2. They were not "never to be seen again" - not quite correct, the tribes were taken to what is now Iraq. The Iraqis were Assyrians and Akkadians/Babylonians who were/are Semites and speak/spoke a Semitic language, so easier for a population that had already started worshipping multiple gods to assumilate with a similar people (like how many Semites became Moslems, while Greeks, Balkans etc. didn't). Many did return and assimilated with the Judeans (as did the Benjaminites and Simeonites earlier and the Edomites/Idumeans in 50 BC)
What I'm about to post probably sounds "ig-nant" but there you go. Please edify me. Stupid is as stupid is....
Post a flame if you wish, but don't make it really harsh! I've already lost one post (user error) this morning and it may show up in this thread. Haven't taken any meds yet. Tumeric is so good!
Does Hebrew still have, or even have had, words that contain no vowels?
In Wales, there are many words which still have no vowels.
Really, if you must flame, please do it lightly and with some compassion!