Topical Bible: Ephraim: Second Son of Joseph: Adopted by Jacob

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ephraim, the second son of Joseph and Asenath, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis and is further elaborated upon in various other books of the Bible. Ephraim's name, meaning "fruitful," reflects the blessings and prosperity that would come through his lineage.

Birth and Family Background

Ephraim was born in Egypt during the years of plenty before the famine, as recorded in Genesis 41:52: "The second son he named Ephraim, saying, 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.'" His mother, Asenath, was the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, and his father, Joseph, was the son of Jacob and Rachel, who rose to prominence in Egypt as Pharaoh's vizier.

Adoption by Jacob

Ephraim's adoption by his grandfather Jacob is a pivotal moment in his life. In Genesis 48, Jacob adopts Ephraim and his older brother Manasseh as his own sons, elevating them to the status of tribal patriarchs alongside Jacob's direct sons. This adoption is significant as it grants Ephraim a share in the inheritance of the Promised Land. Genesis 48:5-6 states, "Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine."

Jacob's Blessing

In a notable act of prophetic insight, Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, but he intentionally places his right hand on Ephraim's head, signifying a greater blessing for the younger son. Despite Joseph's attempt to correct his father, Jacob insists, saying in Genesis 48:19, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations."

Tribal Significance

The tribe of Ephraim becomes one of the most prominent tribes in Israel. It plays a central role in the history of the Northern Kingdom, often representing the entire kingdom itself. The tribe's territory, located in the central hill country of Canaan, includes significant sites such as Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located for many years.

Prophetic and Historical References

Ephraim is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books, often symbolizing the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The prophets Hosea and Isaiah, among others, address Ephraim in their calls for repentance and return to God. Hosea 11:8 poignantly expresses God's enduring love for Ephraim: "How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboyim? My heart is turned within Me; all My compassion is aroused."

Legacy

Ephraim's legacy is one of both blessing and responsibility. As a recipient of Jacob's blessing, Ephraim's descendants were expected to uphold the covenantal relationship with God. The tribe's history reflects the broader narrative of Israel's faithfulness and unfaithfulness, serving as a reminder of the importance of obedience and devotion to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 48:5
And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Statement of the Reason Why Matthew Enumerates one Succession of ...
... one by whom he was begotten, and a second by whom ... thee before I came unto thee, are
mine: Ephraim and Manasseh ... other speaking of "Joseph who was the son of Heli ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter iii a statement of the.htm

Chapter xlviii
... Now a second event transpires as death is seen to have ... been discussed between the
father and the son on a ... This does not imply that Ephraim and Manasseh replace ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

Chapter xlvi
... counted in with the two Josephite clans: Ephraim and Manasseh ... Father and son must
have loved one another very dearly ... key to which is given in the second half of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... tender love of the father towards his son and provider ... Judah; that Reuben, Simeon,
and Gad, that Ephraim and Benjamin ... here we find him occupying the second place ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... the presence of Our Lord in Ephraim near Jericho ... It involves the interpretation of
son' as grandson' through the ... is by the supposition of a second marriage of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... the ancient territories of Manasseh and Ephraim, and extended ... Thus the Son of Sirach
would correctly express ... from the beginning of the second century), Sichem ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
... The same thing is repeated a second and third time ... of Joseph, and chose not the tribe
of Ephraim;" "But chose ... a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 redemption for man.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... even crossed the river and raided the highlands of Ephraim. ... instance against the
Canaanites, in the second against the ... have been Bela or Balaam the son of Beor ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Israelites
... of Joseph was split into two halves, Ephraim and Manasseh ... of Meneptah, and as Meneptah
was the son and successor ... from the east that they made their second attack ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... God, How shall I give thee up?' Though Ephraim has been a ... 2 The second adoptional
privilege is this if we are ... them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm