For Ever and Ever

36 after David’s son Solomon died. Shalmaneser, king of Assyria defeated the northern nation of Israel and completely removed them away from their homeland. For all intents and purposes they were not heard of again. These are what are referred to as the ‘lost ten tribes’. (Judah, further to the South was not attacked at that time).

Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only. 2 Kings 17:18 While Israel disappeared from the history books, Judah remained intact as a nation where they remained based in Jerusalem for another 120 years. At the end of this period, Nebuchadnezzar and the now dominant Babylonian Empire defeated the nation of Judah and took them away as captives to Babylon for approximately 70 years. After this episode, the Jews (the nation of Judah) were able to return to Jerusalem and remained there for several hundred years until shortly after Christ died. They were finally defeated and driven out of Jerusalem when the Roman general Titus destroyed the city in 70 AD. Another pressing question now needs to be answered. What is the practical difference between Judah and Israel?

The bible makes a clear distinction between Judah and Israel unless they are being collectively discussed in which case the context is always clear.

The identity of the people of Judah has never been an issue. Despite being dispersed for many centuries Jews, people descended from the tribe of Judah, are readily perceived by their traditions. We know who Judah is; the modern nation of Jewish people currently back in Jerusalem and now known as Israel.

These people clearly are the nation of Judah. So who and what is Israel?

The identities of the descendants of (biblical) Israel are not so easy to trace.

Of the twelve tribes Judah is accounted for. God said all of the tribes would become nations in their own right. Some of them would evolve over time