Topical Bible: Tribe of Ephraim: Families of

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The Tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. Ephraim was the second son of Joseph, born to him in Egypt by Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-52). The name "Ephraim" means "fruitful," reflecting Joseph's prosperity in the land of his affliction. Ephraim and his brother Manasseh were adopted by their grandfather Jacob, who blessed them and gave them an inheritance among his own sons (Genesis 48:5-20).

Genealogical Background

The genealogical records of the Tribe of Ephraim are detailed in several passages of Scripture. In Numbers 1:32-33 , the census taken in the wilderness lists the descendants of Ephraim: "From the sons of Joseph: From the sons of Ephraim, their genealogies according to their clans and families, were counted as 40,500 men able to serve in the army." This census highlights the military strength and organizational structure of the tribe.

Families and Clans

The families within the Tribe of Ephraim are further delineated in the genealogical records. In Numbers 26:35-37 , the families are listed: "These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: the Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah, the Bekerite clan from Beker, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan. These were the descendants of Shuthelah: the Eranite clan from Eran. These were the clans of Ephraim, and their registration numbered 32,500."

1. Shuthelahites: The Shuthelahite clan, descending from Shuthelah, is one of the primary families within the tribe. Shuthelah is mentioned as the firstborn of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:20).

2. Bekerites: The Bekerite clan, descending from Beker, is another significant family. Although not much detail is provided about Beker in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores his importance within the tribe.

3. Tahanites: The Tahanite clan, descending from Tahan, is also listed among the families of Ephraim. Tahan's lineage is noted in the genealogical records, contributing to the overall structure of the tribe.

4. Eranites: The Eranite clan, descending from Eran, a descendant of Shuthelah, is mentioned as part of the broader Shuthelahite family. This highlights the branching nature of the genealogical lines within the tribe.

Inheritance and Territory

The Tribe of Ephraim was allotted a significant portion of land in the central hill country of Canaan, as described in Joshua 16. This territory included important cities such as Bethel, Shechem, and Shiloh, which became central to the religious and political life of Israel. The strategic location of Ephraim's inheritance contributed to its prominence among the tribes.

Role in Israel's History

Ephraim played a crucial role in the history of Israel. The tribe was often seen as a leader among the northern tribes, and its territory became the center of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. The prophet Hosea frequently addressed Ephraim as representative of the northern tribes, highlighting both its influence and its spiritual failings (Hosea 4:17, 5:3).

Spiritual Significance

The Tribe of Ephraim is often associated with themes of blessing and fruitfulness, as seen in Jacob's blessing over Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:19). However, the tribe's history also serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and idolatry, as reflected in the prophetic literature. The duality of Ephraim's legacy offers rich material for theological reflection on the blessings and responsibilities of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 26:35,36
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jeroboam
... Not only do two families differ widely in their talents and possessions, but ... as he
dared, the discontent which smouldered in the tribe of Ephraim, as the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... as a propitiation for guilt, was communicated to all the families of the ... "He refused
the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: but chose ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ...
... troops, and set Joshua, the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, over them ... got ready
booty for the public, and for their own private families, whereas till ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the amalekites.htm

The Israelites
... But they were all families within a single family. ... the confederate kings of southern
Canaan were overthrown in battle, and the tribe of Ephraim, to which ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

A Rebuke against Extortion
... In order to obtain food for their families, the poor were obliged to buy on credit
and at ... Then certain leading men of the tribe of Ephraim "took the captives ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 54 a rebuke against.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... wicked action was done by one of the tribe of Judah, he then again proposed the
lot to the several families thereto belonging ... The tribe of Ephraim had by lot ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... (4) The ambition of Jeroboam, of the tribe of Ephraim, a valiant ... This alliance was
sealed by an intermarriage between the families of Ahab, king of Israel ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The National Oath at Shechem
... had bought five hundred years ago, and which now had fallen to Joseph's descendants,
the tribe of Ephraim. ... 'You only have I known of all the families of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the national oath at shechem.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... I shall be God to all the families(625) of ... Naturally his heart went out again to
Ephraim and its ... Of the priestly tribe as Jeremiah's family were, their long ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

The Patriarchs.
... that in his Seed should all the families of the ... and Levi was afterwards chosen as
the tribe set apart for ... twelve being made up by reckoning Ephraim and Manasseh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm