Expert: Dean Gade - 10/19/2005

Question
Dean

         I would like to know about the 10 northern tribes that were exiled by the Babylonians and eventually, "Lost," into history. My question is...What was God's purpose in allowing that to happen? In the Old Testament, God always has a greater purpose to all that he allows: For example when Joseph was sold into slavery he ended up saving the whole country from starvation and was a biblical "Type," of Christ - There was a purpose to it. So why did God allow such a HUGE historical even to occur like the occurrance with the 10 lost tribes. Is there some sort of greater significance, some sort of symbolism I am not seeing. This is perplexing me a great deal. Thank You.....Pete

Answer
As you read the warnings of God to these people in the prophetic books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, etc before the Babylonian captivity, you see that God gave them much warning about their "adultery" and "prostitution" of joining themselves with other gods(spiritual husbands).

His covenant with all the tribes was given through Moses and began with "You will love the Lord your God above all else".  This is the first and great commandment.  The 10 tribes which split off after Solomon's reign abandonded God and went their own way after false gods which encouraged their evil.  

The covenant was broken.  They had no right, nor really any desire, to be God's people any more. And God allowed them to have their own way, but not with his blessing or covering.

The lesson is that even as He kicked Adam out of the garden and removed His blessings on the earth because of sin....and as He finally gave up on the horrible evil the whole world did to one another and poured out the windows of heaven in the flood,... so also even His chosen people are His only when they recognize Him as their Lord and God and the only source of salvation.

It is a warning to all who call themselves the children of God but declared their independence for Him and His love.