Topical Bible: Ephraim: Second Son of Joseph: Blessed Before Manasseh; Prophecies Concerning

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Blessed Before Manasseh

Ephraim, the second son of Joseph, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. His account begins in Egypt, where he was born to Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-52). Ephraim's name, meaning "fruitful," reflects Joseph's gratitude for God's blessings during his time in Egypt.

The most notable event in Ephraim's life is the blessing he received from his grandfather, Jacob. In Genesis 48, Jacob, also known as Israel, blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Despite being the younger son, Ephraim receives the greater blessing. Jacob intentionally crosses his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim's head and his left on Manasseh's, signifying the preeminence of Ephraim over his elder brother. Joseph attempts to correct his father, but Jacob insists, saying, "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" (Genesis 48:19).

This blessing sets the stage for Ephraim's future prominence among the tribes of Israel. Ephraim's descendants become one of the most powerful tribes, often representing the northern kingdom of Israel. The tribe's influence is evident in various biblical narratives, where Ephraim is frequently mentioned alongside or in place of Israel.

Prophecies Concerning Ephraim

The prophetic literature of the Bible contains numerous references to Ephraim, often symbolizing the northern kingdom of Israel. The prophets frequently address Ephraim in their messages, highlighting both the tribe's significance and its spiritual failings.

In the book of Hosea, Ephraim is a central figure, representing the waywardness and idolatry of the northern kingdom. Hosea 4:17 states, "Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!" . This verse underscores the tribe's persistent idolatry and the resulting divine judgment. Despite this, Hosea also contains promises of restoration for Ephraim, reflecting God's enduring mercy and covenant faithfulness.

Isaiah also speaks of Ephraim, often in the context of judgment and hope. In Isaiah 7:8, the prophet warns of Ephraim's impending downfall, stating, "Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people" . Yet, Isaiah 11:13 offers a vision of reconciliation, where "Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor will Judah harass Ephraim" , pointing to a future unity among God's people.

Jeremiah echoes similar themes, lamenting Ephraim's sin but also anticipating restoration. In Jeremiah 31:20, God expresses deep compassion for Ephraim, saying, "Is not Ephraim My dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him" . This passage highlights the tension between judgment and grace, a recurring theme in the prophetic writings concerning Ephraim.

Ephraim's legacy is thus a complex tapestry of blessing, prominence, rebellion, and hope. As the second son of Joseph, blessed before Manasseh, Ephraim's account is woven into the broader narrative of Israel's history, serving as both a cautionary tale and a testament to God's unyielding promise of redemption.

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Genesis 48:14-20
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
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Library

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... David; the other, the secondary and warfaring Messiah, the Son of Ephraim or of ... of
whom the first should fall in warfare, while the second, the Son of David ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

The Prophecies
... same time, and all this before the second temple was ... resolution: "I know it well,
my son; but Ephraim ... your brethren, even the seed of Ephraim." (Rejected for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xi the prophecies.htm