Jephthah's Conflict with Ephraim

The tribe of Ephraim again fell because of its arrogance. This fall was an indication of Jephthah's greatness as a leader. He and his Gileadite "renegades" were superior in strength to the whole tribe of Ephraim. Psalm 78 (especially verses 9, 11, 67) reflects on Ephraim's failure to fight. This Psalm explains God's rejection of Ephraim as Israel's leading tribe. Judah (i.e. David; Psalm 78:68-72), not Ephraim, was to lead Israel.