One of the most interesting figures in Hebrew history is Joseph, the second youngest son of Jacob. He was pampered by his father to such a degree that it drew the ire of his brothers who plotted to kill him. But the whole purpose of the story was to show the preservation of Israel. In a prophecy given by Jacob over the two sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, Ephraim was given the preference over Manasseh even though he was the first-born (Genesis 48:19). So the divine blessing that rested on Joseph was prophetically passed on to Ephraim. Except for the prophets, the ten tribes that later broke away were all but forgotten. Israel (the ten tribes) actually ceased as a nation. Yet the blessing of Joseph continued on these people even after their dispersion among the nations. What happened to these "lost tribes of Israel" in light of the words of the prophets will be the object of this study.

Richard O. Govier (1928-2018) was a Protestant pastor and missionary and travelled the world in that capacity. He planted a number of churches as well as training pastors who served in Brazil, Chile, Argentina and across the United States.