In this episode, I explore the fascinating history of the tribes of Israel, tracing their journey from Jacob’s twelve sons to the time of Jesus. We unpack the land divisions, the political splits, the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, and the enduring mystery of the “Lost Tribes.” Along the way, we see how centuries-old divisions shaped the world Jesus entered—and how His ministry sought to heal them.
Top Topics Covered:
The Origin of the Twelve Tribes
Jacob, renamed Israel, fathered twelve sons who became the heads of Israel’s tribes. Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each received their own territory, maintaining twelve land-holding tribes in the Promised Land.
The Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon’s death, the kingdom split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This rift laid the groundwork for centuries of tension, vulnerability, and eventual exile.
The Scattering of the Northern Tribes
Assyria’s conquest in 722 BC scattered the northern tribes, giving rise to the mystery of the “Ten Lost Tribes,” with possible descendants in Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, South Africa, Persia, and beyond.
The Samaritans and Deep-Seated Tensions
Those who remained in the north became the Samaritans, keeping their own temple and traditions. By Jesus’ time, distrust between Jews and Samaritans was strong and deeply personal.
Jesus’ Radical Bridge-Building
Jesus defied the norms by traveling through Samaria, speaking to the Samaritan woman, healing a Samaritan leper, and making a Samaritan the hero in His parable. He broke through centuries of hostility to offer unity in God’s kingdom.
Takeaways:
The history of the tribes of Israel is a reminder that division is nothing new—it can be political, cultural, or spiritual, and often stems from long-forgotten conflicts. Jesus’ example teaches us that reconciliation requires intentional action. He crossed barriers that others avoided, choosing connection over separation.
In our own lives, the same principles apply. Differences, if left unchecked, can widen over time, but healing begins when we take that first step toward understanding and unity. The call is to see beyond labels and histories, and to embrace one another as one people under God’s care. Reconciliation isn’t instant—it starts with small, deliberate steps.
Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8
Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows
Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.
Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/
Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact permissions@faithlife.com. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.
By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.
