Topical Bible: Tribe of Ephraim: Assisted: Gideon Against Midian

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, played a significant role in the biblical narrative of Gideon's battle against the Midianites. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in chapters 6 through 8. The tribe's involvement highlights their strategic importance and their sometimes contentious relationship with other tribes of Israel.

Background

The Tribe of Ephraim descended from Joseph's younger son, Ephraim, whom Jacob adopted and blessed with a prominent inheritance (Genesis 48:14-20). Ephraim's territory was centrally located in the land of Canaan, making it a powerful and influential tribe. Throughout the period of the Judges, Ephraim often asserted its prominence among the tribes of Israel.

Gideon's Call and Initial Victory

Gideon, from the Tribe of Manasseh, was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been raiding Israel, leaving the land impoverished (Judges 6:1-6). God commissioned Gideon to lead a small army against this formidable foe, assuring him of victory despite the odds.

Gideon famously reduced his army to 300 men, as instructed by God, to demonstrate that the victory would be by divine intervention rather than human might (Judges 7:2-7). With this small force, Gideon launched a surprise attack on the Midianite camp, causing confusion and leading to a significant victory (Judges 7:19-22).

Ephraim's Involvement

After the initial victory, Gideon called upon the men of Ephraim to pursue the fleeing Midianites. The Ephraimites responded by capturing the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah, effectively cutting off the Midianites' escape route (Judges 7:24). They also captured and killed two Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb, bringing their heads to Gideon across the Jordan (Judges 7:25).

The involvement of the Tribe of Ephraim was crucial in securing the complete defeat of the Midianites. Their strategic position and swift action helped to ensure that the enemy could not regroup or retaliate.

Contention with Gideon

Despite their successful contribution, the Ephraimites expressed dissatisfaction with Gideon for not calling them earlier to join the battle. This complaint reflects the tribe's desire for recognition and their sensitivity to perceived slights (Judges 8:1). Gideon, demonstrating diplomatic skill, appeased their anger by highlighting their significant achievements in the campaign, saying, "What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?" (Judges 8:2). This response calmed the Ephraimites and prevented further discord.

Significance

The Tribe of Ephraim's assistance to Gideon against the Midianites underscores their military prowess and the complex dynamics within the tribes of Israel. Their involvement in this victory is a testament to their strategic importance and their role in the collective defense of the nation. The episode also illustrates the challenges of leadership and unity among the tribes during the period of the Judges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 7:24,25
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook