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Ephraim Chosen of the Lord
139 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 29, 2021
My mom bought this book for me after I received my patriarchal blessing and encouraged me to read it. It only took me almost 20 years, but I finally did so. I wanted to like it, if only for that, but struggled greatly with the teachings. The writing was choppy, but that wasn’t the worst, although I admit I struggled to follow some of their arguments.
What I appreciated was a discussion of the work assigned to the Tribe of Ephraim—which is to gather scattered Israel through missionary and temple work—as most Latter-day Saints are (in my understanding) adopted into the House of Israel through the Tribe of Ephraim.
What I struggled with was the premise of the book being that those who accept the gospel are literal descendants of Israel, mostly of the blood of Ephraim, while those who do not are Gentiles and do not have such blood in them. The authors argue that even within a family only one member may have Ephraimite blood in them, and that is the person who will end up joining the church (i.e., the wheat amongst the tares). To believe that there were chosen members of the House of Israel in the pre-existence who were foreordained to fulfill the Lord’s work in the last days while others were not goes against reason (who were the other spirits in heaven?). To believe that all and only Latter-day Saints are God’s chosen and favored people does not bear out in the scriptures, which say that God is no respecter of persons (the authors say we are too afraid of being “politically correct” to say it bluntly, but it sounds mostly like the type of pseudo-doctrine older church members get excited about).
Church scholars warn against “proof texting,” or searching for scriptures out of context or clipped quotes that support an already held opinion. This book could be a case study for proof texting. Maybe I’ll find someday that I was wrong and the authors had it right.
I had high hopes for Orson F. Whitney’s poem at the end of the book, but was disappointed to find it only a criticism of traditional Jewish beliefs.
What I appreciated was a discussion of the work assigned to the Tribe of Ephraim—which is to gather scattered Israel through missionary and temple work—as most Latter-day Saints are (in my understanding) adopted into the House of Israel through the Tribe of Ephraim.
What I struggled with was the premise of the book being that those who accept the gospel are literal descendants of Israel, mostly of the blood of Ephraim, while those who do not are Gentiles and do not have such blood in them. The authors argue that even within a family only one member may have Ephraimite blood in them, and that is the person who will end up joining the church (i.e., the wheat amongst the tares). To believe that there were chosen members of the House of Israel in the pre-existence who were foreordained to fulfill the Lord’s work in the last days while others were not goes against reason (who were the other spirits in heaven?). To believe that all and only Latter-day Saints are God’s chosen and favored people does not bear out in the scriptures, which say that God is no respecter of persons (the authors say we are too afraid of being “politically correct” to say it bluntly, but it sounds mostly like the type of pseudo-doctrine older church members get excited about).
Church scholars warn against “proof texting,” or searching for scriptures out of context or clipped quotes that support an already held opinion. This book could be a case study for proof texting. Maybe I’ll find someday that I was wrong and the authors had it right.
I had high hopes for Orson F. Whitney’s poem at the end of the book, but was disappointed to find it only a criticism of traditional Jewish beliefs.
May 21, 2018
Very repetitive and pedantic in its approach. Started with an interesting premise and an important subject for LDS readers, but the execution somewhere between an academic treatise and a popular book fell flat in both spheres.
June 18, 2023
Ephraim is a powerful and fascinating subject. This is a brief book that delves into the rare verses of scripture addressing the tribe of Ephraim and their special calling.
December 30, 2023
Not a terribly exciting book, but very informative. It does explain about the tribe of Ephraim and why most of us belong to it.
September 3, 2025
Very informative. Some new insights.
September 7, 2012
I picked this up on a whim in the clearance section of the BYU Bookstore. Glad I did. We hear so much about the "Twelve Tribes of Israel"; but sometimes it's hard to connect all the dots. The majority of Latter-Day-Saints are of the tribe of Ephraim; but do we really know what that means? Though not necessarily thorough, this book provides some great perspective and insight on the importance of this tribe. The authors outline its past, present, and future role in the scattering and gathering of Israel. They discuss the ties Ephraim has to the standard works (specifically the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants) and the various prophecies that have been fulfilled and have yet to be fulfilled. Ephraim plays a vital part in God's Kingdom. This book put a lot of the pieces of the whole "tribal" puzzle together for me and gave me a sort of big picture understanding.
April 13, 2011
Fascinating and fantastic book! I came across it on our ward's book exchange list and am SO glad! One of those books you just can't stop thinking about! Since it wasn't my own, I actually noted page numbers and typed up my favorite passages later to keep! LOVE IT!
October 3, 2008
It's a great self-esteem booster. My dad gave me this book and I really liked it. Definitely I'll read it again.
October 23, 2008
I read this book a while ago, but I remember having trouble following everything. It's not a real easy read...it takes effort and following along with the scriptures.
June 6, 2010
Who I am and what I am really here for. It also teaches me what I need to do, what my role is as Heavenly Father's daughter on earth
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews