I appreciate some of the hypothesis in the posts, but it seems rather anti-climatic and metaphorical/symbolic as opposed to literal. It is to play an important part in convincing Lamanites, Jews, and Gentiles that Jesus is the messiah and that God does remember his covenant people (see Book of Mormon: Title Page From Book of Mormon). The blessings do follow our bloodlines, but we each have many different bloodlines running within us. Just my take. May 30, 2012 | AAAA AskGramps Website, Bible, Blessings, Family Roots | 3 comments. Hey there, cousinanother Grover descendant here. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z, Book of Mormon: Title Page From Book of Mormon, https://eom.byu.edu/index.php?title=Ephraim&oldid=4550. 29:3; Morm. . Has anyone else made similar observations? Paul makes repeated references to adoption into the house of Israel through faith: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. 12: 21 ), but the nearness to Jerusalem seems to have caused Benjamin gradually to become part of the kingdom of Judah. These sacred blessings also strengthen the testimonies of those worthy persons who are the recipients of such blessings, provided those recipients live so as to merit the blessings pronounced therein. (E.g., a baby born in 2000 had two parents born in 1975, four grandparents born in 1950, eight great grandparents born in 1925 and 16 great, great grandparents born in 1900.) I think the point of this post and thread is to get past a bit labels like son of a whore and son of a prophet at least in a certain sense (the sense of are we not all beggars, or are we not all children of Adam and Eve?), Coincidentally, since my last post, I came across this germane passage in Romans 9: The lineage thing did not bother me so much. Mormons are faced with confusing doctrine every time they open their scriptures. Joseph Fielding Smith (1972), 14950. 41 But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt. I thought there was something unique to that until I worked as a temple worker for a few years and understood how the names really work. But what I can do is frame the question somewhat and then let our readers flesh things out in the comments. She has 17 descendents (4 children, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren), but only one heir to her throne, Prince Charles. The naming of tribes other than Ephraim has been rare, but is becoming more common as the word is spread abroad, more people are coming into the fold, and more Priesthood duties are becoming necessary to be fulfilled. Judah and part of the tribe of Benjamin maintained their allegiance to their monarch, and following Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, became known as the Kingdom of Judah. A patriarchal blessing is a unique and remarkable privilege that can come to the faithful members of the Church having sufficient maturity to understand the nature and the importance of such blessings. They like the rituals, and even some of the garb of the priesthood. Quotes & false prophecies from Mormon leaders. The patriarch has no blessing of his own to give; the blessing is the Lords to give. The purpose of a patriarchal blessing is (1) to identify the tribe of Israel to which the individual belongs, whether literal or "adopted", along with the responsibilities and blessings associated; (2) to bless the member with knowledge and the spiritual gifts that may be obtained by obedience to gospel principles; (3) to give advice or help to First off there officially is not a tribe of Joseph - but rather the tribe of Joseph was devided between Ephrain and Manasseh - the greater role given to Ephrain. Whether his children directly through bloodline or through adoption, we are heirs to both the blessings and responsibilities of the Abrahamic covenant. The patriarchal office is one of blessing, not of administration, nor of counseling. Quite honestly, they were probably just absorbed into Assyrian society (and not allowed to maintain a continuing identity and relationships as were the Jews in the later Babylonian captivity). The patriarchal blessings of most Latter-day Saints indicate that they are literal, blood descendants of Abraham and of Israel. There are two Comforters spoken of. There has been an intermixture of the tribes one with another. This doctrine of adoption was understood by ancient prophets and apostles (e.g., Rom. Some rights reserved. There has been ample speculation about the fate of the Lost Ten Tribes in both Jewish and Christian sources, which exploded in the 17th century. I wish to pay tribute to the faithful men holding this great calling and ordination. Of course, genetically we are all the seed of Abraham at this point. The number of genes is finite, as is the number of chromosomes and the way they combine. Why does Mormonism have so many false doctrines about our galaxy and the Lord? I pray that we will live worthily and seek the blessings that are promised us by the Lord through our family patriarchs and through our ordained patriarchs, and that we will strive to help conditions and circumstances so that these great promises can be realized. How to Witness to a Mormon/Help for your Mormon friends & loved ones, Church leaders have said that without the vision of Joseph Smith, they'd have nothing so let's take a look at some of the things of Joseph. "Prophet" John Taylor in prison for polygamy. To some it is referring to literal genealogical ancestry; to others, adoptive ancestry; to others, it is a metaphor or symbol of inclusion within the House of Israel, while still others see the different tribes as representing different responsibilities in building the Kingdom of God in the last days. If you have received a patriarchal blessing, you may request a copy of it online. My MP shared this as part of a zone conference talk on patriarchal blessings in hopes of increasing our appreciation for the blessingshis take was that every blessing he had read as SP had been unique. 9:4). "Of the twelve tribes, the tribes of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, will be gathered first and then direct the other tribes in their gathering (see JST, Genesis 48:5-11; Deuteronomy 33:16-17; D&C 133:30 . ", The Mormon pioneers trekking across America is re-enacted every year by faithful Mormons to honor the faith of their ancestors. 1. 541-75. 2. 10:14; Jacob 5; cf. It doesnt really seem to be a meaningful category for me personally. And perhaps they were just as literally the descendants of Ephraim/10 tribes as the rest of us with no particularly unique claim to a literal blood connection (as Israel is to be gathered from all nations), but it seems this early group of pioneers were called and chosen to lay the foundation of this marvelous work. To give another example, look at Queen Elizabeth. Evidently, the Church thinks enough of this tradition that they continue to insist that declaration of lineage is the most essential part of the blessing. Historically other assignments were relatively rare, but in recent years they have been becoming more common; I believe that assignments to every one of the Twelve Tribes have been made by patriarchs. Why? 1:12, Would a true apostle say this? Upon that revelation we both concluded that bloodline has nothing to do with it, at least not with the significance most want to consider. Does God speak to prophets with glowing stones in a hat? The majority of modern blessings have designated Ephraim or manasseh as the main link in this tracing, but others of every tribe of Israel have also been named. And the punishment for not keeping them? In Mexico, he had met a patriarch that was doing them all alike but I cant remember if the Church intervened or not. Its one of those things that sounds like a cool piece of ancestral trivia, until you learn that everyones grandpa and their dog were the prophets bodyguards. Unlike some Im loath to discount it. D&C 84:33-34). 4:27-31;28;29;30; 3 Ne. What does it mean to be from the lineage of Joseph? With meetings, temple attendance, food storage, the strive to be perfect - it's overwhelming and far from having peace in knowing Christ. Those who have received a patriarchal blessing should read it humbly, prayerfully, and frequently. The patriarch seeks inspiration to specify the dominant family line that leads back to Abraham. It has been a testimony to me that God knows His children well and as individuals. The only name that counts in the temple is the name of Jesus Christ. Semi-annual reminders to follow the prophet. Second, guided by the spirit of prophecy, the patriarch will pronounce blessings and may also provide promises, cautions, or admonitions that apply specifically to you. 149-50). Why are there so many rules to obey for salvation if Mormonism is a Christian church? Similarly, does it matter what my callings are (if tribes and patriarchal blessings are more like assignments?) The most distinguished Benjamite was the apostle Paul ( Rom. I have a question to ask Kevin privately but have lost his email. It makes no sense in the modern church, except to the extent that we choose to give it meaning. Ive ordered copies of some ancestors patriarchal blessings in preparation for a family reunion in Nauvoo, and especially liked the instances of people with multiple blessings over several decades, including two or three different lineages. The other members who compared blessings for me were also disturbed by the discovery. He was old when I saw him, even older when my husband saw him. Ephraim and Judah, specifically, are to be joined and Zion and Jerusalem are to be capitals of the world when the Savior comes to rule and reign. My brother who was adopted from China was given the lineage Naphtali, not Ephraim like the rest of our family. No blessings have been alike that weve come across in the stake. A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and its promises may extend into the eternities. - John 8:32, Moroni, Comoro off the coast of East Africa. tribe of ephraim lds patriarchal blessing. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Rom. Salvation and exaltation are often used synonymously, but salvation (being resurrected) will be granted to all through Gods grace while exaltation (ones final degree of glory) hinges on our choices. Patriarchs are privileged to impart blessings directly rather than just solicit blessings to the individual, for the patriarchs are entitled to speak authoritatively for the Lord. It really makes no difference if the blessings of the house of Israel come through the lineage or through the spirit of adoption. The omission of the blessing of a great event in life such as a mission or marriage does not mean it will not happen. Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy fathers children shall bow down before thee. It is a sacred, spiritual calling that usually will continue the remainder of the patriarchs life. So if the patriarchs lived circa 1900 B.C. No one need assume that he or she will be denied any blessing by reason of not being of the blood lineage of Israel. Mormon vocabulary is vastly different from the norm. The tribe provided the first king in the person of Saul ( 1 Sam. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cohen_Modal_Haplotype. Arguing about whether Native Americans are literal descendants of Lehi doesnt make much sense either. Not trying to attack anyone personally, call me cynical, I just find it trite. However, due to health or other personal circumstances, he may be given nonfunctioning status. There were no daughters born to them, but of course they treated the wives of their sons as daughters. I will say this, my father is a Patriarch, and Ive bounced this question of what the lineage means around with him several times. Am I Less Worthy Not Being From the Tribe of Ephraim? Should I be worried? Were all probably descended from all 12 of the sons of Jacob. The kingdom of Israel was divided about 975 B.C. Those who are not literal descendants are adopted into the family of Abraham when they receive baptism and confirmation (see Law of Adoption). My daughter is hoping for Slytherin. My Home Eco Grants, 90 New Town Row, Birmingham, England, B6 4HZ ; Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm Frankly, I believe Patriarchal Blessings are pointless. I tried to explain these population dynamics to some relatives this past weekend and failed spectacularly. . Many of Ephraim's descendants are being gathered first, for they have the responsibility of preparing the way for the gathering of the other tribes (D&C 113). (This is why the old one drop rule, as we now know, was ridiculous; everyone, even Brother Brigham, has one drop.). At some level much of it might not matter, in other ways, there may be meaningful differences. If he had no descendants, section 68 is meaningless. A patriarchal blessing is a prophetic utterance. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. Its meaning lies in how we honor each other as believers perhaps. Declaration of Lineage Believing Gentiles, even though not of the blood lines or genealogical ancestry of Israel, become adopted into the house of Israel. The Patriarch who did my blessing years earlier before my spouse was still Patriarch and did my spouses blessing. Whom do I talk to about getting a patriarchal blessing? Our blessings can encourage us when we are discouraged, strengthen us when we are fearful, comfort us when we sorrow, give us courage when we are filled with anxiety, lift us up when we are weak in spirit. I have a dozen or so ancestors who have the exact same claim to fame (almost typed clame). Perhaps its about being an heir. I received my blessing at sixteen. None from our family has ever been from that tribe? Find out why their monthly messages aren't biblical! Exotic folk beliefs aside, most Mormons believe that the Ten Tribes still exist in some identifiable fashion, as seems to be suggested by the opening words of the 10th Article of Faith: We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. It is now viewed more as your sorting hat implies, a lineage that symbolizes your specific mission in this and your eternal life. It does not matter if a persons lineage in the house of Israel is through bloodlines or by adoption. For the official Church websites, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org or comeuntochrist.org. It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham, than one that is a Gentile, though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body; for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seed of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. I have wondered why, if Patriarchs blessings are reviewed from time to time, ( which I did not know until this post) the Patriarch who did my blessing and so many others was not released, and a new Patriarch called. Teaching Children about Patriarchal Blessings, What a Patriarchal Blessing Can Do for You. What I can say is that Im certain the lineage does not come by rote thinking on the part of the Patriarch if they are in tune with the Spirit which they should be but Ill accept that there could be exceptions. But after Solomons death the kingdom fractured into two: a northern kingdom called Israel, and a southern kingdom called Judah (including Jerusalem). If they would only restrict themselves to reading only the Bible (KJV) they could be made free in Christ. Darius Grey was declared to be of all the tribes except one. They are then entitled to all the rights and privileges of heirs (TPJS, The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel., As we hold the tension between were all related, and were all descended from all the tribes and patriarchal lineages mean _some_thing, Im reminded of the tension between being sealed (generally) and being sealed to my family (particularly). Opinions on this subject differ widely. Like many blessings, they must be requested by the person or by the family of the one desiring the blessing. After all these years, I recently paid attention to the injunction in my patriarchal blessing that comes after the declaration that I belong to the tribe of Ephraim, a directive to learn about the blessings and responsibilities that attend that lineage. And then with the Jews to be gathered we will once again have the Kingdoms of Ephraim and Judah. Original Content Copyright 2008-2011 J. Max Wilson. Ephraim was the son of Joseph and Asenath and the younger brother of Manasseh (Gen. 41:50-52). We all, hopefully, believe the gospel and try to live it as best as we can. Too many members use it the wrong way. She is now 26. Members of other tribes, however, hold different roles and responsibilities. Perhaps its all really about just getting organized in the last days. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory, that we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption.Ephesians, 1st chapter. On 4/4/2016 at 11:44 AM, Edspringer said: Curiously, I once came across someone who is from the tribe of Joseph, according to his patriarchal blessing. On Judah and some harlot- https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/story-judah-and-tamar. While the primary responsibilities of Ephraim are to spread the gospel, the primary responsibilities of Judah are to maintain and keep the records. I mean, thats a pretty convenient view for sure given that nearly everyone has been assigned to Ephraim. 31:9; cf. 3:5). Someday there will be a big family reunion for all the children of our Heavenly Father. A look at the 3 gods of the Mormon godhead. The Mormon Church takes part in a unique ritual where they receive a patriarchal blessing. Kevin sneaks in a Patriarchal Lineages, Ranked without Scott or Steve noticing. These blessings include access to the Book of Mormon, which stands as another testament of Jesus Christ. I met David Stewart (of cumorah.com) years ago and he mentioned that he tracked patriarchial lineages online from people whod volunteer that info. Salt Lake City, 1943. One is the Holy Ghost, the same as given on the day of Pentecost, and that all Saints receive after faith, repentance, and baptism. Good questionand I dont feel confident that I have a handle on an answer. It seems that inherent (familial) identity (or ethnic or tribal or genetic) _means_ something to us still, despite being vacuous from technical, empirical grounds. Will the United States be on the side of Israel in the last war? My daughter at age 14 received her pat. Very interesting, thank you. I recall him saying that the tribe of Dan is overwhelmingly from Ireland. Ephraim and Judah, specifically, are to be joined and Zion and Jerusalem are to be capitals of the world when the Savior comes to rule and reign. It is in essence a prophetic utterance. Our blessings can encourage us when we are discouraged, strengthen us when we are fearful, comfort us when we sorrow, give us courage when we are filled with anxiety, lift us up when we are weak in spirit. Elder John A. Widtsoe (18721952), an Apostle, had the following to say: It should always be kept in mind that the realization of the promises made may come in this life or the future life. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. 2:11). There was a disappearance of the dividing line between time and eternity. In response to a previous comment, Richard Bushman was interviewed by Dan Witherspoon on the Mormon Matters podcast about his work as a patriarch and the directions he was given in that calling re: tribal assignments, etc. I read my deceased parents blessings, from a different Patriarch, and what a difference. My own blessing is short and is limited to perhaps three quarters of one page on one side, yet it has been completely adequate and perfect for me. Kinderhook Plates and The Greek Psalter Incident serve as further proof Smith was a false prophet. I dont know how they do it. News from around the globe about Christianity & the ministries God works through. Your an idiot. The Book of Mormon records that Joseph of old "obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel…to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord" (2 Ne. Mormon Salvation vs. Biblical Salvation. Know the Difference between Christianity and pseudo-Christianity! The real answer: nobody knows. Because each of us has many bloodlines running in us, two members of the same family may be declared as being of different tribes in Israel. While a patriarchal blessing contains inspired counsel and promises, it should not be expected to answer all of the recipients questions or to detail all that will happen in his or her life. Many people today belong to the tribe of Ephraim, and they have a responsibility to spread the gospel and to be leaders and teachers in the Church. In other words, does it matter exclusively that I have my ordinances done and am part of the big old family of God connected (sealed) in a great chain from Adam to Zed, or is there great eternal importance to _my_ particular familythat Im sealed to my spouse, my parents, my children, etc.? As a person studies his or her patriarchal blessing and follows the counsel it contains, it will provide guidance, comfort, and protection. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost.3. These prophets wrote many things concerning the last days, the gathering of Isreal, and the events surrounding both the tribes of Ephraim and of Judah. Saying this person descended from Ephraim and this person didnt no longer makes any sense given our modern understanding of population dynamics. This principle ought (in its proper place) to be taught, for God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, Know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him (who remain) from the least to the greatest. I dont know that they read them all but a random selection review at a minimum is required. Ephraim's descendants will continue in significant roles. I have long wondered what Richard Bushmans take on lineage and patriarchal blessings in general is. However, a person should not expect that the blessing will detail all that will happen to him or her or be an answer to all questions. Ive only devoted a few Saturday mornings to this scripture study project, but the []. Our patriarchs give total devotion to their callings and do all they can to live in faith and worthiness so that each blessing is inspired. In such a case, there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence. I think they did. Evidences and Reconciliations, arr. Frankly, lineage doesnt make a lot of sense in todays world, as the OP suggests. First, the patriarch will be inspired to declare your lineagethe tribe of Israel to which you belong. Our testimonies can be strengthened and fortified and our lives given greater purpose every time we read and reread our patriarchal blessings. 11: 1 ). We will be expected to fulfill the duties of our tribe both in this life and the next. To me that is significant in that every last one of us is one of gods covenant people and that the restoration of the tribes could therefore more broadly be seen as the reconciliation of every human being with deity. www.NothingWavering.org is an individually owned and operated website with Ill try to explain the problem with that view. It contains counsel, promises, and information from the Lord. Find out who and why we shouldn't trust their testimonies. Elder John A. Widtsoe, an Apostle, declared, "In giving a blessing the patriarch may declare our lineage-that is, that we are of Israel, therefore of the family of Abraham, and of a specific tribe of Jacob. But give it an other century or so and itll undoubtedly be true. A patriarchal blessing includes a declaration of lineage, stating that the person is of the house of Israela descendant of Abraham, belonging to a specific tribe of Jacob. and (because Im a green-eyed monster) feel particularly jealous every time I read something cool someone else got.