Topical Bible: Ephraim: A Tribe of Israel: Captured Beth-El in Battle

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Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history and narrative. Named after the second son of Joseph and Asenath, Ephraim was blessed by Jacob, who placed him before his elder brother Manasseh (Genesis 48:13-20). This tribe became one of the most prominent in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often representing the entire kingdom due to its size and influence.

The capture of Beth-El by the tribe of Ephraim is a notable event in the conquest narratives of the Israelites. Beth-El, meaning "House of God," was a significant city both strategically and spiritually. It was located near the border of Ephraim and Benjamin, making it a key location for control and influence in the region.

The account of Ephraim capturing Beth-El is found in the Book of Judges. Judges 1:22-25 states: "The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them. They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz), and when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, 'Please show us how to get into the city, and we will treat you kindly.' So he showed them the entrance to the city, and they put the city to the sword but released that man and all his family."

This passage highlights the strategic approach taken by the Ephraimites, who were part of the house of Joseph, in capturing the city. The involvement of spies and the subsequent sparing of the informant and his family reflect a tactical and diplomatic aspect of ancient warfare. The capture of Beth-El was not only a military victory but also a fulfillment of the divine mandate to possess the land promised to the descendants of Abraham.

Beth-El's capture by Ephraim also underscores the tribe's role in the broader narrative of Israel's settlement in Canaan. As a central location for worship and governance, Beth-El later became a site of significant religious activity, including the establishment of one of the golden calves by Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:28-29). This act, however, marked a departure from true worship and led to idolatry, which was condemned by the prophets.

The tribe of Ephraim, through its capture of Beth-El, demonstrated its military prowess and strategic importance in the early history of Israel. This event is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the unfolding of His divine plan for the nation of Israel.

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Judges 1:22-25
And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.
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Library

The Israelites
... Joshua was scarcely dead before the tribe of Benjamin ... few generations later, the
warriors of Ephraim, the stalwart champion of Israel, were massacred ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... a certain Michah in the hill-country of Ephraim and lodged ... of the captivity of the
land."* The tribe of Dan ... itself the most bellicose of the tribes of Israel. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... to be circulated,*** till a scribe of Ephraim, who flourished ... they came in time to
form a tribe by themselves ... rank among the other tribes of Israel, and claimed ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... which had to be besieged and captured after a ... of the greatest among the prophets
of Israel"Jeremiah, son ... publisheth evil from the hills of Ephraim: make ye ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm