Tribes of Israel

Dear Gramps, What are your thoughts on the whereabouts of the lost Ten Tribes? My mother-in-law thinks that they were taken away on a continent that was once part of the earth??--s/Thalia, State College, PA. [answer]

Dear Gramps, I have two questions about lineage as revealed to an individual in a patriarchal blessing.

First question: Is it necessary to have a tribe designated? Neither my husband nor I have a tribe of Israel designated in our patriarchal blessings. These blessing were give thousands of miles and many years apart long before we even knew each other. We are both told we are of the house of Israel but that is all. Is this adequate? If not, what do we need to do?

Second question: What is the difference between the blessings, assignments, etc. of the tribe of Ephraim and Manasseh? I have heard that during the Millennium, Ephraim will have the responsibility of missionary work while Manasseh will be charged with temple work. Do you know if this is correct? If so, do you know where I can find a reference regarding it? We have nine children and four are of Ephraim and five are of Manasseh. Because of this we are interested in knowing more about what the different tribe designations mean.

Thanks for you help. Cheryl, Provo, UT [answer]

Gramps, I appreciate your answers to questions so much. To have so many questions answered for people I think is a valuable tool in allowing those of us who have questions to give us a nonjudgmental forum to do so, without feeling we are “weak”!

My question is this: I have read so many different books and also scriptures in an attempt to understand the Ten Tribes return. I feel from my reading that they will return all at once, “from the North,” at some point either right before or after the Coming of Christ. In your opinion, do you think 1) they will come back all as one body of people; and 2) do you feel they will return before or after the Coming of Christ? Thank you - pam [answer]

Dear Gramps, Can you tell me from which parent does a child receive his or her lineage, particularly if the parents are from different tribes? Thanks. Jeff, @chugach.net [answer]

Dear Bro. Gorton, I have had a number of people ask me the question "What is the House of Esau", and they are wondering if there is any special relevance this statement might have to missionary work other than we are to take it to the world? I would appreciate your opinion, if you have time to give it. Thanks so much, Karilin Robb P.S. This reference is from lesson 33. [answer]

Dear Gramps, A few days ago my bishop was teaching seminary and we were talking about the house of Israel. He made the comment that Brigham Young had said that when we are baptized into the church our blood changes to the blood of the house of Israel. That statement surprised me and when I asked if he meant it was a spiritual change, he said no, that it was literal. Is this true? And if it is where can I find the statement by Brigham Young? Also, if it is true could you possibly clarify how this happens scientifically? Thank you, Gidgtmidgt @aol [answer]

Dear Gramps, I read your answer to Lori in OK. about the ten tribes. This is somewhat confusing to me. The Gentile nations. Do they not consist of the lost 10 tribes? If this is so, then the two tribes who were not lost were Judah and Benjamin. Would Benjamin be considered as part of the Jews, or would he also be considered to be Gentile? Exactly what are the Gentiles? Is this just a reference to the rest of the nations of the world and not Jews in Israel? The confusing part is that the ten tribes were called the kingdom of Israel, and the kingdom of Judah included Jews and the tribe of Benjamin. So in reference to Jews and Gentiles, who then are considered to be Jews and who are considered to be Gentiles? Who then are the Israelites? In your reply to Lori you stated, “When a man who is of Israel joins the church....” Who is considered a man who is of Israel? Israelites or Gentiles? I'm confused. Thanks for your help. Lois, from Idaho [answer]

Dear Gramps, I am of the tribe of Manasseh and understand that all information of my tribe was contained in the 116 pages lost by Martin Harris. I would like to learn more of my tribe. Is there anything available? In the Bible dictionary, after Manasseh, it uses the adjective "forgetting". What does this mean? CS, from Ohio [answer]

Dear Gramps: After reading your answer about how lineage is determined in the Church, I have a question. Everyone I know is told through a patriarchal blessing that they are of Ephriam or Manasseh. My patriarchal blessing, however, says I am of the House of Joseph. How often do we hear of "odd" designations like that and what do they mean? PLG @micron.net [answer]