The United States and Britain in Prophecy

by Herbert W. Armstrong

People of the Western world would be stunned-dumbfounded-if they knew!

The governments of the United States, Britain, Canada, Australasia, South Africa would set in motion gigantic crash programs-if they knew!

They could know! But they don’t! Why?

Genres: Religion, Christian, History, Mythology, Nonfiction

237 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1942

About the author

Herbert W. Armstrong founded the Worldwide Church of God in the late 1930s, as well as Ambassador College (later Ambassador University) in 1946, and was an early pioneer of radio and tele-evangelism, originally taking to the airwaves in the 1930s from Eugene, Oregon. Armstrong preached an eclectic set of theological doctrines and teachings that he claimed came directly from the Bible. These theological doctrines and teachings have been referred to as Armstrongism. His teachings included the interpretation of biblical prophecy in light of British Israelism, and required observance of parts of the covenant Law including seventh-day Sabbath, dietary prohibitions, and the covenant law "Holy Days".

Armstrong proclaimed that behind world events during his lifespan loomed various Biblical prophecies, and that he was called by God as an 'Apostle' and end-time 'Elijah' to proclaim the Gospel of God's Kingdom to the World before the return of Jesus Christ. He also founded the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation, which promoted the arts, humanities, and humanitarian projects. Through his role with the foundation, Armstrong and his advisers met with heads of governments in various nations, for which he described himself as an "ambassador without portfolio for world peace."

Reviews

[Marc · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute drivel, written by a pompous, self-serving and delusional idiot who, in a more enlightened age, would have been assigned the role of village idiot and handed a bladder to assist his capering. One star for all the capital letters, small capitals, italics, bolds and varying typeface sizes, which must have been arduous to fill in.

[Muhammad Nida · Rating 2 out of 5]

بادئ ذي بدء: لا تنتظر إجابة الكتاب على هذا السؤال فهو على النقيض تماماً. لذا كنت أفضِّل أن ينشر بترجمة العنوان الأصلي "أمريكا وبريطانيا في نبوءات الكتاب المقدس".

يحاول القس هيبربرت في هذا البحث إثبات أن الولايات المتحدة وبريطانيا هما الوريثتان الشرعيتان لعرش داوود وأنهما بيت إسرائيل. يعتمد في ذلك على تفسير "فلتة" للإنجيل بعهديه والنبوءات مع الكثير من الخيال "العبقري"! كما يدلل على صدق الإنجيل بصدق النبوءة وبسط كلاً من الولايات المتحدة وبريطانيا نفوذهما على العالم، وهو في ذلك يخلط كثيراً بين الدليل والنبوءة فتارة يدلل على صدق الكتاب بهيمنة الدولتين وتارة العكس!

سبب التقييم العالي نسبياً:
* حقق الكتاب هدفه المنشود الذي أعلنه عمارة في التقديم وهو:
- بيان حال القوم - اليمين في كلا الدولتين - في استخدامهم الخرافات لدعم الباطل.
- حث الأمة على استخدام حقائق الإسلام لخدمة قضايانا العادلة.
- إيقاظ الأمة من غفلتها.
* كما استمتعت بطريقة ربط الأحداث والمشابهة لكتب "الخيال" التي يجيدها دان براون إلا أن هذه أقل بكثير في الحبكة! :)

إبريل 2012

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was published by the old World Wide Church of God and is made up largely of ideas from Joseph's Birthright Judah's Scepter. It's basically an argument that the modern nations of the UK and the USA are the lost tribes of Israel (actually Ephraim and Manasa the sons of Joseph). interesting theory. May be strained reasoning and stitched together facts, but interesting, even if it is incorrect. (Well you decide that).

[Brenda Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago I read this book but could not understand it fully.
In light of what is happening in the world today, I read it again.
The contents of this book have now become clear to me.
I am no authority on prophecies, but I believe everyone should read this book.
Whatever happens to both those countries will affect the world.
The decision is yours. Read and be informed.

[Muhammad Seif · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكتاب رائع جداً
واستطاع هيربرت أرمسترونج أن يقدم فكرته و حجته على فكرته بشكل رائع
فهو يقول ان الشعب الانجليزي و الأمريكي هم نسل (أفرايم ومنسي) أولا سيدنا يوسف الصديق
وبأنهم هو شعب الله المختار (اسرائيل ) وليس يهود اليوم

أعجبني الكتاب جداً وانصحكم بقراءته

[Islam · Rating 3 out of 5]

اللي يقرا الكتاب ده بجد ممكن يفهم تصرفات العالم ماشية ازاي و ليه هما دايما منحازين لاسرائيل

[Selah Harms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! The identity of Israel could not have been written more plainly. So grateful to have such ready access to the truth.

[Natasha]

I just read part of the first chapter and found this book amazing! My husband literally could not stop reading until he finished it, even though it kept him up all night.

Fascinating fact quoted from chapter 1: "An exciting, pulsating, vital third of all the Bible is devoted to prophecy. And approximately 90 percent of all prophecy pertains to our time, now, in this latter half of the twentieth century!"

And yet now that this day, long foretold by the prophets of old is upon us, there is a major societal push to disregard the Bible. Just when we need it most! Just when it is most applicable to our lives!

This book is available on-line on thetrumpet.com

[Scott Haraburda · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting read. Author's opinions were supported by select verses from the Bible. However, many of these may be considered cherry-picking without consideration for context, or other biblical verses. Also, this book from nearly 50 years ago has not survived the test of time with massive changes in globalization, diversity, modernization, and women's rights. Both the US and UK are different from what they were five decades ago, negating many of the prophesies in this book, especially the utter destruction of these countries from the communistic hordes. Still, the book was an interesting read, taking into the perspectives of the 1970s.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

we are the house of Israel

I believe God's word to be infallible. We all need to turn back to God and the truth. His holy bible gives us that truth all we need to do is seek Him, trust Him, repent, and ask and receive the free gift of salvation.

[elliexx2001 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and scary

Excellent all the way through. I learned things about Israel and Jews that I never knew. It's scary to read about the end times but I'm ready

[Walter Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth a look for any serious student of scripture.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read this book since I was a teenager, and I was expecting to be somewhat underwhelmed, as I was with Armstrong's book on the millennium, but this one turned out to have a lot more heft than I anticipated. I remember, at the time I first read it, feeling like the author did an incredible job with the biblical material but that it wasn't too detailed when it came to the historical basis for the theory; that was my impression this time as well. But the book this time left me with a desire to go read up more on the subject historically to see the degree to which the biblical interpretation is accurate—and that's a good thing.

Having grown up being taught the these two countries forge the heart of ancient Israelite migrants, I find that my worldview, even today, to a large degree still falls back on that, even if I've had a few doubts through the years. I would say “it seems to be true,” but it's not a salvation issue. If the understanding is wrong, then in the end, it doesn't take away from the most important truths of scripture. (After all, I've heard other claims, that, for example, Japan is ancient Israel. I haven't looked into such with any seriousness, but I didn't grow up with such a theory either, so it's not where my mind first goes.) Rereading this book, however, made me see, as I noted, that there's a lot more reason to believe such might be the case biblically than perhaps I've recently thought much about.

The issue is, of course, that most modern scholars disagree with the historical thesis and that there are some good reasons for that. The number one reason is that the theory seemed to have found its greatest popularity during the height of British colonialism—that is, it was a way to justify certain racist views. It was, in other words, propaganda for Manifest Destiny and the like. So it is fair to be skeptical. At the same time, it is perhaps unfair to dismiss such ideas out of hand just because of their misuse. What one really has to do is go look at what really happened, insofar as that is possible. Most contemporary scholars are wary to do that in part because of the associated tropes. And so much of the history I've read through the years that ties the lost tribes of Israel to modern nations has been quite sketchy, based on similarities of names and the like—a possible coordinating fact but hardly strong proof around which to base an entire thesis–rather than really tracing the movements of peoples. More reading on the subject would go far in helping me see how such conclusions can be reached. But few serious scholars give the theory much time.

The last chapter of the book, alas, made me uneasy. It's the chapter where the author really lets readers know the troubles that are coming for these nations and pushes readers to join the church the author is associated with in order to escape. I suppose I can't argue with a sincere call to repentance, assuming that's what's going on, and as I see my country literally falling apart now, I can't help but think the author was right in that regard. But the chapter reminded me of many of the nightmares from my childhood, and the appeal to fear and to join one particular group is not something I am completely comfortable with now; it suggests to me these days a kind of insincerity. Repent, yes, but if it's just to save one's own skin and the key is joining one particular organization, something seems a bit off. I don't think a bunch of people just looking to save themselves is what God is after. I'm reminded of what someone said to me shortly after 9/11, namely that they were thinking of returning to church because they were scared of what was going to happen to them. I suppose fear can be a motivating factor for getting one back to doing the right thing, but if that's the whole motive and remains the motive, it's hardly a life of joy and such a choice is not likely to stick. And indeed, that person did not.

[Nalungo · Rating 3 out of 5]

All praise is due to the Lord God.

I appreciate this book for the clearing up the split between the northern and southern Hebrew kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Yes, I agree the time has arrived where we can discern the meaning of the prophetic books (Daniel 12: 1-4). I am hesitant with the explanation regarding Britain and United States being the tribes Ephraim and Manasseh, and will continue to study and pray. We all should be hesitant when dealing with unraveling and interpreting prophecy. Please read the Bible (the inspired word of the Lord God), follow his ways (commandments, statutes, and laws - Ezekiel 20: 19-20), pray, and consult with yourself as to the meanings (2 Corinthians 13: 5). Then return and read it again...may the Holy Spirit be with you and wisdom be gifted to you, in the name of Christ who came to teach us about ourselves. So be it.

[Wendy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 4 stars not because I fully agree with it, but because there are many truths the average Christian is not privy of contained within. Unfortunately, there are also some extrapolations that take a jump in logic, but for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed researching and studying the context of the scriptures quoted therein. Some of the translations used are questionable to me, but fascinating nonetheless. Is Armstrong’s theory plausible? Yes, parts of it. The fun thing about prophecy is watching it be fulfilled and understanding much of it after the fact.

[Randy Grossman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting reading a "prophetical" book from the past to see that what was predicted NEVER happened! The book had editions from the 60s, 70s and the final reprint was 1980. I read it in 2025.
The author I'm sure has since left this world...and his predictions have not panned out. He would fall under the category of a FALSE prophet based on Dueteronomy 18:22 "if a prophet claims to speak for the Lord, but their prophecy doesn't came true, then the Lord did not speak that message". The author used the history of the OT (which much of it regards the nation of Israel) to claim the OT was prophetically speaking of the United States AND Britain of the 1970s! He claimed in the book that Jesus would having a second coming "soon" (referring without a date to the time period he was living in). While SOME of his historical comments were accurate...to stretch it to the 1970s seemed to be a "bit" presumptuous (to say the least IMO). Frankly, NO ONE knows when the Lord will come again Matthew 24:36...not even the Son! When the Father tells Him to go He will go! I found some informative information in the book, but even rat poison has a little bit of food flavorings that entice a critter to feast.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of fiction, but this was kind of fun?!

There has been more time wasted by Christians (I am one) in the last 2000 years disobeying Jesus, trying to work out when he is coming back, than any other topuic of study.
See Acts 1:7..

Maybe a few more years needed to totally disprove HWA's ideas, but this book is 'man' made..

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting, but very repetitive and seems a bit of a stretch. Parts sound promising and then it veers way off. I read a lot of books about various prophecies but now understand why I'd never heard of this one until recently.

[Ahmed Mahmoud · Rating 3 out of 5]

الموضوع مهم لكن المحتوى غير كافى و اقل من اللازم

[Andy Valadez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting if true.

[Damon Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very revealing, informative and hard to refute Scriptural, historical and even physical evidences that lets the reader know who Britain & The USA are with regards their True origins, all very methodically worked out and the earnest reader doesn't need to be that farmiliar with the Holy Bible to understand Armstrong's sound reasoning behind his postulations.


I would also recommend listening to Milton William (Bill) Cooper's "Mystery Babylon" audio sermons/presentations (X5) on the "Four Horsemen" website, which will 'fill-in' the gaps to form a more complete picture of what's actually going on behind the scenes in our world. I personally would add that the false religion of 'Chrislam', a blend of Christianity & Islam, will be the "one world religion" prophecied about and the 'only' reason why Armstrong or Cooper didnt pick-up on this telling fact is because they would have both been deceased before it's conception........incidently, Chrislam and the impending New World Order will both be fronts for Freemasonry ie Mystery Babylon. Furthermore, Derek Prince has very good material on his "where are we in Prophecy" sermons (X5) that are well worth listening too also.


In reference to evidences that the lost tribes of Israel were indeed scattered just about every corner of the earth, then please visit the website of 'Assembly of Called Out Believers' and take a look at the 48 seperate video presentations they have to offer by way of evidences to back this claim up. I have seen all 48 video presentations around 3-4 times and the evidences are pretty conclusive in my own honest&humble opinion.

A word of warning though concerning the presenter Brother Isaac Heckman. He does not advocate the New Testament due to the 30,000+ denominations there are of Christianity, which is fair enough I guess, but Brother Heckman discounts the King James Bible as the True Word of God, which I believe is an error on his Brother Heckman' part, who advocates we should 'all' (lost tribes also) return back to the Torah to receive salvation, which kinda makes our Lord Jesus' and His Father' selfless sacrifice and message of salvation through repentance and faith a bit 'redundant'.


You decide.......Shalom.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have given this book 4 stars because in my opinion, most of the historical information is cited directly from Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright by J.H. Allen, rather than original though of the author. In spite of this, Armstrong does elaborate on how the history and prophesies pertain to the United States and Britain in the 20th century. Armstrong is also writing with a bias for his church, rather than as a layman. As with all books, the reader should evaluate the facts and evidence for themselves.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is basically an argument that all of America and Great Britain consist of the "lost tribes" of Israel. It explains many prophecies and gives interpretations pointing to the US and UK. Myself, I am not a huge believer, but it will make you think. Makes an interesting read, if nothing else.

[Tasneem Adel · Rating 1 out of 5]

ويفضل رجال الدين فى كل دين يستخدموا الدين لتحقيق مصالح سياسية و يتحولوا لساسة!

[Yeshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stretches some of its points, however, its pages contain a warning that should be heeded.

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nah

[Yassmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

انا بحب اويه الكتاب تاه تاه جميل

[Marren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your theories made me think about the role of the Old World and the New World in the pull and tug of world progression and termination. Thought provoking.

[Douglas Reedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems to only pick certain Bible verses to aid his argument. Very onee-sided.

[Lance Reece]

Wonderful, Life Changing.