Ye Have Been Hid: Finding the Lost Tribes of Israel

by Leslie Pearson Rees

The subject of the “Lost Tribes” of Israel has been of interest for generations. Especially is this true for members of The LDS Church because of the many references to them in the Book of Mormon & D&C, in addition to the pronouncement of their fate in the 10th Article of Faith.Incredible myths have abounded, and sometimes been promoted in the religious classroom. None of the “hollow earth” or “on a star” legends, however, are as exciting or interesting as the truths concerning them set out in the scriptures.This book is the result of almost 40 years of study and lays out the scriptural record of the House of Israel from its beginning through its history of captivity, journey to the “promised land,” division into two kingdoms, subsequent defeat, and captivity.For the most part, the Israelite tribes were scattered, mixed among the Gentile nations, and most, eventually, forgot their lineage. All of this was foretold by the Lord’s prophets, with their scattering, latter-day gathering, and then a restored identity to those who had forgotten it, clearly laid out.The book is also a collection of fascinating histories, traditions, and legends held by people from many countries of the earth tracing their family lines back to those northern Israelites we call the “Lost Tribes.” They are found in China, Japan, Africa, the countries of the former U.S.S.R., the Middle East, North, and South America, and many other places.The book is a celebration of the Lord’s kept promises to His people and a reminder of the responsibilities of all who are "His.""This book dispels the plethora of myths surrounding the scattering and gathering of Israel, which perennially make their way into every Sunday School, Seminary, and Institute discussion. It gives us a mature and impeccable scriptural road map of Israel's apostasy and travels. Careful teachers would find this volume a most useful reference."-Vivian McConkie Adams

Genres: Religion, Church

280 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, the author says that Lehi was of Manasseh, then says that the native Americans were of Ephraim because a latter day prophet said so. This is true, but she uses the Book of Mormon as a credible source and doesn't use its own scripture relating the same thing. She uses other scriptures from the Book of Mormon but not that one. Then on page 129, she talks of the Spartans, anciently called Lacedemonians and their mention in the first book of the Maccabees. That passage says that they and the Jews are brethren and "that they are of the stock of Abraham". The author asserts that this means they are Israelites. I find it interesting that the author is trying to assert herself as an expert on the subject, but seems to have failed to realize that Abraham had more children than Isaac, not Israel of whom are the Israelites. Children of Abraham's son Ishmael are also of Abraham and brethren of the Jews. Children of Abraham and Keturah (he had a few songs with Keturah) would also be brethren. And then through Isaac, he had a son, Esau, who had 12 sons. All of these are seed of Abraham, but not Israelites.

On page 144 she talks of a tombstone in Spain that has the writing, "This is the tomb of Adoniram, the servant of King Solomon, who came to collect tribute, and died here." In 1 Kings 4:6 she tells us that we find that Adoniram was over the tribute. Then she concludes, "Sending his collector to such a far place indicates that a fairly good sized colony of Israelites lived there who owed tribute." Definition of tribute is wealth given to show respect, honor, submission or allegiance. The Old Testament talks about how the wisdom of Solomon was well known and many nations have tribute. I assume they wanted to show respect for his wisdom, or feared him coming against them if they didn't declare allegiance. The Old Testament talks of many far countries paying tribute, and nowhere does it say that the tribute was a tax of Israelites in those far off nations, before Israel really started to scatter. I believe there is no reason to guess that Israelites were there based on the tombstone. I believe the tombstone lets us know that Spain was known to the Israelites at the time and that they paid tribute to King Solomon. I believe Israelites would've ended up in Spain, but I believe that this tombstone, while interesting, prices nothing along those lines.

It does have many interesting things as well. It says the Hebrew word for Anglo is bull, the animal associated with Ephraim in religion to the Anglo-Saxons being from Ephraim. It also talks of the pattern the tribe of Dan had to name places after Dan. Two animals related to Dan are a serpents tail and a lion's help- which are part of the ancient seal of Denmark. (Hebrew doesn't write vowels, so Dan could easily become Den in a different language or dialect.)

Back to criticism, the author asks if any retained knowledge that they were of Israel. There was an interesting quote to me that suggests to me that maybe they at least hoped they were. But then she uses quotes of Sir Francis Drake, a pope, and Sir Walter Scott that refer to themselves as Israel. To me, these last ones are just examples of Christian devotion. if the pope is not of Israel, what right does he have to rule over the Church of Israel. How could they enlist in wars (the Crusades) against the gentile, if they didn't believe they were of Israel and not a gentle. The first quote was very interesting to me though as it was a more ancient king. The others I think believed they were of Israel because they were Christian and not because they had any remembrance of their ancestry.

In chapter 20, I found it interesting that there are stories of Joseph of Arimathea going to England and setting up a church with 12 apostles. The knights of the round table all claim to be descendents of Joseph and his 12. There are also legends of Christ coming, both as a boy (especially in Cornwall) and as an adult (especially in Somerset). Among Joseph's noted fellow travelers, are, Lazarus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha. they are believed to have stopped in Gaul (France) on their way to Britain.

Without going over my previous notes, I'm going to continue my review of this book. I liked the last part of the book much better than the first part. I felt like towards the end she brought up many interesting legends that would show people Christ may have visited when he said, "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold" (John 10:16) I felt like she didn't try to convince anyone of these legends but just presented them as interesting and only connected dots for plausible explanations. She also went into archaeological finds about certain peoples that could show that they are part of the Lost Tribes of Israel. The beginning of the book, I felt like she tried to make herself an expert, but then left room that made me doubt her credibility as an authority on the matter.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most straight forward, least controversial explanation of what happened to the lost tribes. very interesting chapters include descriptions of Israelite characteristics and remnants in different areas of the world.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half is very redundant and took a long time to get through. The second half is so very interesting and riveting.

[Jenalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting topic but very dry.

[David]

The best overview on the subject I have ever seen.