Ephraim

"From Ephraim descended those whose root was in Amalek" [JFA Revisada Imprensa Bíblica] (v. 14). Ephraim is mentioned first. He had to overcome a difficulty to be there, but he did so and this was greatly appreciated by Deborah and Barak. This tribe had allowed the Amalekites to gain a place among them. It is sad, but it is true. When they were sent by Joshua to take possession of their inheritance, they did not eliminate these enemies from their lands as they should have done. Consequently, a portion of the Amalekites remained among them and dwelt with the Ephraimites (Judg. 12:15). After some generations there were marriages between them. In this way, Ephraim had a "root" in Amalek. Amalek, as we all know, is a figure of the flesh and of Satan's operations upon the flesh. This perhaps explains why Ephraim was such a proud and carnal tribe, being difficult to live with (Josh. 17:14; Judg. 8:1; 12:1).

Ephraim is a figure of a believer who failed in some way and allowed the flesh to have room in his life. But what is so praiseworthy about Ephraim here is that they did not let this stop them when it came to being a help in the Lord's service. They went out to battle, regardless of having failed. And they received an honorable mention for it.

When a Christian fails, he often lets this discourage him to the point where he thinks the Lord cannot use him in His service. So he gives up and does not try to be a help. But we can see from Ephraim's example that this is not true.

God can and does use those who have failed. The lesson here is that if we fail in some way, let us not let this stop us from moving forward and serving the Lord. If we just lie down and give up, we will be doing exactly what the enemy wants. The right thing to understand is that God can use those who have failed (John 21:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:11). And who here has never failed in some way?