In Search for Identity

 "Ephraim* has mixed himself [assimilated] among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake unturned" (Hosea 7:8 emphasis added).  Or in Joseph's words: "… Elohim has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house" (Genesis 41:51 emphases added).

Forgetfulness has set in, and in the waking up process, Ephraim/Joseph/Israel realizes that there is almost a 2,300-year gap in his autobiography.  Waking up is a blessing, but it can also be painful. Looking back, one finds that there is no background to rely on for one's identity, no common memory that this group of people shares, and no commonplace that binds them together, or customs, culture, language, and so on… this can lead to confusion, to resorting to self-help methods, and even to anger and bitterness. There is no question that when relying on man's wisdom and/or displaying anger, resentment, and the like the point is being missed.

The 'point' is that Ephraim/Israel will not be restored to his national identity and to the land in the same condition he was when he was expelled from his home, and was issued a bill of divorce from his Elohim. Fortunately, embedded in the fathomless Word are treasures that reveal certain traits of this prodigal son which, like those of Judah, may be still present today and may help the 'lost one' to navigate his way back to himself.

An Israeli Bible teacher, who has been an inspiration in the past, Natanel Ellinson, has been writing and teaching extensively about the distinct characteristics of each of Israel's houses, applying findings about Judah even to the present. However, for the "lost" tribes he has less to say in regards to the present. But couldn't such an application be also true regarding the scattered people of  Ephraim (albeit perhaps not so distinctly)?

There is much more to say about Ephraim's ultimate return and the reformed nature he will display as a redeemed and reborn entity. Therefore, this present portrayal refers only to the 'natural' aspect of the sons of Joseph and their affiliates (hence by necessity must be sketchy and general). The traits that characterize Israel's 'northerners' were determined, at least partially, by their geographical allotments. Unlike Judah's territory, theirs were much more expansive plots of land that included vast areas of arable and fertile soil. Agriculture was a central way of life, whereas in Judah rearing goats and sheep, along with a nomadic lifestyle, was more prevalent.  

This large territory bordered several nations and had a long stretch of seashore, as well as the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. By contrast, Judah (with its affiliates, Benjamin, Levi, and many Simeonites) received a much more secluded inheritance, which was also far less conducive for agriculture and was compatible with Judah's tendency to stay insulated. Ephraim's geographical location allowed much more interaction with the outside world and engagement in trade and commerce far afield.  Being composed of at least eight tribes meant great versatility, individuality, and open-mindedness. For example, during the era of the judges (lasting over 3 decades), each tribe produced an individual leader. This was not so under the monarchial system, which required a single dynasty (a fact that was adhered to by Judah but was not carried out in the northern kingdom with its multiple short-lived dynasties).

The substantial assets available to the House of Joseph/Israel had a strong materialistic influence over this people group. Their capital Samaria was far richer and larger compared to Jerusalem. On the other hand, in Judah there was a greater focus on the nearby Temple (in Benjamin's territory) and spiritual matters. Thus, even during the long-lasting exile, Judah maintained its identity, while Ephraim lost his, within one and a half generations.

It is quite evident that some of the above-described features have not been lost among the Jewish people. Perhaps the ones that once characterized Ephraim still exist among its descendants, for better or worse…

Yet, as already mentioned, beyond these natural qualities there is a repentant, redeemed, new-creation being who is destined to return to the land of his forefathers; an entity that has the heart of his Heavenly Father, to be revealed as the "sons of the living Elohim" (ref. Hos. 1;10), for whom all of creation is yearning (ref. Romans 8:19) to display the character of the firstborn (1^st Chron. 5:2), like his Messiah, forming the company of the (literally) saviors who go up to Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau, so that YHVH's Kingdom may be established (ref. Obadiah 1:17).

The process of redemption, the preceding birth pangs, and the ultimate birth are marked by the current raging battle between Esau and Jacob in the proverbial womb. Yet Jacob must not only overcome Esau. He must also complete his struggle with the Man, so as to grow to the full measure and stature of Israel-Messiah (ref. Gen. 32:24ff; Eph. 4:15) …

* The name Ephraim is generic to all the lost tribes.