Nephthai is a lesser-known figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. The name "Nephthai" appears in the context of the descendants of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to him by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher is noted for its abundance and prosperity, as reflected in the blessings pronounced by Jacob and Moses.

Biblical References:

Nephthai is specifically mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:35, which provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Asher. The verse states: "The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal." Nephthai is listed among the descendants of Zophah, indicating his place within the extended family lineage of Asher.

Tribal Context:

The tribe of Asher settled in the western part of the land of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. This region was known for its fertile land and olive oil production, which contributed to the tribe's wealth and prosperity. The blessing of Moses upon Asher highlights this abundance: "May Asher be most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24).

Cultural and Historical Significance:

While Nephthai himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in Israelite society. Genealogies served not only to establish tribal identities but also to affirm the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the multiplication and settlement of their descendants in the Promised Land.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Nephthai and other genealogical records in the Bible highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving the lineage of His chosen people. Each name, though sometimes obscure, represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive history, leading ultimately to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Conclusion:

Nephthai, though a minor figure, is part of the rich tapestry of biblical history that illustrates the continuity of God's plan for His people. His mention in the genealogies serves as a reminder of the detailed and personal nature of God's involvement in the lives of His people throughout the generations.NEPHTHAR; NEPHTHAI

nef'-thar (Nephthar; Codex Alexandrinus and Swete, Nephthar, the King James Version and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) Naphthar), (Nephthai, al. Nephthaei, Fritzsche, Nepha, the King James Version and Vulgate, following Old Latin, Nephi; Swete, following Codex Alexandrinus, gives Nephthar twice): According to 2 Maccabees 1:19-36, at the time of the captivity the godly priests took of the altar fire of the temple and concealed it "privily in the hollow of a well that was without water," unknown to all. "After many years" (upon Return), before offering the sacrifices, Nehemiah sent the descendants of the godly priests to fetch the hidden fire. They reported they could find no fire but only "thick water" hudor pachu), which he commanded them to draw up and sprinkle upon the wood and the sacrifices. After an interval the sun shone forth from behind a cloud and the liquid ignited and consumed the sacrifices. Nehemiah then commanded them to pour (katachein, al. katechein, and kataschein) the rest of the liquid upon great stones. Another flame sprang up which soon spent itself, "whereas the light from the altar shone still" (Revised Version margin, the exact meaning being doubtful). When the king of Persia investigated it, he enclosed the spot as sacred. Nehemiah and his friends called the thick liquid "Nephthar," "which is by interpretation `cleansing' " (katharismos), "but most men call it Nephthai."

No satisfactory explanation is to hand of either name; one of which is probably a corruption of the other. And no word exists in the Hebrew like either of them with the meaning of "cleansing," "purification." The Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) applies the name to the spot (hunc locum), not the thing. The story probably originated in Persia, where naphtha was abundant. The ignition of the liquid by the hot rays of the sun and the appearance of the words render it highly probable that it was the inflammable rockoil naphtha, the combustible properties of which were quite familiar to the ancients (Pliny, NH, ii. 109; Plutarch, Alexander 35; Diosc., i0.101; Strabo, Geogr. xvi.1, 15); the words then are probably corruptions of what the Greeks termed naphtha. Ewald (History, V, 163) says: "This is but one of the many stories which sought in later times to enhance the very high sanctity of the Temple, with reference even to its origin."

S. Angus

NEPHTHAI

nef'-thi, nef'-tha-i.

See NEPHTHAR.

Nephthai
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHTHAR; NEPHTHAI. nef'-thar (Nephthar ... origin."
S. Angus. NEPHTHAI. nef'-thi, nef'-tha-i. See NEPHTHAR. ...
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Nephthar
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHTHAR; NEPHTHAI. nef'-thar (Nephthar;
Codex Alexandrinus and Swete, Nephthar, the King James ...
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Nephtali (1 Occurrence)

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Nephthalim (2 Occurrences)

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Nephi
Nephi. Nephews, Nephi. Nephilim . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHI.
ne'-fi. See NEPHTHAI. Nephews, Nephi. Nephilim . Reference Bible.
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