Whitcomb: The Assyrian Captivity Did Not
Result in the Ten Northern Tribes Being “Lost”

“The common assumption that the ten northern tribes were completely and forever “lost” through this Assyrian captivity is quite erroneous. Even during the days of Jeroboam I (931-910) individual Jews from those ten tribes had fled to the south because of religious convictions (2 Chronicles 11:16-17). That they retained their ancient identity to New Testament times is evident from the fact that Anna was from the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36). Furthermore, we find James addressing “the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion” (cf. Acts 2:5-11; 26:7), implying that the Jews were aware of the continued existence of all the tribes.”

— J. C. Whitcomb, Jr., The Classic Bible Dictionary, Captivity, page 266