From a reader:
Mr. Collins,
I have read from you that, the name of Isaac and Jacob (Israel), has been kept in our times. I think you give good arguments for this. However, Genesis 48 not only mentions the name of Israel and Isaac, but also Abraham´s. How is it that Abraham´s name has been named in the tribes of Ephraim and Manases (UK, USA, Canada, etc)?
Cheers,
Ricardo
My response:
Dear Ricardo,
You ask a very good question. Genesis 48 does confer on the birthright descendants (the nations of the tribes of Ephraim, and Manasseh) the names of “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” The name of “Isaac” has been stamped on these tribes via the historical names attached to their descendants over the centuries (Saka, Sacae, Saxon, etc.), and the name “Israel” has been applied to them consistently in biblical prophecies (“Israel” or “House of Israel”). I believe the “name” of Abraham has been applied to them more indirectly. These tribes have inherited the bulk of the blessings given to them under the terms of the Covenant that God made with Abraham. That the nations of the modern tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (the “Saxon” British nations and the USA) were blessed with large populations, mineral and agricultural wealth, the ownership of the”gates of their enemies” (Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Gibraltar, etc.) confirms that God placed Abraham’s “name” upon them. Genesis 49:22-26 prophesied that the latter days would be a time when these Abrahamic blessings would especially be poured out on the latter-day nations of Ephraim and Manasseh, and that certainly came to pass. However, due to national sins and foolish decisions, the modern nations of Ephraim and Manasseh have largely squandered the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant that they were so generously given.
Steve
