The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

PSALMS 78:9KJV
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Psalms 78:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:9 mean?

Psalms 78:9 describes how the people from the tribe of Ephraim, even though they were armed and equipped with bows, turned back and did not fight on the day of battle. The verse highlights their failure to stand firm despite being prepared for conflict.

The psalm is written by Asaph, addressing the people of Israel and recounting their history. Here, Ephraim represents a leading tribe in the northern kingdom, often seen as a symbol for all Israel. The verse sets up an example of unfaithfulness or lack of courage, which fits into the psalm’s broader theme of remembering past failures to encourage faithfulness to God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:9

  • אֶפְרַיִם (Ephrayim): This is the name of one of the main tribes of Israel, often used as a representative for the northern tribes as a whole. Mentioning Ephraim specifically draws attention to their leadership role and the disappointment in their actions.
  • נָשְׁקוּ (nashqu, "armed"): This word means "armed" or "equipped with weapons." The verse stresses that Ephraim was not lacking in resources or preparation, making their retreat more striking.
  • רֹמֵי (romey, "carrying"): This word means "carrying" or "bearing," specifically referring to weapons. It emphasizes that they were not just armed in general but specifically carrying bows, a key weapon of the time.
  • קֶשֶׁת (qeshet, "bows"): The mention of bows highlights their military readiness. Bows were important weapons, so their retreat is not due to being outmatched in equipment.

Why Psalms 78:9 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Ephraim’s failure was due to lack of preparation or resources; it was a matter of choice or spirit, not ability.
  • It connects to the larger message of Psalm 78, which is a call to remember Israel’s history honestly, including moments of failure, to encourage faithfulness in the present.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between what was expected of Ephraim as a leading tribe and what actually happened, sharpening the lesson for the reader about responsibility and trust.

Where else these words appear

“battle” Hebrew H7128 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
  • Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
  • Psalms 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

“carrying” Hebrew H7411 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
  • Joshua 9:22 And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?
  • 1 Chronicles 12:17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.

“armed” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 4:27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
  • 1 Kings 19:20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

“bows” Hebrew H7198 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.