Topical Bible: Ephraim: Mount of Residence of Micah

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The Mount of Ephraim, also known as the hill country of Ephraim, is a significant geographical and historical region in the biblical narrative. It is located in the central part of the land of Israel, within the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph. This region is characterized by its rugged terrain and fertile valleys, making it a prominent area for settlement and agriculture in ancient times.

The Mount of Ephraim holds particular importance in the account of Micah, as recorded in the Book of Judges. Micah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim, is noted for his idolatrous practices, which reflect the spiritual decline during the period of the Judges. The narrative begins in Judges 17, where Micah is introduced as a resident of this region. He is described as having stolen eleven hundred pieces of silver from his mother, which he later returns. His mother, in turn, consecrates the silver to the LORD and has a silversmith make a carved image and a cast idol, which are placed in Micah's house.

Judges 17:1-2 states: "Now there was a man from the hill country of Ephraim named Micah. He said to his mother, 'The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you, and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have the silver with me; I took it.' Then his mother said, 'The LORD bless you, my son!'"

Micah's actions, including the establishment of a shrine, the making of an ephod and household gods, and the installation of one of his sons as a priest, illustrate the syncretism and religious confusion prevalent in Israel during this era. This account highlights the departure from the worship of Yahweh as prescribed in the Mosaic Law, as the Israelites adopted practices from surrounding pagan cultures.

The narrative further develops with the arrival of a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who becomes a priest for Micah's household. This Levite's presence is seen as a legitimizing factor for Micah's private shrine, despite its clear deviation from the centralized worship commanded by God. Judges 17:12-13 records: "Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house. Then Micah said, 'Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, because a Levite has become my priest.'"

The account of Micah and the Mount of Ephraim serves as a microcosm of the broader spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites during the time of the Judges. It underscores the theme of religious apostasy and the need for a return to covenant faithfulness. The narrative also sets the stage for the subsequent events involving the tribe of Dan, who later seize Micah's idols and priest, further illustrating the chaotic and lawless nature of this period in Israel's history.

The Mount of Ephraim, therefore, is not only a geographical location but also a symbol of the spiritual struggles and societal issues that characterized the era of the Judges. It serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the dangers of straying from His prescribed ways.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 17:8
And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... between the more powerful tribes, such as Ephraim and Judah ... the conquerors; Joshua
took up his residence there, and built on the summit of Mount Ebal an ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... and gave orders to have his official residence [2775] placed at ... Concerning thee has
Micah prophesied of old, "Thou ... Also when she was in Mount Ephraim she made ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

In Judaea
... of Jerusalem, also known as "the royal mount." The Shephelah ... most celebrated Rabbis
chose Lydda for their residence. ... died in the possession of Ephraim, and been ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... invalidated by the single circumstance, that the residence of the ... him to build Him
a temple on Mount Zion; but ... Compare Jeremiah 31:20: "Is Ephraim a dear son ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... at the foot of Mount Taurus and Mount Amanus must ... gave way before the two houses
of Ephraim and Judah ... forces was concentrated round the royal residence to serve ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... of Israel when they heard the law delivered to them on Mount Sinai; as ... which is also
well-pleasing in his sight: "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem ... assemble
her that halteth"I will make her that halted a remnant," (Micah 4:6 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm