History is one of the greatest teachers. It may not be everyone’s favorite subject, but history is definitely important. George Santayana said of history, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
The beginning of Psalm 78 says it is a “maschil of Asaph” The word “maschil” is the Hebrew word for instruction, meaning this is an instructional psalm. Asaph, the writer of this psalm, was teaching a new generation by warning them of the previous generation’s failures. The previous generation was stubborn and rebellious. They had not set their heart to seek after God (Ps. 78:8). The tribe of Ephraim was one example of not being steadfast. “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” (Ps. 78:9-11).
Ephraim’s name, given to him by his father, Joseph, means “fruitful.” Out of Ephraim came heroes and leaders like Joshua, Gideon, and the prophet Samuel. Ephraim became a leading tribe for Israel. The men of Ephraim were proficient with bow and arrows.
Furthermore, Ephraim was a tribe of honor and glory at their beginnings. They marched next to the Ark according to Numbers 2:18. Ephraim encamped next to the Tabernacle. They were a strong warrior tribe that could protect the Ark and the Tabernacle. Ephraim was so great at protecting the Ark and Tabernacle that when Israel conquered the promised land, Ephraim set up and took over Shiloh, and it was in Shiloh that the Ark and Tabernacle would be set up, and remained for the next four hundred years.
Despite all of Ephraim’s exploits and honor, they turned back in the day of battle. Most Bible commentators believe this was the battle with the Philistines found in 1 Samuel chapter four. How could a tribe with so much capability turn its back and desert the battle?
Likewise, how can the Church, with all of its splendor and ability, run and hide in this hour of battle? Like Ephraim, we have everything we need. We have the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. We have Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords on our side. Paul said, if God be for us who can be against us? Jesus said, the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church.
Brothers and sisters, this is no time to turn our backs and run! This is our time to step up and defend the Word of God. Let us not have the ghost of Ephraim haunt us. We are armed, and are willing to fight and give diligence to doctrine, to the faith, and protect what God and previous generations have entrusted to us.