Topical Encyclopedia The Mountains of Ephraim, also referred to as the hill country of Ephraim, hold significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. This region, located in the central part of the land of Israel, was allotted to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph, and became a central area for the tribes of Israel.Geographical Context The Mountains of Ephraim are part of the central highlands of Israel, stretching from Bethel in the south to the Jezreel Valley in the north. This area is characterized by its rugged terrain, fertile valleys, and strategic location, which made it a vital region for the Israelites. The hill country provided natural fortifications and was conducive to agriculture, supporting the tribe of Ephraim's prosperity. Biblical Significance 1. Inheritance of Ephraim: The allocation of the land to the tribe of Ephraim is detailed in the Book of Joshua. Joshua 16:5-6 describes the boundaries of their inheritance: "This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon." 2. Religious and Political Center: The Mountains of Ephraim were home to several significant biblical sites. Shiloh, located within this region, served as the religious center for Israel before the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. It was here that the Tabernacle was set up, and the Ark of the Covenant was housed (Joshua 18:1). 3. Judges and Leaders: The region was also the backdrop for the accounts of several judges and leaders of Israel. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim (Judges 4:4-5). Additionally, Samuel, the last judge of Israel, hailed from Ramah, located in this region (1 Samuel 1:1). 4. Historical Events: The Mountains of Ephraim were the setting for various historical events. The tribe of Ephraim played a crucial role in the early history of Israel, often being at the forefront of military and political affairs. The region witnessed conflicts, such as the civil strife between the tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20). 5. Prophetic References: The prophets often referenced Ephraim in their messages, using the tribe as a representative of the northern kingdom of Israel. Hosea, for instance, frequently addressed Ephraim in his prophecies, highlighting the tribe's significance and its spiritual condition (Hosea 4:17). Cultural and Theological Insights The Mountains of Ephraim symbolize strength, leadership, and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. The tribe of Ephraim, being one of the most prominent tribes, often represented the collective identity and spiritual state of the northern kingdom. The region's association with key biblical figures and events underscores its importance in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises to Israel. The Mountains of Ephraim serve as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in providing for His people and the central role of worship and obedience in the life of the nation. The region's rich history and theological significance continue to inspire and instruct believers in understanding the narrative of God's redemptive work through His chosen people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 17:15And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 2:9 Library Would that the Memory of the Fathers Would Exhale from the Tombs Introduction The Israelites The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy That Thy Resurrection Might be Believed among the Gainsayers, they ... HymnConcerning Our Lord and John And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. ) Psalm LXXX. Psalm LXXVI. The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers Resources What does it mean to be still and know that I am God? | GotQuestions.orgCan the flood mentioned in Genesis be proven? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to “remember Lot's wife” in Luke 17:32? | GotQuestions.org Mountains: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mountains are the Sources of Springs and Rivers Mountains of God's Righteousness Mountains of Persons in Authority Mountains of Proud and Haughty Persons Mountains of the Church of God Mountains: (Breaking Forth Into Singing) of Exceeding Joy Mountains: (Burning) of Destructive Enemies Mountains: (Dropping New Wine) of Abundance Mountains: (Made Waste) of Desolation Mountains: (Threshing of) Heavy Judgments Mountains: A Defence to a Country Mountains: Abounded With: Deer Mountains: Abounded With: Forests Mountains: Abounded With: Game Mountains: Abounded With: Herbs Mountains: Abounded With: Minerals Mountains: Abounded With: Precious Things Mountains: Abounded With: Spices Mountains: Abounded With: Stone for Building Mountains: Abounded With: Vineyards Mountains: Abounded With: Wild Beasts Mountains: Afford Refuge in Time of Danger Mountains: Beacons or Ensigns often Raised Upon Mountains: Called: Everlasting Hills Mountains: Called: God's Mountains Mountains: Called: Perpetual Hills Mountains: Called: Pillars of Heaven Mountains: Called: The Ancient Mountains Mountains: Called: The Everlasting Mountains Mountains: Collect the Vapours Which Ascend from the Earth Mountains: God: Causes, to Melt Mountains: God: Causes, to Skip Mountains: God: Causes, to Smoke Mountains: God: Causes, to Tremble Mountains: God: Gives Strength To Mountains: God: Parches, With Draught Mountains: God: Sets the Foundations of, on Fire Mountains: God: Waters, from his Chambers Mountains: God: Weighs, in a Balance Mountains: Made to Glorify God Mountains: Many Exceedingly High Mountains: Nebo (Part of Abarim) Mountains: Often Selected As Places for Idolatrous Worship Mountains: Olives or Mount of Corruption Mountains: Pisgah (Part of Abarim) Mountains: Proclamations often Made From Mountains: Sometimes Selected As Places for Divine Worship Mountains: The Elevated Parts of the Earth Mountains: Volcanic Fires of, Alluded To Related Terms |
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