Topical Encyclopedia Naphtali, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible. He was the sixth son of Jacob and the second son born to Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. His birth is recorded in Genesis 30:7-8 : "And Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, 'With great wrestlings, I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.' So she named him Naphtali."Tribal Inheritance and Territory The descendants of Naphtali formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known as the Tribe of Naphtali. This tribe was allocated a portion of land in the northern region of Canaan, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. The territory of Naphtali was known for its fertile land and strategic location, bordered by the Sea of Galilee to the east and the tribe of Asher to the west. This area played a crucial role in the history of Israel, serving as a site for various biblical events. Jacob's Blessing Before his death, Jacob bestowed blessings upon his sons, which are recorded in Genesis 49. Naphtali's blessing is found in Genesis 49:21 : "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." This poetic blessing has been interpreted in various ways, often seen as a reference to the tribe's swiftness, agility, and potential for prosperity and beauty. The imagery of a doe suggests grace and freedom, characteristics that may have been emblematic of the tribe's future. Role in Israel's History The Tribe of Naphtali played a significant role in the history of Israel. During the period of the Judges, Barak, a leader from the tribe of Naphtali, was called by the prophetess Deborah to lead an army against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. This account is found in Judges 4, where Barak's faith and leadership, alongside Deborah, led to a decisive victory for Israel. In the era of the united monarchy, the territory of Naphtali was part of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united kingdom following Solomon's reign. The region was known for its natural beauty and resources, contributing to the prosperity of the northern kingdom. Prophetic Significance The land of Naphtali holds prophetic significance in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, the region is mentioned in connection with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Matthew 4:13-16 cites the prophecy of Isaiah, highlighting the fulfillment of the prophecy that the people living in darkness have seen a great light, referring to Jesus' ministry in Galilee, which included the land of Naphtali. Naphtali's legacy, as both a son of Jacob and a tribe of Israel, is woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting themes of struggle, blessing, and fulfillment of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 49:21Naphtali is a hind let loose: he gives goodly words. Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xxxv The Book of Jubilees Chapter xxxiv The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is the significance of Mount Tabor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Naphtali: Son of Jacob and Bilhah Naphtali: Son of Jacob and Bilhah: Jacob Blesses Naphtali: Son of Jacob and Bilhah: Sons of the Tribe of Naphtali: Bounds of Their Inheritance the Tribe of Naphtali: Chosen from Zebulun to Go With Barak Against Sisera the Tribe of Naphtali: Descended from Jacob's Sixth Son the Tribe of Naphtali: did not Drive out the Canaanites, But Made Them Tributary the Tribe of Naphtali: Encamped Under the Standard of Dan North of the Tabernacle the Tribe of Naphtali: Families of the Tribe of Naphtali: Joined Gideon in the Pursuit and Overthrow of the Midianites the Tribe of Naphtali: Land of, Purged of Idols by Josiah the Tribe of Naphtali: Land of, Ravaged by Benhadad the Tribe of Naphtali: Offering of, at the Dedication the Tribe of Naphtali: Officer Placed Over, by David the Tribe of Naphtali: Officer Placed Over, by Solomon the Tribe of Naphtali: On Ebal Said Amen to the Curses the Tribe of Naphtali: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Naphtali: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Naphtali: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Naphtali: Praised for Aiding Against Sisera the Tribe of Naphtali: Predictions Respecting the Tribe of Naphtali: Remarkable Persons of Barak the Tribe of Naphtali: Remarkable Persons of Hiram the Tribe of Naphtali: some of, at David's Coronation the Tribe of Naphtali: Specially Favoured by Our Lord's Ministry the Tribe of Naphtali: Strength of, on Entering Canaan the Tribe of Naphtali: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt the Tribe of Naphtali: Taken Captive by Tiglathpileser the Tribe of Naphtali: The Rear of the Fourth Division of Israel in Their Journeys Tribe of Naphtali: Defeat Sisera Tribe of Naphtali: Follow Gideon Tribe of Naphtali: Help in Conveying the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem Tribe of Naphtali: Inheritance of Tribe of Naphtali: Military Operations of Tribe of Naphtali: Moses' Benediction On Tribe of Naphtali: Position Assigned To, in Camping and in Marching Tribe of Naphtali: Prophecies Concerning Related Terms |
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