Judges 8:1

They did chide. Ephraim was the most populous and most important tribe of northern Palestine and was jealous of its position of leadership. The Ephraimites had rallied immediately to Gideon’s call, and had proved their power and fidelity to the national cause. Yet when they met Gideon their injured ambitions and pride led them to reproach him for not calling them before the battle began, just as much as to say that no one had a right to make a move to repel the common enemy without asking them. Their arrogance was due partly to their strength and partly to an attitude formed when Joshua, who was an Ephraimite, was the acknowledged leader of Israel. Later the tribe again assumed a dictatorial tone (ch. 12:1-7), but this time the result was a humiliating defeat for Ephraim.

It is here that one of the most important lessons of this narrative may be found. In common with the other northern tribes, Ephraim had done nothing to oppose the depredations of the Midianites. In common with the others, they were brave enough to join in the fray only after the enemy was in flight. Similarly, there are many today who criticize the one who courageously launches a laudable project. They hold back any support until it is apparent that the venture will succeed. Then they attempt to take credit to themselves to edge in on the leadership of the enterprise. Such a spirit is reprehensible.