Ephraim
Ephraim was one of Joseph's sons. He was born to an Egyptian mother, and
his descendants became one of the 12 tribes of Israel when Jacob adopted
Joseph's two sons and blessed them (see Genesis 48). Despite Joseph's
protest, Jacob gave the preferential blessing to Ephraim instead of his
older brother Manesseh. Within the territory of Ephraim was the town of
Bethel, a central place of worship.
Joseph's
son Ephraim was the ancestor of the tribe bearing his name.
Genesis 41:50-52
Numbers 1:10,32-33
Where the Ephraimites settled in Israel is noted in Scripture.
Their land was hilly territory and contained the town of Bethel.
Joshua 16:1-9
Judges 4:5
1 Samuel 1:1
Following the division of the kingdom of Israel, the tribe of
Ephraim becomes a leader in the northern kingdom. As a result the nation
came to be known as "Ephraim" as well as the more common name
"Israel."
Isaiah 7:17
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