Topical Bible: Tribe of Ephraim: Defeated and Many Slain

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Descended from Joseph's younger son, Ephraim, this tribe was often noted for its strength and prominence among the northern tribes. However, the tribe also experienced moments of defeat and loss, which are documented in various biblical accounts.

Historical Context

Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph, born to him in Egypt. Jacob, Joseph's father, blessed Ephraim and his brother Manasseh, giving them a portion among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5). Ephraim's blessing was particularly notable as Jacob placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, signifying a greater blessing, despite Ephraim being the younger son (Genesis 48:14-20).

Military Engagements and Defeats

The tribe of Ephraim was known for its military prowess, yet it faced significant defeats. One notable instance is recorded in the Book of Judges. During the time of Jephthah, a judge of Israel, the Ephraimites confronted him for not calling them to fight against the Ammonites. Jephthah responded by gathering the men of Gilead and engaging in battle against Ephraim. The conflict resulted in a severe defeat for the Ephraimites, with many slain. Judges 12:4-6 recounts, "Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck them down because they had said, 'You Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh.' The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan opposite Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, 'Let me cross over,' the men of Gilead would ask him, 'Are you an Ephraimite?' If he answered, 'No,' they would tell him, 'Please say Shibboleth.' If he said, 'Sibboleth,' because he could not pronounce it correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time, forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed."

Prophetic Warnings and Consequences

The prophets also spoke of Ephraim's downfall due to their disobedience and idolatry. Hosea, in particular, prophesied against Ephraim, warning of impending judgment. Hosea 5:9 states, "Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of rebuke; among the tribes of Israel I proclaim what is certain." The tribe's inclination towards idolatry and alliances with foreign nations led to divine retribution, as foretold by the prophets.

Spiritual Lessons

The experiences of the Tribe of Ephraim serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of pride, disobedience, and reliance on human strength rather than divine guidance. Despite their initial blessings and potential for leadership, the tribe's failures highlight the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the dangers of straying from His commandments.

Legacy

Despite their defeats, the Tribe of Ephraim continued to play a role in the history of Israel. The tribe's territory included significant locations such as Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was set up, and it remained influential in the northern kingdom of Israel. The legacy of Ephraim is a complex tapestry of blessing, conflict, and divine judgment, reflecting the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God throughout the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 12:5,6
And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said to him, Are you an Ephraimite? If he said, No;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Israelites
... The Israelitish forces were disastrously defeated at Zephath, the ... In the south, a
new tribe, Judah, had arisen ... heart of the mountains of Ephraim, the sanctuary ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... As Jacob had promised to Joseph, Ephraim and half ... Sometimes it was a Canaanite tribe
with iron chariots ... They defeated the Philistines, and under Samuel, again ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

Psalm LX.
... David speaking that smote, that burned up, that defeated, and not ... and Ephraim the
strength of My head." Ephraim is interpreted ... He that is of the tribe of Juda. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lx.htm

Canaan
... The Philistine forces were defeated in battle after battle ... appearance of Judah as
a separate tribe in the ... and Barak, Judah is not mentioned; Ephraim and Benjamin ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of the captivity of the land."* The tribe of Dan ... occasion of national danger.* The
people of Ephraim and Benjamin having been defeated once between ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... devote themselves sprang from the Magian tribe; the Avesta ... evil will be finally and
for ever defeated. ... in the Vendidad even enumerates how many noisome beasts ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... shall be utterly destroyed, so that not a tribe shall be ... There are also many gaps
in the MSS., which, if ... appearing"he and his allies shall be defeated by an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... the historical books at what place Israel was defeated by the ... and there was none
left but the tribe of Judah ... Compare Jeremiah 31:20: "Is Ephraim a dear son to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... near Zela, for instance, he was defeated and made ... publisheth evil from the hills
of Ephraim: make ye ... episode is regarded as legendary by many modern historians ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm