The Blessing Of Grace Given To The Youngest Sons Abel, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Pharez, Ephraim, And David; Learn Why Palestinians Will Never Destroy Joseph's Bones Buried Below A Cenotaph And God's Promises

According To The Letter The Oldest Firstborn Son Received The Blessing

According To Grace The Youngest Son Received The Blessing

1) By Grace The Youngest Son Abel Received The Blessing

     Cain and Abel both presented offerings to God. Cain offered the fruit of the ground (works) saying "All the labor of my hands can fulfill thy laws demands." Abel offered the firstlings of his flock (the blood of the Lamb Jesus) saying "Nothing in my hands I bring; Simply to the cross I cling." God accepted the youngest son Abel's offering and refused the oldest son Cain's offering. Genesis 4:3 says And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 

     After God saw Cain's angry attitude toward his brother Abel, God told Cain at Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. In other words God gave Cain a chance to change his angry attitude by doing well with a blessed offering of the blood of the Lamb Jesus. Notice that Abel brought firstlings (more than one Lamb) showing kindness to Cain where Cain could offer the extra firstling Lamb for an acceptable offering. Abel wanted Cain to have a blessed attitude saying Forgive me Lord, I'll get a Lamb, offer it to you, and not be angry at my brother Abel.

     But instead Cain chose to remain angry with a jealous attitude about his brother Abel where Cain killed Abel. Cain's angry attitude with no repentance determined his outcome curse of everlasting punishment and torment in hell and the lake of fire. Cain went to hell because he refused to repent (a requirement for salvation at 2 Corinthians 7:10) and only told God at Genesis 4:13 My punishment is greater than I can bear. Jude 11 places Cain in hell with Balaam and Korah (Korah went down alive into the pit of hell for rebelling against Moses). Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 

     1 John 3:10 says In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

     One final note about Cain, Korah, and Balaam who represent the devil, the beast, and the false prophet. Cain represents the devil who was a murderer. Korah represents the beast antichrist who became a rebellious ruler against Moses. Balaam represents a false prophet who according to Revelation 2:14 got a payoff of filthy lucre by teaching Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication by sending beautful Midianitish women to the Jews (Read Numbers Chapter 25). 

2) By Grace The Youngest Son Isaac Received The Blessing

     The youngest son Isaac received the blessing instead of the oldest son Ishmael. After salvation with the Lord Jesus, blessings are determined by grace and not by good works, birthrights, or man's desires. In the old testament, younger children by grace received the firstborn birthright blessings of the families instead of their older brothers. The Lord Jesus did this to prove that anyone can receive the mercy and blessings of Jesus when they repent of their sinful life, irregardless of what any birthright or person says. Pictured above we see that the younger son Isaac received the promised blessing instead of the older son Ishmael. 

     The scripture that discusses the picture above of younger son Isaac being blessed instead of the older son Ishmael is at Genesis 17:18. And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee. And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

3) By Grace The Youngest Son Jacob Received The Blessing

     The Lord Jesus blessed the youngest son Jacob instead of the oldest son Esau. Romans 9:10 says And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth; It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

     Esau sold his birthright and hope for salvation to his brother Jacob for one morsel of meat and the temporary sinful pleasure of fornication with many women. Esau sinned so much that he crossed a line with God where he could not return to God for salvation. Note the warning at Hebrews 12:16 about Esau that says Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

     In other words the many sins of Esau prevented him from returning to God for salvation. Esau found no place of repentance though he sought it carefully with tears. Esau is in hell because repentance is a requirement to be saved. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Paul said at Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

     Don't be like Esau and find yourself in a place where you have sinned so much that you can not find repentance and return to God. Stop smoking pot and weed, aborting babies, drinking alcohol all day, fornicating with woman all the time, supporting same sex marriage and transgenderism, and removing prayer and bibles from schools. While there is still time, repent and stop these sins and God will have mercy on you and save you. If you ignore this plea, you will end up like Esau and not find repentance and be lost in torment for ever in a burning hell and the lake of fire.

4) By Grace The Youngest Son Joseph Received The Blessing

     The oldest son Reuben committed incest with his stepmother Bilhah and lost many blessings. Reuben's loss of blessing is recorded at Genesis 49:3 where Jacob says Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch. Reuben's sin is recorded at Genesis 35:22. And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Reuben lost so many blessings for just one sexual sin of incest with his stepmother Bilhah. Reuben lost the priesthood blessing to Levi, the blessing of being Jesus' great grandfather to Judah, and the double portion blessing to Joseph.

     According to the law, the double portion blessing had to be given to the firstborn child of a hated wife (this would be Reuben, the son of Leah, the wife hated by Jacob) before the firstborn child of a loved wife (this would be Joseph, the son of Rachel, the wife loved by Jacob). The law about the double portion blessing is stated at Deuteronomy 21:15 and says If a man have two wives, one beloved (Rachel by Jacob), and another hated (Leah, mother of Reuben, by Jacob), and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated: Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn: But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. But Jacob by grace blessed Joseph instead of Reuben with the double portion blessing, setting Joseph free from the curse of the law.

     Unlike Reuben, the youngest son Joseph received Jacob's double portion blessing because Joseph denied having an affair with an older woman pictured above who was Potiphar's wife. Reuben lost his double portion blessing when he sinned and committed fornication with his stepmother Bilhah while Joseph denied the same sin with an older woman who was the wife of Potiphar. As a result, Joseph instead of Reuben received Jacob's double portion blessing and Reuben bowed down to Joseph with his other brothers and Jacob in Egypt. 

     Genesis 39:7 says And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth (knows) not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath in my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

     Genesis 48:21 says And Israel (Jacob) said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers (note that Jacob believed the promise stated to Abraham that after 400 years the Jews would leave Egypt and return to Israel). Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren (note that Joseph and his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh were given the double portion blessing instead of Reuben), which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

5) By Grace The Youngest Son Pharez Received The Blessing

     Tamar tricked Judah pictured above, causing Judah to make Tamar pregnant and be the father of twins named Pharez and Zarah listed on Judah's family tree pictured above. It's interesting to note that Zarah's hand came out first when the twins were born, and the midwife (representing man's ways) chose Zarah to be the firstborn by placing a scarlet thread on Zarah's hand. Genesis 38:28 says And it came to pass, when she (Tamar) travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah (rising).

     But God chose the other child Pharez to be the firstborn whose children (not Zarah's children) were listed as Jesus' grandparents at Matthew 1:3 that says And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares (note not Zara) begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram. The midwife chose Zarah as the firstborn to be blessed, but God by grace blessed Pharez and his children with the firstborn blessing.

6) By Grace The Youngest Son Ephraim Received The Blessing

     Pictured above Jacob gave the greater blessing to the youngest son Ephraim instead of the oldest son Manasseh. Joseph's wish to bless the firstborn oldest son Manasseh was ignored and by grace the youngest son Ephraim received the promised blessing. Genesis 48:17 says And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. 

     And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

7) By Grace The Youngest Son David Received The Blessing

     God had Samuel anoint Jesse's youngest son David to be the king of Israel instead of Jesse's older sons Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, and seven other sons. The story about the picture above can be found at 1 Samuel 16:1. And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons. 

     1 Samuel 16:6 says And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.

     And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from the day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

8) By Grace Get Saved With Jesus And Receive Eternal Life

     After salvation, the Lord Jesus can bless anyone by grace and ignore any denial of a blessing by any law or birthright. The world separates people into classes and makes the rich better than the middle class and the poor. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. The Lord Jesus sees everyone as sinners and no one is better than another person. All men are sinners and equal at the foot of the cross. 

     With Jesus there are no big I's and little you's. Good people and wicked people go through the same door Jesus to get saved. Rich people, poor people, young people, and old people go through the same door Jesus to get saved. Jesus said at John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Jesus said at John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

     Ephesians 2:8 says For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. John 1:11 says He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Salvation and blessings are not determined by birthrights, the will of the flesh, or the will of man. Salvation and blessings are determined by grace. 

     Whosoever will let them come to the Lord Jesus today and receive the free gift of salvation by grace. Revelation 22:17 says And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Jesus said at John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, 

Confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel,

That Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again

     The promises of God are true and will eventually occur. Notice Joseph's tomb pictured above with Joseph's bones in Shechem, Israel. How do Joseph's bones prove that the promises of God are true? To answer this question we must first study a promise given by God to Abram at Genesis 15:13. And He (God) said unto Abram, know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them 400 years. And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 

     Stephen restated this promise at Acts 7:6 and said And God spake on this wise, That His seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil 400 years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. God was telling Abram a promise that the children of Israel would be slaves in Egypt for 400 years and then come out of Egypt to Israel with great substance.

     God performed his promise and after 400 years the children of Israel left Egypt proven by Exodus 12:40 that says Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was 430 years. And it came to pass at the end of the 430 years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. Moses per Joseph's request took the bones of Joseph to Israel when the children of  Israel left Egypt after 400 years with great substance. This is proven by Exodus 13:19 that says And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

      Finally Joshua buried Joseph's bones in a tomb at Shechem, Israel. This is proven by Joshua 24:32 that says And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for 100 pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. 

     Joseph's greatest act of faith occurred at his death when he requested his bones to be carried out of Egypt to Israel when he believed God's promise to Abram that after 400 years the children of Israel would leave Egypt. This was a great act of faith by Joseph because Joseph was a powerful ruler, comfortable, and happy in Egypt at the time of his death. But Joseph feared God and believed the promise of God and knew that his descendants would leave Egypt after 400 years.

     Look at Joseph's faithful words that he stated at his death believing God's promise given to Abram many years earlier. Genesis 50:24 says And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being 110 years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Joseph's greatest act of faith recorded at Hebrews 11:22 did not occur as a powerful leader of Egypt, but was the above faithful statement he made at his death concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22 says By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

The Palestinians Burned Joseph's Tomb 

But Did Not Destroy Joseph's Bones Buried Underneath The Tomb

     Joseph's bones currently exist today at Shechem, Israel hidden underneath the tomb pictured above in the modern city of Nablus and are evidence that God's promises are true and that Israel left Egypt after 400 years of slavery with great substance. The Palestinians in 2000, 2015, and 2022 tried to burn down Joseph's tomb and say God's Word and promises are not true. What's interesting is that Joseph's tomb was burned but Joseph's bones were not destroyed and remain hidden underneath the tomb to this day proving that God's promises are true.

     While there has been significant destruction and vandalism at Joseph's tomb in Nablus (Shechem) by Palestinian groups, the site itself remains and has been restored multiple times. The site has been a major flashpoint for religious and political conflict, particularly since the late 20th century. In 2000, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a Palestinian mob called Al Aqsa Intifada looted and razed Joseph's tomb. The dome was painted green, and Jewish prayer books were burned.

     In 2015 Palestinian rioters set the site ablaze with Molotov cocktails, causing severe damage to the women's prayer section. In 2022 dozens of rioters vandalized Joseph's tomb twice in one week, destroying electrical systems, burning the interior of Joseph's tomb, and smashing Joseph's cenotaph (Joseph's empty tomb and monument above Joseph's bones hidden underneath the tomb in a secret grave).

     Despite these attacks, Joseph's tomb is frequently repaired by Israeli authorities or local councils, often under heavy military escort. While Jews revere the site as Joseph's burial place, some local Muslim traditions say that the site houses an 18th century Muslim cleric named Sheikh Yousef Dawiqat. Joseph's tomb is located in Area A of the West Bank, placing it under the civil and security control of the Palestinian authority, though the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) coordinate periodic Jewish pilgrimages there.

     A cenotaph is a commemorative monument or empty tomb erected to honor a person or group whose remains are interred elsewhere or were never recovered. A cenotaph provides a physical focal point for mourning when the deceased is buried in a distant location (such as a foreign battlefield), lost at sea, or cremated. While cenotaphs often resemble traditional tombs or sarcophagi (stone coffins often decorated with sculptures or inscriptions used for burials in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome), they contain no human remains.

     Cenotaphs were common in the ancient Egypt and Greece and gained modern prominence after World War 1. Because many soldiers were buried in foreign lands, these empty tombs allowed families back home a sacred space to pay their respects. In some traditions, such as at the Taj Mahal, a decorative cenotaph is placed in a public viewing area while the actual remains are interred in a quiet crypt directly below.

     The three most famous cenotaphs are 1) The Alamo Cenotaph that led to Texas' independence from Mexico that honors those who died in the battle of Alamo, whose bodies were cremated rather than buried. 2) The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Cenotaph that is a concrete structure in Japan dedicated to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. 3) The London Cenotaph National War Memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens that honors the dead of the British Empire from both World Wars.

No One Will Destroy Joseph's Bones Hidden Underneath Joseph's Tomb

Joseph's Bones Prove That The Bible Is True And That The Jews Left Egypt

With Great Substance After 400 Years Fulfilling God's Promise To Abram

     Whether the physical bones of Joseph remain at Joseph's tomb in Nablus (Shechem) is a matter of religious faith rather than proven archeological fact because the burial chamber itself has not been scientifically excavated in modern times. The monument visible to visitors is a cenotaph memorial and not the actual burial spot. The actual burial spot is believed to be in a hidden chamber below the tomb deep underground, which has generally remained inaccessible and was not reached during the surface level vandalism and fires of 2000, 2015, and 2022. 

     While Palestinian rioters have repeatedly smashed the cenotaph, burned the interior of Joseph's tomb, and destroyed electrical systems, there are no documented reports of the underground burial vault holding Joseph's bones being breached or remains being removed. No one will destroy Joseph's bones because the KJV bible is the truth. Joseph's bones remain today and prove that God's promise to Abram was fulfilled when the Jews left Egypt's slavery and bondage after 400 years. Everything in the KJV bible is the truth and is the most reliable source of truthful infinite knowledge in the universe. If God told me I could have one book on a deserted island, I'd choose the KJV bible that always offers infinite wisdom for ever.

     Pictured above we see Joseph's cenotaph monument in his tomb at Shechem, Israel and why many Jews visit the tomb to pray on a regular basis. Joseph's bones are hidden in a tomb underneath the cenotaph and are evidence that God's promises are true. After 400 years the children of Israel left Egypt and returned to Israel with great substance. Remember that all the promises of God are true. Keep waiting for the promises of God because Psalm 27:14 says Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. The children of Israel waited 400 years for God's promise, and after 400 years God performed his promise and freed all the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. Remember that when God makes a promise, God will perform and keep His promise. Romans 3:4 says Let God be true, but every man a liar.

     The following scriptures prove that the promises of God are true and will happen. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 1 Kings 8:56 says Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 

     Titus 1:2 says In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. I pray in Jesus name that we can have faith like Abraham who believed the promise of God stated at Romans 4:20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And 400 years later God was faithful and performed His promise. The people of the world might say seeing is believing but by faith with Jesus, we can say believing is seeing.

     Notice the chart above of how the 12 tribes are listed in Genesis, Numbers, and Revelation. First in Genesis the 12 tribes whose names all refer to Jesus are listed. 1) Reuben-Behold A Son (Jesus is the Son of God) 2) Simeon-Heard (Jesus hears us always and blesses us all) 3) Levi-Joined To (We all are Joint Heirs with Jesus) 4) Judah-Praised (With Jesus There Is Continuous Praise) 5) Zebulun-Exalted (Jesus will be exalted to be King of kings for ever) 6) Issachar-There is Recompense (Jesus is our Reward; Jesus said at Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be) 

     7) Manasseh-Causing to forget (With Jesus saints forget all bad thoughts and the devil) 8) Gad-Troop (Jesus is the Captain of the Lord's Host defined in Hebrew at Joshua 5 to be the General or Commander in Chief of the Army or Troop of Warring Angels led by the Archangel Michael) 9) Asher-Happy (Jesus will make us happy for ever) 10) Naphtali-Wrestling (Jesus suffered for us on the cross of Calvary and obtained eternal life for us) 11) Joseph-Jehovah Has Added (Jesus will give us exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us) 12) Benjamin-Son Of the Right Hand (Jesus is exalted for ever and sits at the right hand of the Father in the kingdom of God).

     Next in Numbers the tribes of Levi and Joseph are replaced by the tribes of Manasseh (Causing To Forget) and Ephraim (Doubly Fruitful). Levi was removed from the list to be priests that served the Lord stated at Numbers 1:49. Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle. Joseph was removed from the list because Joseph's sons Manasseh and Ephraim received the double portion blessing.

 
     Finally Revelation 7:4 lists the 12 tribes of Israel that I believe are the 12 tribes listed on the gates of the kingdom of God. Notice that the Revelation 7:4 listing of the 12 tribes removes Dan and Ephraim from the list and Joseph and Levi reappear in the list of the 12 tribes of Israel. Also note that Manasseh remains in the Revelation 7:4 list of the 12 tribes of Israel. What is the reasoning behind the Revelation 7:4 listing of the 12 tribes of Israel? Why was Dan and Ephraim removed from the list and Joseph and Levi reinstated? Why does Manasseh remain in the list of the 12 tribes of Israel?

     I believe that Levi reappeared in the Revelation list because their role as priests outside of the tribes under the law ceased once Jesus put His own blood on the mercy seat in heaven and became our High priest for ever. Dan and Ephraim were removed from the Revelation tribe listing because Dan and Ephraim sinned and worshipped idols, but Dan and Ephraim are still hidden in the tribe of Joseph for the following reasons. Ephraim (mentioned earlier in this bible study) was blessed instead of Manasseh with the birthright blessing of Joseph. Therefore Ephraim is hidden in the tribe of Joseph but Manasseh had to remain a listed tribe because Manasseh did not receive Joseph's birthright blessing. Since Dan lived in Ephraim, Dan is also hidden in the tribe of Joseph and receives Ephraim's blessing. Therefore in reality the Revelation 7:4 list of tribes includes all the 14 tribes stated in the bible.

     The following scriptures prove that because Dan and Ephraim worshipped idols, their names were removed from the Revelation listing of the 12 tribes. Hosea 4:17 says Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone. Judges 18:30 says And the children of Dan set up the graven image. The punishment for Ephraim's sin is stated at Psalm 78:9. The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle; They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in His law; And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. Psalm 78:67 further states Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim.

     Hosea 5:9 also states why Ephraim was punished and says Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be. The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out my wrath upon them like water. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment (mocked the prophet Isaiah's words). Finally the scripture that proves that Dan lived in Ephraim and shared in the birthright blessing of Ephraim to be hidden among the tribe of Joseph is at Judges 18:2 that says And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 746-7071. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.