The Jews of “Ephraim” are specifically rebuked, exposed in this paragraph.

Psalm 78:9-11. “The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; and forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.”

This is merely the second generation that left Egypt so miraculously!

One of the largest and strongest Tribes of all Israel … at that early stage seem of her development … seemed to be the Ephraimites. The name “Ephraim” (Grandson of Jacob, Son of Joseph) actually means something like “doubly fruitful!” Oh, the potential in Ephraim and his Brother Manasseh!

And look how well equipped they were, both spiritually and militarily, I believe. Asaph tells us they … “being armed, and carrying bows” … were impressive soldiers.

Yet they … obviously upsetting God … “turned back in the day of battle.”

They did not obey God’s injunctions, God’s Law!

They did not act in faith … against the constantly appearing and reappearing enemies who attacked along the way!

In fact, it’s worse, they “turned back!” A verb that once means “retired!”

And such a lack of action, such a failure to fight …was immediately due to these facts: “They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; and forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.”

It seems to me that today’s Text at least suggests that … a familiarity, a love for the Word of God will … give one BOLDNESS to fight the battles that lie ahead!

Proverbs 28:1 reminds us that “The righteous are bold as a lion!”

Those who do not obey God’s Precepts … often “turn and run!”

Yes, the “whole armour” of God is donned in the Scriptures!

Watch how Paul’s great “litany of battle gear” culminates! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.” Ephesians 6:10-17

Wow!

The MORE we are “in” the Word … the better we will “fight” for the cause of Christ!

After all, God’s “works” (even His “staggering, shocking” Deeds) and God’s “wonders” (His “hard to understand” actions) are enumerated in his Word!

Lest we forget.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Let’s not let Ephraim’s history be repeated in our lives!