Topical Bible: Ephraim: A Tribe of Israel: Tribe of, Called Joseph

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ephraim is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the younger son of Joseph, who was the son of Jacob and Rachel. The tribe of Ephraim holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, often associated with leadership, blessing, and at times, apostasy.

Biblical Origin and Blessing

The origins of the tribe of Ephraim are rooted in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis. Ephraim was born to Joseph and his Egyptian wife, Asenath. In Genesis 48, Jacob, also known as Israel, blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Despite being the younger, Ephraim receives the greater blessing from Jacob, who crosses his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim's head, signifying preeminence. Jacob declares, "His younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19).

Inheritance and Territory

The tribe of Ephraim received its inheritance in the central hill country of Canaan, a fertile and strategically significant region. Joshua, himself an Ephraimite, led the Israelites into the Promised Land and allocated territories to the tribes. The land of Ephraim included important cities such as Shiloh, where the tabernacle was set up (Joshua 18:1). The territory of Ephraim was bordered by the tribes of Manasseh to the north and Benjamin to the south.

Role in Israel's History

Ephraim played a prominent role in the history of Israel. As one of the leading tribes, Ephraim often took a central position in the affairs of the nation. The tribe's influence is evident during the period of the Judges, where leaders such as Deborah and Gideon had interactions with Ephraim (Judges 4-8). The tribe's prominence continued into the monarchy, with Jeroboam I, an Ephraimite, leading the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy (1 Kings 11:26).

Prophetic Significance and Apostasy

Ephraim is frequently mentioned in the prophetic literature, often symbolizing the northern kingdom of Israel. The prophets, including Hosea and Isaiah, address Ephraim in their calls to repentance and warnings of judgment. Hosea, in particular, uses Ephraim as a representative of the northern tribes, lamenting their idolatry and unfaithfulness: "Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!" (Hosea 4:17).

Despite periods of apostasy, the prophets also speak of restoration and hope for Ephraim. Jeremiah prophesies a future reconciliation: "Is not Ephraim My dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him" (Jeremiah 31:20).

Symbolism and Legacy

Ephraim's legacy is multifaceted, symbolizing both the blessings of God and the consequences of turning away from Him. The tribe's history serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the enduring mercy of God. Ephraim's account is woven into the broader narrative of Israel, reflecting themes of leadership, division, and the hope of redemption.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 7:8
Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Kings after Solomon, Both in Judah and Israel.
... thirteenth. For Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Israel, did not, like the
others, form one tribe, but two, Ephraim and Manasseh. Yet ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 21 of the kings after.htm

Psalm LXXVI.
... saying, "Known in Jud??a is God, in Israel great is ... out one tribe of higher dignity,
the tribe of Levi ... Joseph....This Joseph had two sons, Ephraim and Manasse. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxvi.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... As Jacob had promised to Joseph, Ephraim and half Manaseh ... Sometimes it was a Canaanite
tribe with iron chariots ... he became ruler and judge over Israel; but no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

The Patriarchs.
... Jacob's name was changed to Israel, which meant a ... and Levi was afterwards chosen
as the tribe set apart ... twelve being made up by reckoning Ephraim and Manasseh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... of Jacob was the father of a tribe, and Joseph ... two tribes, named after his two sons,
Ephraim and Manasseh. ... the Israelites (as the children of Israel were called ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of moses the.htm

Israel the Beloved
... the reference of the text may be to the tribe of Benjamin ... and in Hosea (xi.3), 'I
taught Ephraim to go ... the man of God, blessed the children of Israel before his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/israel the beloved.htm

Jeroboam
... establishment of the separate kingdom of Israel, which for ... The men of Ephraim were
just now exasperated by ... precedence and supremacy of the rival tribe of Judah ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

Chapter xlviii
... census of Moses' time the tribe "Ephraim had 40,500 men ... numbers received a temporary
alteration, Ephraim counting only ... saying: In thee shall Israel bless, saying ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

The vision
... should yet lie in ruins; that is, that the kingdom of Israel should not ... "Of the tribe
of Judah ... not appear with them at all, nor is the name of Ephraim spoken of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the vision .htm

A Statement of the Reason Why Matthew Enumerates one Succession of ...
... unto thee before I came unto thee, are mine: Ephraim and Manasseh ... it came to pass
that there were twelve tribes of Israel, although the tribe of Levi ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter iii a statement of the.htm