Dan and Ephraim
Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
The tribes of Dan and Ephraim are missed out. Jeroboam, the wicked King from the tribe of Ephraim collaborated with Dan in the erection of calves to confuse the people in their worship. This was most successful as many did not go to Jerusalem to worship. This collaboration may also have cost these tribes to be excluded in God’s final list of His servants. Amos spoke of this idolatry with Dan.
1Ki 12:28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.
Some have said that this list does not mean that Ephraim was excluded from salvation or that Dan was punished. Indeed the tribe of Joseph could be the tribe of Ephraim. But the principle that God blots the names of those who sin against Him was established even from the times of Moses.
Jos 24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
It is time to abandon all other gods …return to the true jealous God, the only God. Other gods who are not jealous … who are indifferent to what you do or do not do are not true. Jehovah will not be worshipped alongside mammon or any other god. I heard some other religions permit other gods and will tolerate wider variety in worship but not this God. He is a jealous God …do not expect Him to overlook sin. But you can repent.
Song.
Then sings my soul, my Savior Lord to thee
How great thou art … how great thou art.
Then sings my soul, my Savior Lord to thee
How great thou art … how great thou art.
Prayer: Lord, You hate idolatry. Let me hate idolatry too. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
