Bible Dictionary
Ephraim, The tribe of
The tribe of Ephraim descended from Joseph’s younger son, whom Jacob placed before Manasseh in blessing. It received a central portion of Canaan, held prominence among the tribes, and later became closely identified with the northern kingdom of Israel.
Biblical Usage
Ephraim occupied the west side of the tabernacle during the wilderness march. Shiloh, where the tabernacle and ark remained for four hundred years, lay within its territory. Its jealousy of Judah contributed to the disruption of the kingdom, after which Ephraim was closely identified with Israel.
Scripture References