Today we begin Judges Chapter 8.
For the Complete Jewish Bible, click HERE.
For the King James Version, click HERE.
Let’s not forget that out of all the 12 tribes of Israel, the top dog tribe was Ephraim.
This hearkens back to Jacob’s deathbed prophecy given in Genesis Chapter 49:
“Yosef is a fruitful plant,
a fruitful plant by a spring,
with branches climbing over the wall.
The archers attacked him fiercely,
shooting at him and pressing him hard;
but his bow remained taut”
-Genesis 49:22-23
Remember Joseph was Ephraim’s father.
So the prophecy that Joseph would become fruitful was ultimately fulfilled through his son Ephraim.
Because of the blessing he received, Ephraim was given the special birthright privileges that placed him over not only his older brother Manessah but also over his uncle Reuben (who was the true biological firstborn).
Also, let’s not forget that Joshua, the leader who led Israel into the Promised Land, was also an Ephraimite.
It’s amazing how we can see a prophecy given way back in the book of Genesis reach its fulfillment thousands of years later here in the Book of Judges.
Ephraim ruled over the most fertile fields and hills at this moment and their supremacy meant all the other tribes deferred to them including Gideon (who was of the tribe of Manasseh).
So right off the bat from verse 1 we have Ephraim complaining to Gideon.
“Why didn’t you call on us before you went to war with the Midianites?”
Now remember what I said yesterday about how we should always try to discern the psychological motivations behind why people in the Bible act the way the do?
Well, this is the perfect opportunity to apply that principle.
Because it’s not like Ephraim had no idea what was going on.
Of course they knew Gideon, an anointed judge of God, had risked everything to battle their enemies.
They were just ticked off and jealous because he had achieved a great victory near their territory.
Their egos were bruised and were upset because they were the big dog in Canaan at this point in history and felt like Gideon should have personally consulted them before the battle.
This reminds me of the jealousy Yeshua aroused in the religious leaders of his day.
So here’s the takeaway I’m discerning from today’s post.
When you’re actively engaged in doing the work of God for His Kingdom, expect to arouse the jealousy of others who decided to sit on the fence but later want to take the credit when they see the victories you’ve achieved.
Also expect there to be unfair and even ridiculous criticism.
It happened during Yeshua’s ministry and it will happen to anyone who tries to lead a Godly life for the kingdom.
Over and out.
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