michaelewingauthor

[michaelewingauthor]

Deconstructing the Myth: Africans and Biblical History

For centuries, the narrative surrounding biblical history has been filtered through a Eurocentric lens, leaving many to question where Africa fits into this sacred story. Michael Ewing’s book, Will the Real Israel Please Stand Up?, boldly tackles this issue, challenging long-held assumptions and offering a fresh perspective that reconnects biblical history to its African roots.

Imagine being told for generations that the stories of faith that shaped your life and community had little to do with your ancestry. For African-descended people, this has often been the case. Growing up in churches adorned with images of a pale-skinned Jesus and a Westernized vision of Israel, many were left feeling detached from the Bible's cultural and historical significance. Yet, as Ewing illustrates, this narrative is not only misleading but profoundly disempowering.

The truth, as Ewing reveals, is that Africa and the Bible are deeply intertwined. For example, figures like Moses and Paul were often mistaken for Egyptians in their time—an identity rooted in Africa. Similarly, the Israelites’ cultural and physical attributes align more closely with ancient Africans than with the contemporary European imagery many of us have grown accustomed to. These insights force us to re-examine the stories we’ve been told and the lenses through which we interpret them.

One particularly compelling example is the story of Samson, described in Judges 16 as having "locks of hair." This detail resonates deeply with African-descended readers familiar with dreadlocks, a style that naturally forms in African hair textures. By reclaiming these connections, Ewing invites readers to see themselves reflected in the biblical narrative, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

But this conversation isn't just about historical accuracy; it's about reclaiming identity. For many African-descended people, centuries of colonization, slavery, and cultural erasure have created a disconnect from their roots. Ewing’s work bridges this gap, showing how the Bible itself contains evidence of African contributions to world history. This realization has the power to reshape how individuals see themselves—not as marginalized or forgotten, but as central to the human story.

It’s not without resistance, of course. Some argue that such discussions create division or distract from the Bible’s spiritual message. However, as Ewing notes, understanding the truth about biblical history doesn’t detract from faith; it enriches it. Recognizing the African presence in scripture doesn’t diminish anyone else's story—it simply tells the whole story.

As we continue to uncover and celebrate these truths, we honor not only African heritage but also the universality of the Bible’s message. Michael Ewing’s Will the Real Israel Please Stand Up? serves as both a mirror and a map, reflecting the past and guiding us toward a future where all voices in the human story are heard and valued.

By deconstructing myths and embracing truth, we forge a path toward greater understanding and unity—one where everyone, regardless of origin, can see themselves in the sacred narrative.

[michaelewingauthor]

The True Identity of the Israelites: A Historical and Biblical Perspective

The question of the true identity of the Israelites has long been a topic of debate among historians, theologians, and scholars. In his book, Will The Real Israel Stand Up?, author Michael Ewing challenges conventional narratives by exploring the African origins of the Israelites. Through biblical and historical evidence, he argues that the people commonly identified as Israelites today may not be the direct descendants of the biblical Hebrews. This article examines the historical and scriptural basis for this claim and its broader implications.

The Biblical Description of Israelites

The Bible provides several clues about the physical appearance and geographical origins of the Israelites. Many biblical figures, including Moses, Joseph, and Paul, were mistaken for Egyptians, who were known to be dark-skinned Africans. In Will The Real Israel Stand Up?, Michael Ewing highlights how Moses, for instance, was raised in Pharaoh’s palace without his true identity being questioned. This suggests that his appearance was indistinguishable from that of the Egyptians, reinforcing the argument that ancient Israelites were of African descent.

The Geographical Context of Ancient Israel

In modern times, the land of Israel is often associated with the Middle East, but historically, this region was considered part of Northeast Africa. Before the construction of the Suez Canal, there was no clear distinction between Africa and the so-called Middle East. Many ancient maps depict Israel as part of the African landmass. Ewing’s book argues that this historical connection is critical in understanding the ethnic composition of the biblical Israelites.

The Role of the African Diaspora

One of the most compelling arguments in support of African Israelite identity is the presence of African tribes today that maintain Hebrew traditions. The Lemba tribe of South Africa, the Igbo of Nigeria, and the Beta Israel of Ethiopia all claim Israelite ancestry. Genetic studies have even shown links between these groups and ancient Israelite DNA. Ewing discusses how these communities, despite being largely ignored by mainstream historical narratives, offer living evidence of the African roots of the Israelites.

The Impact of Historical Misinformation

Over time, colonialism, racism, and political interests have contributed to a rewriting of history, distancing the Israelites from their African origins. Many historical records were either lost, destroyed, or manipulated to align with Eurocentric perspectives. As a result, the widely accepted image of Israelites as predominantly European or Middle Eastern is a relatively modern construct. In his book, Ewing emphasizes the need to reexamine historical sources with an unbiased perspective to uncover the truth.

Biblical Prophecy and the Modern Israelites

Many believers argue that the establishment of modern Israel in 1948 fulfills biblical prophecy. However, Ewing questions whether the people occupying Israel today are truly the descendants of the ancient Hebrews. He points to Deuteronomy 28:64, which speaks of Israel being scattered across nations, suggesting that the true Israelites are still dispersed, particularly in Africa and the African diaspora. If this interpretation is correct, then much of what is accepted about biblical prophecy may need to be reconsidered.

The Importance of Reclaiming Identity

Understanding the true identity of the Israelites is not just an academic exercise—it has profound cultural, spiritual, and psychological implications. For African descendants, reclaiming this heritage can foster a sense of pride, purpose, and historical continuity. Ewing argues that reconnecting with this lost identity can also reshape religious interpretations and challenge societal structures that have long marginalized African history.

The true identity of the Israelites is a subject that deserves deeper exploration, and Will The Real Israel Stand Up? by Michael Ewing offers a bold and thought-provoking perspective. By analyzing biblical descriptions, historical geography, and cultural traditions, Ewing makes a compelling case for the African origins of the Israelites. If his arguments hold, then much of what has been accepted about Israel’s history must be reexamined, leading to a renewed understanding of both faith and history.

[michaelewingauthor]

Reclaiming Identity Through History: The African Heritage of Ancient Israelites

History is more than a timeline of events; it is the mirror through which people see themselves. For centuries, the narrative of African history has been distorted, diminishing the contributions and heritage of an entire continent. In his thought-provoking book, Will the Real Isreal Stand Up?, Michael Ewing brings a bold perspective to light: the possibility that the ancient Israelites were of African descent. This revelation, if embraced, has the power to reshape how people of African heritage see themselves in relation to their faith, history, and the broader world.

One of the most compelling aspects of Ewing’s argument is its foundation in both biblical text and historical context. He revisits familiar stories from the Bible, like that of Moses being mistaken for an Egyptian, to point out that such an error would only make sense if Moses shared the physical features of the Kemetic people—dark skin and tightly curled hair. These examples are not presented merely as speculation but as a call for critical examination of history, unfiltered by centuries of cultural and political biases.

For many African Americans, reclaiming this connection to Israel is more than an academic exercise; it’s a deeply emotional journey. Imagine growing up in a world where the images of saints, angels, and even Jesus reflect the likeness of the people who enslaved your ancestors. Such images, though subtle, leave a profound psychological mark. They whisper, You are less than; your heritage does not matter. Ewing’s work seeks to rewrite that whisper into a proud declaration: Your heritage has always mattered.

This reawakening is not without resistance. As Ewing notes, discussions of African identity, particularly its ties to biblical narratives, are often met with skepticism. Some Christians dismiss these efforts, fearing they might divide believers by focusing on race or detract from the universal message of the Bible. Others resist acknowledging any African connection to Israel, clinging to entrenched stereotypes about the “Middle East” as separate from Africa. But history, Ewing argues, tells a different story—one where the so-called Middle East was once considered part of Northeast Africa, and its people were deeply interconnected.

Beyond the academic, the heart of Ewing’s work lies in its emotional resonance. He shares stories of individuals who struggle with feelings of inferiority, rooted in a lack of knowledge about their history. One particularly poignant anecdote recounts a young woman feeling self-conscious in conversations with white peers, not because of a lack of intelligence, but because she subconsciously felt less worthy. These stories remind us that identity is not just about knowing where we come from—it’s about feeling worthy of the space we occupy in the world.

By reclaiming the African heritage of the Israelites, Ewing’s work aims to heal these wounds. It encourages people of African descent to see themselves not as passive recipients of history but as active participants in a grand narrative that includes kings, prophets, and innovators. This is not about exclusion or superiority; it is about truth and inclusion.

The message extends beyond people of African descent. It challenges everyone to confront how history is taught and understood. If one group’s history is distorted, it impacts us all by perpetuating falsehoods that separate humanity into artificial hierarchies.

In Will the Real Isreal Stand Up?, Michael Ewing invites readers to question, explore, and ultimately reclaim their place in history. For African descendants, this journey isn’t just about rewriting the past—it’s about reimagining the future with a renewed sense of pride and purpose. The path forward begins with the words Ewing so passionately underscores: Know where you came from to understand where you are going.

[michaelewingauthor]

Africans in the Bible: What Churches Should Teach During Black History Month

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and education on the profound contributions of African descendants to world history. Yet, one significant area often overlooked in Black History Month celebrations within religious institutions is the African presence in the Bible. For centuries, traditional Christian teachings have downplayed or ignored the role that African people and cultures played in the Biblical narrative. In his book Will The Real Israel Stand Up?, Michael Ewing challenges these historical omissions by arguing that the original Israelites were of African descent and that Africa’s history is deeply intertwined with Biblical history. Religious institutions should seize the opportunity during Black History Month to highlight this African presence, fostering pride, knowledge, and a deeper connection to faith among congregants.

Reclaiming African Contributions in the Bible

Michael Ewing’s work is a call to action for Christians, particularly African Americans, to rediscover their heritage within the Bible. Many congregants have grown up with an image of Biblical figures that is largely Eurocentric. The depiction of a white Jesus, Moses, and other key figures has been ingrained in Christian iconography for generations. This not only erases the African contributions to these narratives but also reinforces a sense of separation from the spiritual history that African Americans are a part of.

Ewing’s argument that the original Israelites were of African descent reorients how we should approach the Bible during Black History Month. By focusing on the African origins of key Biblical figures, churches can help their members reconnect with their roots in a spiritual context. Highlighting these figures and their African heritage fosters a sense of pride in the fact that African people have played pivotal roles in shaping the very foundations of the Christian faith.

Key Biblical Figures of African Descent

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to African individuals and nations that are often glossed over in traditional teachings. These references provide compelling evidence of Africa’s presence and influence in the Biblical narrative, offering a rich opportunity for churches to educate their congregants.

Moses – One of the central figures of the Bible, Moses was raised in the royal court of Egypt, a civilization rooted in Africa. As Michael Ewing points out in Will The Real Israel Stand Up?, Moses’ identity was so closely aligned with the Egyptians that he was mistaken for one by others. His African upbringing and identity are crucial elements of his story, yet often minimized in favor of a Eurocentric depiction.

The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) – This story, frequently overlooked, describes a high-ranking Ethiopian official who encounters Philip, one of the apostles, and becomes one of the first recorded African converts to Christianity. His significance demonstrates the early spread of Christianity into Africa, showing that Africans were some of the earliest followers of Jesus.

The Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13) – The Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon is another powerful example of Africa’s connection to Biblical history. As an African monarch, her story represents the historical and cultural exchange between Israel and Africa, underscoring Africa’s presence in the sacred texts.

Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32) – Simon, who helped Jesus carry the cross, was from Cyrene, a region in North Africa. His inclusion in one of the most significant events in Christian history highlights the involvement of Africans in the Gospel narrative.

By teaching about these and other African figures in the Bible, churches can reshape how their congregants understand both the Bible and their own cultural history. These stories offer a powerful message that Africans were not just peripheral participants in Biblical events but central to the unfolding of God’s plan.