Topical Bible: Ephraim: Mount of a Range of Low Mountains

◄ Ephraim: Mount of a Range of Low Mountains ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ephraim, often referred to as the "Mount of Ephraim" or "hill country of Ephraim," is a significant geographical and historical region in the biblical narrative. This area is characterized by a range of low mountains and hills located in the central part of ancient Israel. It holds considerable importance due to its association with the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel.

Geographical Context

The Mount of Ephraim is situated in the central highlands of Canaan, extending from Bethel in the south to the Jezreel Valley in the north. This region is known for its rugged terrain, fertile valleys, and strategic location, which made it a vital area for settlement and defense. The hills of Ephraim provided a natural barrier and a vantage point over the surrounding territories.

Biblical Significance

The Mount of Ephraim is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a central location for various events and narratives. It served as the heartland for the tribe of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph, who was blessed by Jacob with a significant inheritance. The tribe of Ephraim played a crucial role in the history of Israel, often being a leading tribe in the northern kingdom.

In the Book of Joshua, the Mount of Ephraim is described as part of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua himself, a member of this tribe, was buried in the region, as noted in Joshua 24:30 : "They buried him in the territory of his inheritance at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash."

The region also served as a backdrop for several key biblical events. For instance, the judge Deborah, who led Israel to victory over the Canaanite king Jabin, held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim (Judges 4:5).

Cultural and Historical Context

The Mount of Ephraim was not only a geographical landmark but also a cultural and spiritual center. It was home to several important cities, including Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Shiloh served as a religious center for the Israelites, where they gathered for annual feasts and sacrifices.

The region's strategic importance is further highlighted during the period of the divided monarchy. The northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim due to the tribe's dominance, had its capital in Samaria, located within the broader region of the Mount of Ephraim.

Prophetic References

The prophets frequently referenced Ephraim in their writings, often using the tribe as a symbol for the northern kingdom of Israel. Hosea, for example, speaks of Ephraim in terms of both judgment and hope. In Hosea 11:8-9 , God expresses His compassion for Ephraim despite their waywardness: "How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? ... My heart is turned within Me; all My compassion is aroused."

Conclusion

The Mount of Ephraim, with its rich history and spiritual significance, remains a key element in understanding the biblical narrative and the heritage of the Israelite tribes. Its geographical features and historical events continue to offer insights into the life and faith of ancient Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 17:15-18
And Joshua answered them, If you be a great people, then get you up to the wood country, and cut down for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... Also when she was in Mount Ephraim she made pilgrimages to ... 2864] She made the ascent
of mount Tabor whereon ... 2865] In the distance she beheld the range of Hermon ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the vast region extending to the mountains of the ... as his children.* The prosperity
of Ephraim and Manasseh ... spreading over the plains of Mount Tabor, destroyed ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... side of this hall I saw a long, low table set ... mentions the presence of Our Lord in
Ephraim near Jericho ... Lessons for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... themselves on the lower slopes of Mount Cithseron ... by the Persian garrisons, did not,
however, range themselves on ... by two rows of caryatides in low relief, whose ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... them, by which they are limited within their range, as the ... God are, in themselves,
so mean and low, that take ... Like Ephraim here, we love to tread out the corn ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... From the midst of Ephraim, another seer, this time a ... [Illustration: 218.jpg PRINCIPAL
PAK OF MOUNT BIKNI (DEMAVEND ... before it could hope to range its disciplined ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... they were righteous, and despised others' (Luke 18:9). These are set so low, by
this ... is not satisfied with what it has"to cause the soul to range and hunt ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Yazatas, soars above Mount Hara,* before the immortal sun with his swift steeds,
who, first in golden splendour, passes over the beautiful mountains and casts ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... 'Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds,
yet he shall perish for ever, like his own dung; they which have seen him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... restrain its own desire and suspend its wish, that it might strive to mount up,
seeing ... ashes, to cover the body as in mourning, to lay the spirit low in sorrow ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm