Numbers 1:42 Study Bible: Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;

◄ Numbers 1:42 ►

From the sons of Naphtali, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Study Bible

From the sons of Naphtali
Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali settled in the northern part of Canaan, an area known for its fertile land and strategic location. This region later became significant in biblical history, as it was part of the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry (Matthew 4:13-15).

according to the records of their clans and families
The organization of the tribes into clans and families reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. This structure ensured that each family maintained its inheritance and identity within the larger community. The detailed genealogical records were crucial for maintaining tribal boundaries and inheritance rights, as seen in the book of Joshua when the land was divided among the tribes.

counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older
The age of twenty was significant in Israelite culture as it marked the transition to adulthood and eligibility for military service. This census was not just a headcount but a preparation for war, as the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land and would need to conquer it. The age requirement underscores the responsibility and readiness expected of those who would defend the nation.

who could serve in the army
Military service was a duty for the able-bodied men of Israel, reflecting the theocratic nature of the nation where God was seen as the ultimate leader and protector. The army was not just a defense force but a means through which God executed His judgment and fulfilled His promises to Israel. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be soldiers of Christ, fighting spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sons of Naphtali
Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali was known for its warriors and played a significant role in the history of Israel.

2. Genealogies
This refers to the recorded lineage or family history of the tribe of Naphtali. Genealogies were crucial in Israel for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights.

3. Clans and Families
The tribe of Naphtali was divided into smaller family units and clans, which were essential for organization and leadership within the tribe.

4. Census
The event described is part of a larger census commanded by God to Moses, where the Israelites were counted for military purposes. This census was significant for organizing the tribes for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land.

5. Military Service
The census included only males twenty years of age or older who were eligible for military service, highlighting the importance of readiness and responsibility in the community.

Teaching Points

Importance of Identity and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage helps us recognize our place in God's family and His plan for our lives.

Readiness for Service
Just as the men of Naphtali were counted for military service, Christians are called to be ready to serve God in whatever capacity He calls us.

Community and Accountability
The organization into clans and families emphasizes the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The detailed counting of individuals reminds us that God values each person and their contribution, no matter how small it may seem.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali about the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and identity?

2. How does the concept of being ready for military service in ancient Israel relate to being prepared for spiritual battles today?

3. In what ways can we foster a sense of community and accountability within our own church or small group?

4. How does the detailed census in Numbers 1:42 reflect God's attention to detail and care for each individual?

5. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are ready to serve God in whatever capacity He calls us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 30:7-8
This passage describes the birth of Naphtali, providing background on the tribe's origin and its place among the sons of Jacob.

Judges 4:6-10
The tribe of Naphtali played a crucial role in the battle led by Deborah and Barak, showcasing their military prowess and faithfulness to God's call.

Revelation 7:6
Naphtali is mentioned among the tribes of Israel in the vision of the 144,000, indicating its continued significance in God's plan.

Sermons

The First Army of Israel, an Illustration of the Church Militant	W. Jones.	Numbers 1:20-46
The Necessity of War	H. W. Beecher.	Numbers 1:20-46

People

Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gideoni, Helon, Israelites, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai

Places

Egypt, Sinai

Topics

Able, Army, Births, Clans, Families, Fathers, Forth, Genealogical, Generations, Host, Households, Houses, Listed, Male, Military, Names, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Numbered, Records, Registration, Serve, Service, Sons, Throughout, Twenty, Upward, War

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Numbers 1:1-49

5249 census

Numbers 1:20-43

7266 tribes of Israel

Library

The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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