Psalms 78:9
The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.
Original Language Analysis
בְּֽנֵי
The children
H1121
בְּֽנֵי
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶפְרַ֗יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֗יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
2 of 8
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
נוֹשְׁקֵ֥י
being armed
H5401
נוֹשְׁקֵ֥י
being armed
Strong's:
H5401
Word #:
3 of 8
to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons
רוֹמֵי
and carrying
H7411
רוֹמֵי
and carrying
Strong's:
H7411
Word #:
4 of 8
to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)
קָ֑שֶׁת
bows
H7198
קָ֑שֶׁת
bows
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
5 of 8
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
הָ֝פְכ֗וּ
turned back
H2015
הָ֝פְכ֗וּ
turned back
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
6 of 8
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
Historical Context
Psalm 78 is a maskil (instructional psalm) by Asaph, recounting Israel's history from the Exodus through David. Ephraim's prominence dates to Jacob's blessing (Genesis 48) and Joshua's leadership. By Asaph's time (David's era), tribal rivalry was evident—this verse may reference specific military failures or symbolize Northern Israel's spiritual decline that culminated in 722 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual "weapons" has God given you that remain unused due to lack of faith or obedience?
- How does Ephraim's failure challenge any presumption on inherited faith or denominational identity rather than personal covenant loyalty?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows (בְּנֵי־אֶפְרַיִם נוֹשְׁקֵי רוֹמֵי־קָשֶׁת)—Ephraim, Joseph's dominant tribe and representative of the Northern Kingdom, possessed military capability yet turned back in the day of battle (הָפְכוּ בְּיוֹם קְרָב). The verb הָפְכוּ (hafkhu, "turned back") suggests covenant reversal, not merely tactical retreat. This echoes Israel's repeated pattern: divinely equipped yet spiritually faithless.
Ephraim's failure despite armament illustrates Psalm 20:7's principle—"Some trust in chariots... but we will remember the name of the LORD." Military resources without covenant fidelity equal spiritual impotence. Asaph uses this historical example to warn the current generation: inherited privilege (Jacob's blessing made Ephraim preeminent, Gen 48:19) cannot substitute for personal faithfulness.