The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law, and forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them. (Psalm 78:9-11)
When Joseph presented his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, unto Jacob, his father blessed the second born, Ephraim, instead of the first born Manasseh. At first Joseph was disturbed by this seeming mistake but Jacob assured him that he knew what he was doing. Ephraim was destined to be the prominent line of Joseph and consequently a leader among the tribes. Tradition teaches that this tribe was comprised of men with prowess and strength — i.e. warriors.
However it is also taught that, though Ephraim enjoyed the blessings that came with being regarded as the favored heir of Joseph, the tribe was not exactly faithful to keep the covenant of God. In fact, Scripture is replete with warnings and admonitions directed at Ephraim because of their stubbornness and rebellion. For instance: “Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower … the crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, will be trampled underfoot” (Isaiah 28:1).
The point is, just because someone is gifted and blessed doesn’t mean they will use those gifts for the right reason. Just because God bestows favor on someone doesn’t guarantee that they will continue in walk in faithfulness to His purpose. As it written, “To whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48). God bestowed great favor upon Ephraim and for that reason expected much from them, which is why you will find a lot of Scripture devoted to God addressing their rebellion and the consequences for refusing to walk in His law.
The same is true for us; once you belong to God, He has no intention of letting you go without a fight. By that I mean, He will allow consequences to touch our life in order to provoke us to turn back to Him. If He has to orchestrate painful circumstances meant to get our attention, He will because He loves us and will not give up on us. Thus it is written, “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?… My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred” (Hosea 11:8).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments