Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh were united by the tie of common descent from Jacob's beloved wife Rachel, who is regarded by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:15) as the mother of the Northern Kingdom, and they are named as representatives of that Kingdom. According to Numbers 2:17 ff. these tribes encamped to the West of the Tabernacle, and marched immediately behind it (Numbers 2:24). Before Ephraim&c. therefore means, -placing Thyself at their head as a victorious leader, as Thou didst go before them of old in the journeyings of the wilderness." At first sight it may seem strange that Benjamin is reckoned among the Northern tribes, for partially at any rate it sided with Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:21; 2Ch 11:3; 2 Chronicles 11:23; 2 Chronicles 15:8-9); but the one tribe remaining to David was Judah (1 Kings 11:13; 1 Kings 11:32; 1 Kings 11:36), and Benjamin must be reckoned to the Northern Kingdom to make up Ten tribes, for Simeon had become merged in Judah and is not counted. The principal Benjamite towns of Bethel, Gilgal, and Jericho belonged to the Northern Kingdom.

stir up thy strength Put in action thy might (Psalms 20:6) which seems to be dormant. come and save us R.V., come to save us: lit. come for salvationor deliverance for us.

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