Topical Encyclopedia The term "Ephraimite" refers to a member of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Ephraim holds significant importance in biblical history and theology, being one of the two tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel. Ephraim, along with his brother Manasseh, was adopted by Jacob as his own sons, thus receiving a portion of the inheritance among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5).Ancestry and Blessing Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-52). Despite being the younger, Ephraim received a greater blessing from his grandfather Jacob, who crossed his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim's head, signifying a greater blessing and future prominence over his older brother Manasseh (Genesis 48:13-20). Jacob's blessing indicated that Ephraim's descendants would become a "multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19). Territory and Influence The tribe of Ephraim was allotted a central portion of the Promised Land, a fertile and strategically significant area that included cities such as Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located for many years (Joshua 16:1-10). Ephraim's territory was bordered by the tribes of Manasseh to the north and Benjamin to the south. The central location and fertility of the land contributed to Ephraim's influence and prominence among the tribes of Israel. Role in Israel's History Ephraim played a crucial role in the history of Israel, often being a leading tribe in the northern kingdom. The tribe's influence is evident in the fact that the name "Ephraim" is sometimes used to refer to the entire northern kingdom of Israel (Isaiah 7:2, Hosea 5:3). The Ephraimites were known for their military prowess and were involved in several key battles and events, including conflicts with neighboring tribes and nations (Judges 12:1-6). Spiritual and Prophetic Significance The tribe of Ephraim is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. The prophets often addressed Ephraim in their calls for repentance and return to God, highlighting the tribe's tendency to stray from covenant faithfulness (Hosea 4:17, 7:8). Despite their shortcomings, the prophets also spoke of a future restoration for Ephraim, emphasizing God's enduring love and mercy (Jeremiah 31:20). Cultural and Religious Contributions Ephraim's central location and influence contributed to its cultural and religious significance. The tribe was home to several important religious sites, including Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed before being moved to Jerusalem. Ephraim's leaders, such as Joshua, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land, played pivotal roles in shaping the spiritual and national identity of Israel. Notable Ephraimites Several notable biblical figures were Ephraimites, including Joshua, the successor of Moses and a key leader in the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 13:8). Another significant Ephraimite was Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the ten tribes in rebellion against the house of David (1 Kings 11:26). In summary, the Ephraimites were a prominent and influential tribe in the history of Israel, known for their central role in the nation's spiritual and political life. Their legacy is marked by both their contributions to Israel's development and their challenges in maintaining covenant faithfulness. Smith's Bible Dictionary EphraimiteOf the tribe of Ephraim; elsewhere called "Ephrathite." (Judges 12:5) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia EPHRAIMITEe'-fra-im-it ('ephrayim; singular 'ephrathi): Strong's Hebrew 2311. Chadlay -- an Ephraimite... 2310, 2311. Chadlay. 2312 . an Ephraimite. Transliteration: Chadlay Phonetic Spelling: (khad-lah'-ee) Short Definition: Hadlai. ... /hebrew/2311.htm - 6k 8520. Telach -- an Ephraimite 8465. Tachan -- an Ephraimite 496. Elad -- "God has testified," an Ephraimite 7609. Sheerah -- an Ephraimite woman 497. Eladah -- "God has adorned," an Ephraimite 1260. Bered -- a place near Kadesh, also an Ephraimite 7803. Shuthelach -- an Ephraimite name 7566. Resheph -- an Ephraimite 6197. Eran -- an Ephraimite Library The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories The Formation of the Old Testament Canon Jeroboam The Reason of the Order of the Sons of Leah. The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws Solomon's Reign. Address in Lambeth Chapel, at the First Session of the Lambeth ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Kingdom of all Israel. The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament Thesaurus Ephraimite (6 Occurrences)...EPHRAIMITE. e'-fra-im-it ('ephrayim; singular 'ephrathi): A member of the tribe of Ephraim (Joshua 16:10, etc.). See also EPHRATHITE. ...Ephraimite (6 Occurrences). ... /e/ephraimite.htm - 8k E'phraimite (3 Occurrences) Zuph (3 Occurrences) Jeroham (11 Occurrences) Elkanah (20 Occurrences) Shiphtan (1 Occurrence) Shallum (27 Occurrences) Hadlai (1 Occurrence) Jeroboam (96 Occurrences) Kings (350 Occurrences) Resources Who was King Jeroboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Ephrathites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ephraimite (6 Occurrences)Judges 12:5 1 Samuel 1:1 1 Kings 11:26 1 Chronicles 27:10 1 Chronicles 27:14 2 Chronicles 28:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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