Let me share my thoughts! Ephraim is Joseph's second son. Him and his brother Manasseh were born to him in Egypt before his father and brothers came to him during the draught.

When Jacob sees them, he adopts them both as his own. (Gen 48:5) however Ephraim is set apart and seems like Jacob has a soft corner for him. Probably he recalls his younger days of being a second son to his own father and sees himself in Ephraim.

Very important point is that Ephraim became a blessing or greeting in Israel. People would bless their children, "God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh".

Later in Joshua we read, when Ephraim got his inheritance they (the tribe) did not drive out the Canaanites that dwelled among them (Judges 1:29)

Interestingly in Jeremiah 31:9, we read the Lord saying, "Ephramin is my firstborn"!

You might be excited to know - as I am - that Joshua is a descendant of Ephraim!

Plenty of other references can be found on Ephraim.

I understand his main sin was not chasing away the Canaanites from his inherited land. I am sure he endured issues due to that.

Similar to us. We too hold on to some Canaanites in our lives. Let us not take God's compassion on us for granted. It is true we are very dear to Him, but there are times as we continue to rebel, God's anger is directed towards us, but when we repent, almost immediately His mercy is revealed...

"Ephraim" a new thought and fact to me, Interesting and useful.