The Ephraimites were members of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This tribe descended from Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph and Asenath, who was born in Egypt. Ephraim and his brother Manasseh were adopted by their grandfather Jacob (Israel) as his own sons, thus granting them a share in the inheritance of the Promised Land (Genesis 48:5). Ephraim received a prominent blessing from Jacob, who placed him before his older brother Manasseh, signifying his future preeminence (Genesis 48:19).

Territory and Significance

The territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim was located in the central hill country of Canaan, a fertile and strategically significant area. It included important cities such as Shiloh, where the tabernacle was set up during the period of the Judges (Joshua 18:1). The land of Ephraim was bordered by the tribes of Manasseh to the north and Benjamin to the south.

Ephraim's central location and fertility contributed to its prominence among the tribes of Israel. The tribe played a significant role in the history of Israel, often being a leader in military and political matters. The Ephraimites were known for their strength and valor, as seen in the exploits of Joshua, an Ephraimite, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Numbers 13:8, Joshua 1:1-9).

Historical Context

During the period of the Judges, the Ephraimites were involved in several notable events. They expressed discontent with Gideon for not calling them to fight against the Midianites, although they later captured and killed two Midianite leaders (Judges 8:1-3). Their contentious nature is further illustrated in their conflict with Jephthah, which resulted in a civil war and the death of many Ephraimites (Judges 12:1-6).

The tribe's influence continued into the monarchy period. When the kingdom of Israel divided after Solomon's reign, the northern kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim, was led by Jeroboam, an Ephraimite (1 Kings 11:26). The prophets frequently used "Ephraim" as a synonym for the northern kingdom, highlighting its leading role among the ten tribes (Isaiah 7:2, Hosea 5:3).

Spiritual and Prophetic Themes

Ephraim's account is marked by both blessing and warning. The tribe's initial favor and leadership were accompanied by spiritual challenges. The prophets often rebuked Ephraim for idolatry and unfaithfulness, calling the tribe to repentance (Hosea 4:17, Isaiah 28:1). Despite these warnings, God’s promises to Ephraim included restoration and hope. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of a future gathering and blessing for Ephraim, reflecting God's enduring covenant with His people (Jeremiah 31:20).

Cultural and Theological Impact

The Ephraimites' legacy is multifaceted, encompassing both their historical significance and their spiritual lessons. Their account serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that accompany divine favor and the consequences of turning away from God. The tribe of Ephraim, with its rich heritage and complex history, remains a significant subject of study for understanding the broader narrative of Israel in the Bible.E'phraimites (9 Occurrences)

Joshua 16:5
This was the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families. The border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper.
(See RSV)

Joshua 16:8
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;
(See RSV)

Joshua 16:9
together with the cities which were set apart for the children of Ephraim in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.
(See RSV)

Judges 12:5
And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the E'phraimites. And when any of the fugitives of E'phraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead said to him, "Are you an E'phraimite?" When he said, "No,"
(DBY RSV)

Judges 12:6
they said to him, "Then say Shibboleth," and he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it right; then they seized him and slew him at the fords of the Jordan. And there fell at that time forty-two thousand of the E'phraimites.
(DBY RSV)

1 Chronicles 12:30
Of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers' houses.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 27:20
of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 25:7
But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, don't let the army of Israel go with you; for Yahweh is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.
(See RSV)

Psalms 78:9
The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.
(See RSV)

E'phraimites (9 Occurrences)
E'phraimites. Ephraimites, E'phraimites. Ephraim's . Multi-Version
Concordance E'phraimites (9 Occurrences). Joshua 16:5 This was ...
/e/e'phraimites.htm - 9k

Ephraimites (7 Occurrences)

/e/ephraimites.htm - 8k

Ephraim's (14 Occurrences)

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E'phraimite (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance E'phraimite (3 Occurrences). Judges 12:5 And the
Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the E'phraimites. ...
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E'phraim (146 Occurrences)
... Manas'seh." (DBY RSV). Judges 12:5 And the Gileadites took the fords of
the Jordan against the E'phraimites. And when any of the ...
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Seize (91 Occurrences)
... fords of the Jordan. And there fell at that time forty-two thousand of the
E'phraimites. (Root in DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Judges 16:21 ...
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Seized (118 Occurrences)
... the fords of the Jordan. And there fell at that time forty-two thousand
of the E'phraimites. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Judges 15:15 And ...
/s/seized.htm - 34k

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