Topical Bible: Ephraim: A City in the Territory of Ephraim

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Ephraim, a city within the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, holds a notable place in biblical history and geography. The city is mentioned in the context of both Old and New Testament narratives, serving as a backdrop for significant events and teachings.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The city of Ephraim is first mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. The tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel, was descended from Joseph's son Ephraim, whom Jacob adopted as his own (Genesis 48:5). The territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim was centrally located in the land of Canaan, a fertile and strategically important region.

In the New Testament, the city of Ephraim gains prominence in the Gospel of John. After the raising of Lazarus, Jesus withdrew to Ephraim with His disciples to avoid the growing hostility from the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. John 11:54 states, "As a result, Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went away from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, where He stayed with the disciples." This retreat to Ephraim provided a period of relative peace and preparation before Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem and His crucifixion.

Geographical and Archaeological Insights

The exact location of the city of Ephraim has been a subject of scholarly debate, but it is generally believed to have been situated northeast of Jerusalem, near the wilderness. Some scholars associate it with the modern-day village of Taybeh, which is located approximately 20 kilometers from Jerusalem. This location aligns with the biblical description of Ephraim being near the wilderness, providing a secluded area for Jesus and His disciples.

Archaeological findings in the region have provided insights into the historical and cultural context of the city during biblical times. The area was known for its agricultural productivity, which would have supported a thriving community. The strategic location of Ephraim also made it a suitable place for refuge and retreat, as evidenced by Jesus' choice to stay there.

Theological Significance

The city of Ephraim, while not as frequently mentioned as other biblical locations, holds theological significance in the narrative of Jesus' ministry. It represents a place of refuge and preparation, highlighting the humanity of Jesus as He sought solitude and time with His disciples before facing the culmination of His earthly mission. The retreat to Ephraim underscores the tension between Jesus' growing popularity and the increasing opposition from religious authorities.

Furthermore, Ephraim's association with the tribe of Ephraim connects it to the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's covenant promises. The tribe of Ephraim, as part of the northern kingdom of Israel, played a significant role in the unfolding account of God's people, often symbolizing both blessing and waywardness.

In summary, the city of Ephraim serves as a geographical and theological waypoint in the biblical narrative, offering insights into the life and ministry of Jesus and the historical context of the tribe of Ephraim. Its mention in Scripture invites reflection on themes of refuge, preparation, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 13:19
And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephraim with the towns thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning St. Ephraim.
... Nisibis, or his family was of the neighboring territory. ... What I have now said concerning
Ephraim must suffice ... The city of Edessa being severely visited by famine ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xvi concerning st ephraim.htm

Historical Criticism of Medi??val Amplifications.
... the siege; the latter, the retreat from the invaded territory. ... body was treasured
reverently in the city, and to ... Thus, he was still (in Ephraim's words) "the ...
/.../v historical criticism of mediaeval amplifications.htm

A Loving Call to Reunion
... So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh ...
doubt a large number had been left in the northern territory, and Hezekiah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a loving call to reunion.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... From city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh ... But the remnant of
the ten tribes still dwelling within the territory of the once-flourishing ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... crisis as the destruction of the Holy City and the ... of Judah that he thinks, indeed
of Ephraim especially ... Now once more he was in Benjamin's territory, at Ramah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... [7] Yet far away in the mountains of Ephraim [8] God ... of the Tigris, were supposed
to have been in the territory which King ... [32] In this fortified city the vast ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over ... had brought him to Ziklag,
a Philistine city. ... invasion had torn away all the northern territory. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... regarding Joseph, the traditional father of Ephraim and Manasseh ... This city was founded
by Ramses II, who ... reign, developed and colonized the territory east of ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

The First Trumpet.
... blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of ... crown of pride, the drunken
of Ephraim, shall be ... into Attica, and overthrew every city except Thebes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first trumpet.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... crossed the river and raided the highlands of Ephraim. ... from Heshbon, a flame from
the city of Sihon ... continued in occupation of Moabite territory for several ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm