The children of Ephraim, [being] armed, [and] carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.
Ver. 9. The children of Ephraim being armed, &c.] This the Rabbis interpret of eight thousand Ephraimites, who would needs break prison, as it were, out of Egypt (before the time that God had set for their deliverance thence), and seize upon Palestine, the promised land; but with evil success; for they were slain by the men of Gath, to the great grief of their father Ephraim, 1 Chronicles 7:21,23, and to the increase of their servitude in Egypt, Exo 1:8-14 This is historia Caballica. See R. Solomon on those words, Exodus 15:14, the people shall hear and be afraid; sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina, who, remembering what a slaughter they once made of these Ephraimites, shall fear the just revenge of that cruelty. Others interpret this text by Judges 1:29, and some by 2 Kings 17:1,18, with Hosea 10:6,8, &c., but this to me seemeth most likey. These are ancient things, and of such the psalmist promiseth to treat, Psalms 78:2,3 .
Being armed and carrying bows] Trusting to their own strength and warlike preparations, and choosing rather to be counted temerarious than timorous.
Turned back in the day of battle] Carnal confidence seldom comes home otherwise than weeping.