Topical Bible: Tribe of Ephraim: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly during the Exodus from Egypt. 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 blessing set the stage for Ephraim's prominence among the tribes of Israel.

Numerical Strength and Military Prowess

The strength of the Tribe of Ephraim is first noted in the census taken at Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. At that time, the men of war from the tribe numbered 40,500 (Numbers 1:33). This substantial number highlights Ephraim's role as a formidable force among the Israelites. The tribe's military prowess is further emphasized in the subsequent census taken in the plains of Moab, where the number of fighting men from Ephraim was recorded as 32,500 (Numbers 26:37). Although there was a decrease in numbers, Ephraim remained a significant military presence.

Leadership and Influence

Ephraim's influence extended beyond mere numbers. The tribe was often seen as a leader among the northern tribes of Israel. This leadership role is rooted in the blessing of Jacob, who prophesied that Ephraim's descendants would become "a multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19). The tribe's central location in the land of Canaan, along with its size and strength, contributed to its leadership position.

Role in the Exodus

During the Exodus, the Tribe of Ephraim played a crucial role as part of the larger community of Israel. Although the Bible does not provide specific details about Ephraim's actions during the departure from Egypt, their strength and numbers would have been vital in the journey through the wilderness. The tribe's ability to mobilize and contribute to the collective efforts of the Israelites was essential in the successful escape from Egyptian bondage.

Symbolic Significance

Ephraim's strength is not only measured in military terms but also in its symbolic significance. The tribe is often seen as a representation of the northern kingdom of Israel, which later became known as Ephraim. This symbolic role underscores the tribe's enduring influence and the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing.

Spiritual Legacy

The spiritual legacy of Ephraim is intertwined with its strength. The tribe's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Ephraim's strength, both in numbers and in leadership, serves as a reminder of the divine favor bestowed upon the descendants of Joseph.

In summary, the Tribe of Ephraim's strength during the Exodus is characterized by its significant numbers, leadership role, and symbolic importance within the nation of Israel. The tribe's journey from Egypt is a reflection of God's providence and the unfolding of His covenant with the people of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 1:32,33
Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jeroboam
... for sin; True souls from it all strength may gain ... The men of Ephraim were just now
exasperated by the ... the precedence and supremacy of the rival tribe of Judah ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... be taken in length of thee, by long sieges, both on account of the strength of their ...
He was buried in the city of Timnab, of the tribe of Ephraim [9] About ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... Joseph, the traditional father of Ephraim and Manasseh ... Nile or from desert tribe
to tribe came occasional ... Others, coming with greater strength perhaps to the ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... dwelt a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ... God, remember me, I pray, This
once give strength, that I ... after him Was born another he called Ephraim; For God ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... Sin has cut the lock of original righteousness, where our strength lay; but, in
a true gospel ... Shiloh was a city belonging to the tribe of Ephraim, where God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... was not, as he supposed, to restore her strength but, as ... Also when she was in Mount
Ephraim she made pilgrimages ... shewn to-day, and where the tribe of Benjamin ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... inasmuch as, after the expulsion of the tribe of Levi ... 2-4, "God is our refuge and
strength, a help ... which understands by the sinful nation, Ephraim, and, after ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... entrusted with the government of a mountain tribe dwelling to ... hero of the dynasty
who had conquered Egypt had not ventured to measure his strength with the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... they came in time to form a tribe by themselves ... From the midst of Ephraim, another
seer, this time a ... from useless angles which might detract from its strength. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... a great reputation among them for his bravery and bodily strength. ... The tribe of Dan
at length became weary of ... Michah in the hill-country of Ephraim and lodged ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm