No, the ten tribes of Israel were not lost.
Before the Babylonian captivity, some had returned to Judah, so not all were lost. Later, at Pentecost, Peter addressed 'all the house of Israel,' showing all tribes were represented. Les emphasizes that God knows each tribe even if people today cannot trace their lineage.
Acts 2:36 — Peter's address to 'all the house of Israel' directly indicates that all twelve tribes were present.
In Acts 2, Peter on the day of Pentecost addresses the Jewish crowd with the phrase 'all the house of Israel' (Acts 2:36). This term is not limited to Judah and Benjamin but encompasses the whole nation of Israel. The context is entirely Jewish: a feast day, Jewish people gathered from various nations, and a message to Israel. This inclusive language indicates that the ten tribes were not lost but were represented among the audience. Additionally, Ezekiel's vision of dry bones refers to 'the whole house of Israel' (Ezekiel 37:11), signifying that all tribes are recognized and will be restored.
Les Feldick firmly rejects the idea of lost ten tribes. He points out that when Peter speaks to 'all the house of Israel' in Acts 2:36, it means all twelve tribes, not just Judah and Benjamin. He acknowledges that some may have assimilated or disappeared into the woodwork, but the biblical record shows that all tribes were represented, with some even becoming the Samaritans. He also connects this to Ezekiel's dry bones vision, which speaks of the whole house of Israel being brought back to life nationally. Even today, although Jews may not know their tribe, God knows who belongs to each tribe. Les asserts that the nation of Israel is not merely the residue of Judah and Benjamin but includes all tribes.
Les points out that the Babylonian captivity was not limited to the southern kingdom alone. The northern ten tribes had already returned to Judah prior to that event. He mentions that some of the ten tribes came back and set up worship at Samaria, becoming the Samaritans of Jesus' day. Thus, the captivity included representatives from all Israel, not just Judah and Benjamin.
In Acts 2, Peter addresses the crowd as 'Ye men of Israel' (Acts 2:22) and then 'all the whole house of Israel' (Acts 2:36). Les emphasizes that this means all twelve tribes, not just two. The gathering on the day of Pentecost included Jewish people from every nation under heaven, representing all tribes. Therefore, the ten tribes were not lost but present in Jerusalem.
Les explains that Ezekiel's vision of dry bones is about the nation of Israel coming back to life nationally, and the Scripture explicitly says 'these bones are the whole house of Israel' (Ezekiel 37:11). This includes all twelve tribes, not just Judah and Benjamin. It disproves the idea that ten tribes are lost or extinct. God knows each tribe even if the people themselves do not.
Teaching Context
Les sets the stage for his teaching style and emphasis on progressive revelation, showing he interprets Scripture as a consistent narrative.
All House of Israel
Les directly states that the ten tribes are not lost, and when Peter says 'all the house of Israel,' he means all twelve tribes. He acknowledges some may have disappeared into the woodwork, but all are represented.
Every Tribe Represented
Les teaches that in the return, every tribe is represented, and God knows who belongs to each tribe. The 'whole house of Israel' is mentioned, not just two tribes.
Whole House of Israel in Acts and Ezekiel
Les links Peter's term 'whole house of Israel' with Ezekiel's 'whole house of Israel,' emphasizing that all tribes are included, not just Judah and Benjamin.
Jews Still Jews
Despite centuries of dispersion, Jews remain Jews, and although individuals may not know their tribe, God knows. God brings them back as Jews from all tribes.
Dry Bones Vision Interpreted
Les explains that Ezekiel's dry bones vision refers to the whole house of Israel, not just two tribes, and refutes the idea that the ten tribes are lost.
Peter Addresses All Israel
Les highlights that Peter addresses 'Ye men of Israel' and then 'all the house of Israel,' encompassing all twelve tribes, not just the residents of two.
Historical Dispersion and Return
Les reviews Israel's history of dispersion and return, showing that God has always preserved the nation and is bringing them back from all quarters.
Acts 2:22: Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Peter addresses the crowd as 'Ye men of Israel,' which includes all twelve tribes, not just Judah and Benjamin.
Acts 2:36: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Peter explicitly says 'all the house of Israel,' showing that all tribes are present and addressed.
Ezekiel 37:11: Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
Ezekiel's vision is explained as representing the whole house of Israel, not just two tribes, proving the ten tribes are not lost.
No, they are not lost. The Bible and Les Feldick teach that all twelve tribes are represented. Peter's address to 'all the house of Israel' in Acts 2:36 confirms this, and Ezekiel 37 speaks of the whole house of Israel.
Yes, according to Les Feldick, the ten tribes had returned to Judah before the captivity, so the captivity included all Israel. Some even became the Samaritans.
In Acts 2, Peter addresses the crowd as 'Ye men of Israel' and 'all the whole house of Israel,' indicating a gathering of all twelve tribes, not just two.
Watch the Teaching: What Must I Do to Be Saved? Acts 2 vs. Acts 16 Explained