Topical Bible: Ephraim: Second Son of Joseph

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Ephraim, the second son of Joseph and Asenath, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. His name, meaning "fruitful," reflects the prosperity and blessing that would come through his lineage. Ephraim was born in Egypt before the onset of the great famine, during the years of plenty when Joseph was serving as the governor under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:50-52).

Birth and Blessing

Ephraim's birth is recorded in Genesis 41:52: "The second son he named Ephraim, saying, 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.'" This statement by Joseph highlights the divine providence and blessing experienced despite his earlier hardships. Ephraim, along with his brother Manasseh, was later brought by Joseph to his father Jacob for a blessing. In a significant and prophetic act, Jacob crossed his arms and placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, despite him being the younger, thus granting him the greater blessing (Genesis 48:13-20). Jacob declared, "His younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19).

Tribe of Ephraim

The tribe of Ephraim emerged as one of the most prominent tribes in Israel. Ephraim's descendants settled in a fertile and strategically important region in central Canaan, which included the city of Shiloh, an early center of Israelite worship. The tribe played a leading role in the history of the northern kingdom of Israel, often representing the entire northern tribes collectively referred to as "Ephraim" in prophetic literature (Isaiah 7:2, Hosea 5:3).

Role in Israel's History

Ephraim's prominence is evident in several key biblical events. During the period of the Judges, the tribe of Ephraim was involved in significant military and political activities. Notably, Gideon, a judge from the tribe of Manasseh, called upon the Ephraimites to capture the Midianite leaders (Judges 7:24-25). However, tensions arose between Ephraim and other tribes, as seen in their confrontation with Jephthah (Judges 12:1-6).

In the united monarchy, Ephraim's influence continued. Joshua, a descendant of Ephraim, succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-2). The tribe's central location and size contributed to its significant role in the political and religious life of Israel.

Prophetic Significance

The prophets frequently addressed Ephraim, often using the tribe as a symbol for the northern kingdom's spiritual state. Hosea, in particular, lamented Ephraim's idolatry and unfaithfulness, yet also spoke of God's enduring love and promise of restoration (Hosea 11:8-9). The prophetic literature underscores both the judgment and hope associated with Ephraim, reflecting the broader themes of covenant faithfulness and divine mercy.

Legacy

Ephraim's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing both the blessings of fruitfulness and the challenges of faithfulness. The tribe's history serves as a testament to God's providential care and the complexities of human response to divine blessing. Through Ephraim, the narrative of Israel's journey with God is richly illustrated, offering insights into the dynamics of covenant relationship and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:52
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Joseph had two sons by his wife ere the famine and hunger came, which Asenath ... He
called the name of the second son Ephraim, saying: God hath made me to grow in ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... The second son he named Ephraim, a word that means "Fruitful." "Because," said Joseph,
"God has not only made the land fruitful; but he has made me fruitful in ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm

The virgin Mother to Her Child
Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian. ... The Son of the Most High came and dwelt
in me, and I ... Him forth so did He bring me forth by the second birth, because ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xi the virgin mother.htm

Christians, and not Jews, the Heirs of the Covenant.
... of his hands, and laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, the second and younger ...
the head of Manasseh, [1635] for he is my first-born son." [1636] And ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter xiii christians and not jews.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And the name of the second called he 'Ephraim': For God ... And he said, My son shall
not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left: if ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Our Lord Subdued his Might and Constrained It, that his Living ...
Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian. ... These will convince Thee, O Son of Mary,
that this my power ... has entered and sat down by it, and a second his companion ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxvi our lord subdued.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... last two verses) some phrases with an outlook reminiscent of the Second Isaiah. ... them
with Benjamin's sense of a closer kinship to Ephraim, the son of Joseph ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

Praise to Thee from Every Mouth on this Day of Thy Birth!
Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian. ... worshippers took flight,"from the tyrant
to the Son of the ... and shall rise again there in the second."The People ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xvii praise to thee.htm

Chapter xlviii
... Now a second event transpires as death is seen to ... took his two sons along with him,
Manasseh and Ephraim. ... was told to Jacob: Behold, thy son Joseph is coming ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... and warfaring Messiah, the Son of Ephraim or of ... The earliest Talmudic reference to
this second Messiah [5365 ... had pierced, referred to Messiah the Son of Joseph ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm