Identity Theft and the Original Black Ancestry of the Biblical Israelites

Identity Theft

Identity theft isn't just something that happens today; it also happened throughout history. Different groups have taken on the identities of others for various reasons. One significant example is how European converts claimed to be the true biblical Israelites. Henry Samuel Morais noted in his book "The Daggatouns (1882):" that these converted Jews had "perfectly white" skin and were very handsome, much more so than the African Jews. This change in identity brought them social, political, and religious advantages. By claiming to be Yah’s chosen people, these European converts gained a divine heritage that helped them in various ways.

Origins in Africa

The religion of the Israelites has deep roots in Africa. Historian Herman Moll (1732) stated in his writing "Atlas geographus: or, a compleat system of geography, ancient and modern" that the religion of the Jews was practiced among ancient Africans long before it spread to Europe. This connection to Africa is important because it shows that the original Israelites were African. Ancient Israelite communities have been found in Ethiopia, Mali, and Ghana, proving that the religion of the Israelites was practiced in Africa for centuries before it reached Europe. The Beta Israel community in Ethiopia, for example, has kept its faith and traditions for thousands of years.

Historical Accounts

There are many historical accounts that support the idea that the original Israelites were black. In "Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa(1824)," by Dixon Denham, Hugh Clapperton and Walter Oudney, a conversation with a sheikh revealed that Jews were known to be very dark-skinned. The sheikh was surprised to hear about white Jews, which shows that people commonly recognized Jews/Israelites as black. European travelers like Leo Africanus also described the Jews of Timbuktu as having dark skin, similar to the local African population. These observations support the idea that the original Jews were black and that their identity was later taken over by European converts.

Evidence from Timbuctoo

James Grey Jackson, in his 1820 book "An Account of Timbuctoo and Housa," talks about Yahoodie, a place of great trade inhabited by a lost tribe of Israel. The names Yahooda and Yahoodee, meaning Judah and Jew in African Arabic, connect the Israelite people to Africa. Jackson's observations suggest that many of the lost tribes of Israel might be found in the interior regions of Africa, where they kept their Israelite identity and traditions.

The Israelite presence in places like Timbuktu and other parts of West Africa is well-documented. Israelite traders and scholars contributed to the cultural and economic life of these regions. Communities like Bilad al-Sudan in Mali show that significant Israelite populations existed in Africa long before European conversions.

The Goal of European Nations

 European nations adopted the Israelite identity to gain spiritual and cultural advantages. By claiming to be the biblical Israelites, they could assert a divine heritage and legitimacy. This strategy helped them unite their populations and strengthen their political authority. Moreover, assuming the identity of the biblical Israelites provided these nations with a cloak of moral and spiritual authority. If someone was to take over the identity of the biblical Israelites, they could then do things that might be questionable, and the world community might give them a pass and not investigate them thoroughly. This assumed identity could be used to justify actions and policies that would otherwise be scrutinized or condemned. The divine and historic legitimacy associated with the biblical Israelites provided a convenient cover for various political and social agendas, allowing these nations to operate with less accountability and greater impunity.

The Descendants of the 12 Tribes

The Bible says that the 12 tribes of Israel are direct descendants of Jacob, making them blood relatives. When the Israelites left Egypt during the Exodus, their genetic identity was established. This means that their descendants would share common genetic traits. The Torah also tells the Israelites not to intermarry with other nations to preserve their unique identity (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This genetic continuity contradicts the idea that the Israelites could be of diverse ethnic backgrounds like Chinese, Arab, European, and Black all at once. The original black Israelites maintained a consistent ethnic identity passed down through generations.

Maintaining Traditions

Keeping ancient traditions alive is crucial for maintaining a cultural identity. The biblical Israelites practiced rituals such as casting lots, offering drink offerings (libations) to Yah, and casting cloaks and branches before a king. These traditions still exist among African tribes today, showing a direct link to their ancient Israelite heritage.

Casting Lots: This practice, mentioned in the Bible, was used for making decisions (Joshua 18:10, Leviticus 16:8). Today, many West African tribes, like the Igbo, still cast lots in their decision-making processes.

Libations: In Genesis 35:14, Jacob pours out a drink offering to Yah. Many African tribes, including the Igbo, continue this tradition of pouring libations to honor ancestors and deities, similar to the ancient Israelites.

Casting Cloaks and Branches: When Yahshua entered Jerusalem, people laid palm branches and cloaks on the ground (John 12:13). A similar tradition was observed at the funeral of John Magufuli, the former President of Tanzania, where people cast branches and clothing to the ground to honor him.

These traditions, kept alive by African tribes today, provide evidence of their connection to the ancient Israelites. This continuity supports the argument that the descendants of the biblical Israelites are found among African populations, preserving their heritage through the centuries.

Conclusion

Historians consistently believe that the biblical Israelites were a black people. The adoption of the Israelite identity by European converts, motivated by social and religious advantages, has obscured the true origins of the biblical Israelites. The African roots of the religion of the Israelites, the preservation of ancient traditions, and the genetic continuity among the descendants of the 12 tribes all point to the original black identity of the biblical Israelites. This understanding challenges modern perceptions and calls for a reevaluation of historical narratives regarding the true identity of the biblical Israelites. The enduring cultural practices among African tribes today further validate their lineage and heritage, showing a profound connection to their ancient Israelite ancestors.