The Gileadites cut off the Ephraimites at the fords of the Jordan. This tactic was previously used to such effect by Israelites against Moabites (Judges 3:27–30), and by Israelites against Midianites (Judges 7:24–25). Now it is used by Israelites against Israelites, with devastating results. The situation where Ehud led Ephraim against a foreign oppressor has changed to civil war within Israel.
5 And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,”