The Tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph, born to him in Egypt, and was blessed by Jacob, who placed him before his elder brother Manasseh (Genesis 48:13-20). This tribe became one of the leading tribes in the northern kingdom of Israel.

In the context of the reconnaissance mission to explore the Promised Land, the Tribe of Ephraim was represented by a notable figure, Hoshea son of Nun, more commonly known as Joshua. This mission is detailed in the Book of Numbers, where God instructed Moses to send out twelve men, one from each tribe, to spy out the land of Canaan.

Biblical Account:

In Numbers 13:1-2 , the Lord commands Moses: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of their ancestral tribes.'"

From the Tribe of Ephraim, Moses selected Hoshea son of Nun. Numbers 13:8 states: "from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun." Moses later renamed him Joshua, as noted in Numbers 13:16 : "These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua."

Joshua, representing Ephraim, played a crucial role in the reconnaissance mission. The spies were tasked with assessing the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. Upon their return, ten of the spies delivered a discouraging report, emphasizing the might of the land's inhabitants and the challenges ahead. However, Joshua, along with Caleb from the Tribe of Judah, stood apart by encouraging the Israelites to trust in God's promise and take possession of the land.

Numbers 14:6-9 records Joshua's faith-filled response: "Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to the whole congregation of Israel, 'The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!'"

Joshua's faith and leadership were instrumental in the eventual conquest of Canaan. His selection as a spy from the Tribe of Ephraim underscores the tribe's importance and his pivotal role in Israel's history. Joshua later succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel, guiding the people into the Promised Land and overseeing its division among the tribes.Numbers 13:8
Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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