Psalm 78:9-17 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.… I. THE HISTORICAL ADVANTAGES OF THESE MEN. "Children of Ephraim." 1. This gave them the advantage of having had brave ancestors. Joshua and Samuel were Ephraimites — noble sires; this a great honour; a correspondingly great responsibility. Blood is much; grace is more. 2. This gave them the advantages of a central location. After settlement in Canaan, Ephraim, numerous and powerful, occupied the central portion of the land. In its territory were Shiloh, with the tabernacle and ark; Shechem, with its holy and tender associations. 3. This gave them prominence and power. But they were false to their great mission. They were leaders, and leaders in evil. "Being armed and carrying bows." II. THE MILITARY CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 1. They were defensively armed. So is the Christian. 2. They were offensively equipped. 3. They were skilful in the use of their weapons. We must know how to use this one offensive weapon. III. THE COWARDLY CONDUCT OF THESE MEN. They "turned back in the day of battle." 1. They turned back. Weapons worthless if courage be wanting; courage is wanting if God be absent. 2. They did this in the day of battle. They betrayed their trust. 3. They brought disastrous consequences upon themselves. Merited doom. Sanctuary transferred. God's rejection secured. We need bravery. Dare to be like Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Paul, Luther, Bunyan. Alas I that in these evil days — days of spiritual declension — there is so little genuine heroism in the Church. (R. S. McArthur, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.WEB: The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. |
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