Topical Encyclopedia
Naphtali is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the sixth son of Jacob and his second wife, Bilhah, who was Rachel's maidservant. The name "Naphtali" is often interpreted to mean "my struggle" or "wrestling," reflecting Rachel's struggle with her sister Leah for Jacob's affection (
Genesis 30:7-8). Naphtali holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, both in terms of its ancestral lineage and its territorial inheritance in the Promised Land.
Ancestry and BlessingsNaphtali was born during a period of intense rivalry between Rachel and Leah, as they vied for Jacob's love and sought to bear him sons. Rachel, unable to conceive, gave her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob as a wife, and Bilhah bore Naphtali. In
Genesis 49:21, Jacob blesses Naphtali, saying, "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." This blessing is often interpreted as a prophecy of the tribe's future prosperity and freedom.
Moses also blessed the tribe of Naphtali before his death, as recorded in
Deuteronomy 33:23: "About Naphtali he said: 'Naphtali is abounding with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he will inherit southward to the lake.'" This blessing highlights the tribe's favored status and its rich inheritance.
Territorial InheritanceThe tribe of Naphtali was allocated a fertile and strategically significant region in the northern part of Canaan, as detailed in
Joshua 19:32-39. The territory of Naphtali included the area around the Sea of Galilee, extending westward to the borders of Asher and Zebulun. This land was known for its natural beauty and agricultural potential, making it a valuable inheritance for the tribe.
Historical SignificanceThroughout biblical history, the tribe of Naphtali played a crucial role in various events. During the period of the Judges, Naphtali was one of the tribes that responded to the call of Deborah and Barak to fight against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera (Judges 4-5). The tribe's warriors were instrumental in achieving a decisive victory, which is celebrated in the Song of Deborah.
In the era of the united monarchy, Naphtali was part of the northern kingdom of Israel. The region was known for its skilled warriors and contributed to the military strength of the kingdom. However, like the other northern tribes, Naphtali eventually fell to the Assyrian conquest in the 8th century BC, leading to the exile of its people.
Prophetic and Messianic ConnectionsThe land of Naphtali holds prophetic significance in the context of messianic prophecies.
Isaiah 9:1-2 speaks of a great light shining on the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, a prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament with the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 4:13-16 cites this prophecy, noting that Jesus began His public ministry in the region of Galilee, which includes the land of Naphtali, thus bringing light to those who dwelt in darkness.
Cultural and Spiritual LegacyThe tribe of Naphtali, though often overshadowed by larger tribes, contributed to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and spiritual heritage. Its legacy is preserved in the biblical narrative as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The land of Naphtali, with its association with the life and ministry of Jesus, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of believers, symbolizing hope and redemption.
Concordance
Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)Matthew 4:13
and having left Nazareth, having come, he dwelt at Capernaum that is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtalim,
(See RSV)
Matthew 4:15
Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations! --
(See RSV)
Genesis 30:8
And Rachel said: 'With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed.' And she called his name Naphtali.
(See RSV)
Genesis 35:25
and the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid: Dan and Naphtali;
(See RSV)
Genesis 46:24
And the sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.
(See RSV)
Genesis 49:21
Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
(See RSV)
Exodus 1:4
Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher.
(See RSV)
Numbers 1:15
Of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.'
(See RSV)
Numbers 1:42
Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
(See RSV)
Numbers 1:43
those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
(See RSV)
Numbers 2:29
and the tribe of Naphtali; the prince of the children of Naphtali being Ahira the son of Enan,
(See RSV)
Numbers 7:78
On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali:
(See RSV)
Numbers 10:27
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.
(See RSV)
Numbers 13:14
Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.
(See RSV)
Numbers 26:48
The sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites;
(See RSV)
Numbers 26:50
These are the families of Naphtali according to their families; and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.
(See RSV)
Numbers 34:28
And of the tribe of the children of Naphtali a prince, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.
(See RSV)
Deuteronomy 27:13
and these shall stand upon mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
(See RSV)
Deuteronomy 33:23
And of Naphtali he said: O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the sea and the south.
(See RSV)
Deuteronomy 34:2
and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the hinder sea;
(See RSV)
Joshua 19:32
The sixth lot came out for the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.
(See RSV)
Joshua 19:39
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages.
(See RSV)
Joshua 20:7
And they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill-country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba--the same is Hebron--in the hill-country of Judah.
(See RSV)
Joshua 21:6
And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
(See RSV)
Joshua 21:32
And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammoth-dor with the open land about it, and Kartan with the open land about it; three cities.
(See RSV)
Judges 1:33
Naph'tali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-she'mesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, but dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth-she'mesh and of Beth-anath became subject to forced labor for them.
(DBY RSV)
Judges 4:10
And Barak summoned Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali to Kedesh; and ten thousand men went up at his heels; and Deb'orah went up with him.
(DBY RSV)
Judges 5:18
Zeb'ulun is a people that jeoparded their lives to the death; Naph'tali too, on the heights of the field.
(DBY RSV)
Judges 6:35
And he sent messengers throughout all Manas'seh; and they too were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zeb'ulun, and Naph'tali; and they went up to meet them.
(DBY RSV)
Judges 7:23
And the men of Israel were called out from Naph'tali and from Asher and from all Manas'seh, and they pursued after Mid'ian.
(DBY RSV)
1 Kings 4:15
Ahimaaz, in Naphtali; he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon to wife;
(See RSV)
1 Kings 15:20
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-beth-maacah, and all Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.
(See RSV)
2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel-beth-maacah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.
(See RSV)
1 Chronicles 2:2
Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
(See RSV)
1 Chronicles 6:62
And to the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
(See RSV)
1 Chronicles 6:76
and out of the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with the open land about it, and Hammon with the open land about it, and Kiriathaim with the open land about it.
(See RSV)
1 Chronicles 7:13
The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.
(See RSV)
1 Chronicles 12:34
And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
(See RSV)
1 Chronicles 12:40
Moreover they that were nigh unto them, even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, victual of meal, cakes of figs, and clusters of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel.
(See RSV)
1 Chronicles 27:19
of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel;
(See RSV)
2 Chronicles 16:4
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store-cities of Naphtali.
(See RSV)
2 Chronicles 34:6
And so did he in the cities of Manasseh and Ephraim and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their axes round about.
(See RSV)
Psalms 68:27
There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them, the princes of Judah their council, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
(See RSV)
Isaiah 9:1
For is there no gloom to her that was stedfast? Now the former hath lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but the latter hath dealt a more grievous blow by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in the district of the nations.
(See RSV)
Ezekiel 48:3
and by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, Naphtali one,
(See RSV)
Ezekiel 48:4
and by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, Manasseh one,
(See RSV)
Ezekiel 48:34
The west side five hundred, and four thousand, their gates three: the gate of Gad one, the gate of Asher one, the gate of Naphtali one.
(See RSV)
Thesaurus
Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)Naph'
tali. Naphtali,
Naph'
tali. Naphtalim . Multi-Version Concordance
Naph'
tali (47 Occurrences). Matthew 4:13 and having left Nazareth
.../n/naph'tali.htm - 18kZeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). Judges 4:10 And Barak summoned Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali to Kedesh; and
ten thousand men went up at his heels; and Deb'orah went up with him. (DBY RSV). ...
/z/zeb'ulun.htm - 16k
Manas'seh (123 Occurrences)
... to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zeb'ulun, and Naph'tali;
and they went up to meet them. (DBY RSV). Judges 7:23 And ...
/m/manas'seh.htm - 35k
Naphtalim (1 Occurrence)
/n/naphtalim.htm - 6k
Deb'orah (10 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). Judges 4:10 And Barak summoned Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali to Kedesh; and
ten thousand men went up at his heels; and Deb'orah went up with him. (DBY RSV). ...
/d/deb'orah.htm - 9k
Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:33 Naph'tali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-she'mesh, or the
inhabitants of Beth-anath, but dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of ...
/b/beth-she'mesh.htm - 12k
Mid'ian (47 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:23 And the men of Israel were called out from Naph'tali and from Asher
and from all Manas'seh, and they pursued after Mid'ian. (DBY RSV). ...
/m/mid'ian.htm - 20k
Heels (11 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Judges 4:10 And Barak summoned Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali to Kedesh;
and ten thousand men went up at his heels; and Deb'orah went up with him. ...
/h/heels.htm - 9k
Summoned (103 Occurrences)
... Judges 4:10 And Barak summoned Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali to Kedesh; and ten thousand
men went up at his heels; and Deb'orah went up with him. (DBY RSV NIV). ...
/s/summoned.htm - 35k
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