Ephraim By Sign
This article explores how to identify the lost tribe of Ephraim by signs. This is complex because Ephraim is part of Joseph. So Ephraim is paired in man ways with Manasseh.
Sign Based Identification
Jacob's prophecy about Ephraim:
15Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,
16the Angel who has delivered me from all harm -- may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth."
Genesis 48:15-1617When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim's head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head.
18Joseph said to him, "No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head."
Genesis 48:17-1819But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations."
20He blessed them that day and said, "In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: `May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.'" So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. Genesis 48:19-20 (Genesis 48:15-20 NIV)
The blessing given to Ephraim and Manasseh upset their father Joseph because Jacob appeared to be changing the natural birthright promises.
The passage suggests that Manasseh would inherit Abraham's Great Nation promise while Ephraim would become a community of nations.
Of course this is how it worked out, the United Kingdom is a nation, but also a network of related nations including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many others.