covenant though that doing away with is not in total as the New Covenant incorporates much but not all of the Old Covenant.
For example, the New Covenant incorporates all of the Ten Commandments as given in Exodus 20:1-17. Except for the Sabbath, all of the Ten Commandments explicitly are repeated in some form in the New Testament as to be obeyed by disciples of Christ. The Sabbath commandment is given by example and disciples of Christ are told not to judge one another as to the when, how, and where of attending to the Sabbath; keeping the sabbath under the New Covenant is about the newness of the spirit of the law more than the oldness of the letter of the law. Indeed, taking at least one day a week for holy convocation at least at home and rest is a matter of faith that God will provide.
Now for those who still insist on using the word Renew instead of New, integrity still requires they admit the covenant we are under now differs from the covenant as existed under Moses. For indeed, under Moses it was necessary for multiple animals to die and shed blood periodically for the sins of humans with no man qualifying for such a sacrifice. But now under Christ no animal need die and shed blood for the sins of humans. For the Son of God and Son of Man Christ Jesus died and shed his blood once and for all for the sins of humans. At least that defines a difference between the Old and the New and that human sacrifice could not have been any part of a renewal. It is new and only new. Therefore, the covenant disciples of Christ are under is better and rightly termed the New Covenant.
My Admiration for Hebrew Israelism Goal But Not Their Method.
After initially writing this article, some years later I became involved in a Facebook group consisting of Christians and Hebrew Israelites where we discussed the Bible and its application to life.
In my interactions as in all of life I try to promote a common understanding of what God says from Genesis to Revelation. That includes an understanding and appreciation of why folks believe what they believe. It also includes advocating that we all be humble enough to unlearn untruths.
Hebrew Israelism claims Christianity in general does not reflect the kind of obedient commitment to God that it should. I certainly understand and appreciate why Hebrew Israelites say Christianity generally does not emphasize obedience to God to the degree one should. I also understand and appreciate why Christians say Hebrew Israelites generally neglect to identify with and emphasize faith in Christ to the degree one should.
I admire Hebrew Israelism for their focus on calling the Black Community to greater commitment to God in terms of salvation and living holy. For Christianity has in modern times failed to promote holy living for Christians individually, as a church community, and as members of society and promoting sustainment and further insertion of godly doctrinal principles into every area of society. Also, Christianity’s Black Church and Christianity in general has failed to more largely build on the efforts of the Christian Church based Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to continue forward progress toward every neighbor welcoming and promoting equal opportunity for every neighbor regardless of skin color. Here I refer to the love thy neighbor as thyself principle of Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39. I do not admire Hebrew Israelism failure in general to extend the same call to faith, hope, and love to people of all skin colors and nationalities.
The rising up of Black Men similar to the manner portrayed in Old and New Testament of Israelite men arrayed for battle against all types of enemies, spiritual and natural, is certainly needed but so also is the rising up of men of all races and nationalities so as to lead homes, churches, communities, cities, counties, states, and nations.
Of course, this should be done with spiritual weapons rather than carnal weapons. Christ’s principle of love for all demands that we do not resort to carnal weapons of violence.
And this spiritual warfare should be done in a form that provides for and protects women and children.
At the same time we should be about cultivating, encouraging, and supporting Proverbs 31 women who prioritizes the home; women who also may work outside the home in businesses with her husband being the elder and spiritual leader in the home and church/congregation. This should be about wife supporting the husband in his God given authority to be the primary spiritual leader and main financial provider for the home and church. Indeed, it was the Proverb 31 women whose husband was the elder at the gate not her.
Person in the Old Testament Identified as Both an Ishmaelite and Israelite.
In consideration of identity doctrines, it is useful to consider that the Bible seemingly contains an example of a person in 1 Chronicles 2:17 and 2 Samuel 17:25 being referred to as both a non-Israelite (Ishamelite) and Israelite.
1 Chronicles 2:17 says: “And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite.” and 2 Samuel 17:25 says: “And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.”
Dead Sea scroll 4Q51 at the link here says: “25 Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash Jesse, sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. “
Brenton Septuagint says: in 2 Samuel 17:25: “And Abessalom appointed Amessai in the room of Joab over the host. And Amessai was the son of a man whose name was Jether of Jezrael: he went in to Abigaia the daughter of Naas, the sister of Saruia the mother of Joab.”
In 1 Chronicles 2:17 Amasa father is called an Ishmaelite but in 2 Samuel 17:25 an Israelite though the father name is spelled differently. The Dead Sea Scroll entry is consistent with 2 Samuel 17:25 in referring to Amasa father as an Israelite. There is no Dead Sea Scroll entry yet available for 1 Chronicles 2:17. Brenton Septuagint (reportedly an English translation of a Greek translation) seems to have the location he was from not the word Israelite for his identity. I was under the impression that non-Israelites were always referred to as strangers in the Old Testament and never using the word Israelite. This example seems to be an exception to that general rule.
My Identity as to Whether I am Israelite or Non-Israelite.
I once was of the persuasion to warn everyone about becoming a Hebrew Israelite due to the perceived racist doctrine of the ones I had encountered.
However, I have come to learn that not all of them hold to a racist doctrine.
I first heard of Hebrew Israelites about 10-12 years ago when I received a call that a family member had become involved with a Hebrew Israelite group in Dallas Texas whose named is Gathering of Christ Church (GOCC). I immediately thought about Jim Jones who started out as a young person serious about serving God in a holy wholesome way. But somewhere along the way he got too much into himself and reportedly drug abuse and away from God and ended up leading a bunch of reportedly mostly poor black folks into a condition where they eventually reportedly committed mass suicide in the South American town of Guyana. I always said I would not sit idly by and allow any family member of mine get involved with such a group without me trying to get them out.
Therefore, I contacted the family member and inquired about what was going on. I asked when was the next meeting? I drove about three hours to the next meeting and listened intently to the elders. I was comforted by the fact that I did get a sense they were not of the type of group that Jim Jones had. Afterwards, I spoke to the elders. I respectfully told them I agreed with some of what they said; but, I thought their overly emphasis over Black people as being Israelites was concerning to me. I advised my family member to leave the group. My family member stayed for a while but eventually left for my family member’s own reason.
Since that time, I have engaged with others who identify as Hebrew Israelites. In doing so, I have gained a more complete understanding of the why and what of Hebrew Israelism.
I have come to learn that some of them qualify as Christian as much as I do. Therefore, since I would not tell anyone not to identify as Baptist or Church of Christ or Methodist or Catholic or Protestant, I no longer so straightforwardly advise folks not to identify with being part of Hebrew Israelism. I do advise folks not to associate with Hebrew Israelism groups who exclude Whiteish folks from qualifying as Hebrew Israelites and/or from qualifying for salvation under Christ. I certainly advise folks against association with a group or doctrine who say only Hebrew Israelites can be saved.
Given all the above, I have decided to say it is okay to identify as part of Hebrew Israelism so long as one makes sure one believes in Christ as Lord and Savior and accepts the New Testament and does not have racist doctrines. Indeed, such denominational/group labels usually reflect association for various reasons but not necessarily the totality of a person’s spirit, mind, heart, faith, beliefs, and faithfulness to God.
Of course, my position on the matter of whether I am or not biologically an Israelite may change as I encounter new information in my journey. I certainly would consider it an honor to so be yet not in anyway demeaning the value of people who are not biologically an Israelite. Yet, as a matter of personal integrity I must be sufficiently convinced. To date I am not so convinced whether I am or am not biologically a Hebrew Israelite.
Biologically I identify as a Black American for that is the nation in which I conclusively know to be my nation of birth.
I might be an Israelite biologically and I might not me an Israelite biologically.
I might be an Israelite spiritually and I might not be an Israelite spiritually (Romans 11 engrafting principle).
I definitively am by faith a Christian (Acts 11:26).
I definitively am by faith a member of Christ church (Matthew 16:13-18; Romans 11 engrafting principle).
I labor by faith to live a saved life and by ability to do that has absolutely nothing to do with being an Israelite or not being an Israelite.
Summary of two phases of becoming and being a Christian (Acts 11:26).
Getting Saved by Faith – Salvation as a divine gracious work of God including the Role of the Holy Spirit: Example scriptures are John 3:5-6, 14-18; Ephesians 1:6-7; 2:8-10
Living Saved by Faith – Expressing in Attitude, Thought, Voice, and Action Obedient Love for God, Self, and Others: Example scriptures are Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 5:13-16; John 14:15-21; 1 Peter 4:15-16
Let us all attend to:
The Great Commandments (Matthew 22:34-40; Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18)
1. Love God first and above all.
2. Love all others as you love yourself — application: the blessings you want for yourself then want for others. The eternity you want for yourself then want for all others.
The Forgiveness Principle (Matthew 6:14-15; Proverbs 10:12):
1. Forgive self
2. Forgive others as we desire to be forgiven
The God Offers Salvation to Israelite and Non-Israelite Principle:
1. Christ ancestors include Israelite and Non-Israelite; therefore, God’s people include both.
2. Matthew 15:24; Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:5; Acts 1:8
3. Matthew 1:5, 21; Hebrews 11:31; Acts 2:10; 6:5
4. Timothy (Acts 16:1-5) compelled to be circumcised but Titus (Gal 2:3-5) not compelled to be circumcised
Concluding Questions for All to Consider.
Below I am going to post some separate questions for those who identify as Christian and for those who identify as Hebrew Israelite.
These questions have to do with obedience of a believer in the God (Elohim) of Genesis 1:1 which is the common deity of both Christians and Hebrew Israelites.
For the Christian: Ephesians 6:2-3 is a direct quote from Exodus 20:12. So my question (s) for Christians are:
Is Ephesians 6:2-3 a thou shall do for the saved disciple of Christ under the New Covenant just as it was under Moses of the Old Covenant?
Do you believe you need the Holy Spirit to force you to obey or should it be enough that you know the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write those words in Ephesians 6 for all believers in every generation (John 17:20).
For the Hebrew Israelite: Deuteronomy 21:18-21 says an unrepentant rebellious drunkard gluttonous son shall be stoned to death. So my questions for Hebrew Israelites are:
Is it your position that those Hebrew Israelites perhaps even you who were such a person should have been killed by their parent?
If your son is or becomes such, is it your belief that he should be killed, if the law of the land in modern times allows/allowed such killing? How about your daughter as I suppose the Deuteronomy 21 principle would apply to daughters as well?
If America would give Hebrew Israelites land to start their own nation would you choose laws that kill your children for being a rebellious drunkard gluttonous person or would you choose the way of grace as brought in by Christ exhorting and hoping your children would one day repent?
References.
For a discussion on Jesus race and skin color click here.
For more information on Old Covenant and New Covenant Law Differ click here.
For more information on feasts and holydays including Christian Holidays click here.
For more information on the Book of Jubilees click here.
For more information on God’s Covenants with his creation, click here.
For more information on the grace, law, etc. click here.
For a religious and other holiday calendar click here.
See Why Not Judaism and Islam for more info on them.
For a discussion of proselytes see the external reference in the Jewish Encyclopedia.
The Congregation Temple Bethel is a predominantly black Jewish congregation that believes they are descendants of Abraham. Yet, they also accept whites who say they are Jews, descendants of Abraham. Hence, they are not the same as Hebrew Israelism.
Gathering of Christ Church (GOCC) On Who are the Descendants of Hebrew Israelites
Copy of Newsweek 2010 Article on Jews in Israel Counted Among Descendants of Israelites
