Lineage and Birth
Naphtali 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, 'In my great struggles, I have wrestled with my sister and won.' So she named him Naphtali." The name "Naphtali" is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "my struggle" or "wrestling," reflecting Rachel's ongoing rivalry with her sister Leah.

Tribe of Naphtali
Naphtali became the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Naphtali was known for its valor and played a significant role in the history of Israel. In the division of the Promised Land, the tribe was allotted a region in the northern part of Canaan, as detailed in Joshua 19:32-39. This territory included fertile lands and significant cities such as Kedesh, Hazor, and Beth-shemesh.

Blessings and Prophecies
Jacob's blessing over Naphtali is recorded in Genesis 49:21 : "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." This poetic blessing suggests a future of freedom and grace for the tribe. 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 emphasizes the favor and prosperity that would characterize the tribe.

Role in Israel's History
The tribe of Naphtali played a crucial role during the period of the Judges. Barak, a prominent leader from the tribe of Naphtali, was called by the prophetess Deborah to lead Israel against the Canaanite army led by Sisera. Judges 4:6 recounts this call to arms: "She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, 'Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you: Go, deploy the troops at Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun?'" The victory over Sisera was a significant moment in Israel's history, showcasing the bravery and faith of the Naphtalites.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, the region of Naphtali is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. Matthew 4:13-15 notes that Jesus left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, highlighting the significance of Naphtali in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ.

Cultural and Spiritual Legacy
The tribe of Naphtali, though not as prominent as some other tribes, contributed significantly to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Israel. Known for their swiftness and agility, the Naphtalites were often associated with freedom and beauty, as reflected in Jacob's blessing. Their legacy is one of courage, faith, and divine favor, as they played their part in the unfolding narrative of God's chosen people.Genesis 46:24
And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 7:13
The sons of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxxvii
... Bilhah's sons were Dan and Naphtali (Genesis 30:6-7 ... He was the one son who had spiritual
kinship with his ... He felt that it behoved Jacob to know these reports. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

Chapter xxx
... 7, 8. And Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, conceived and bore a second son to Jacob. ... my
sister and I have prevailed, and she called his name Naphtali (Wrestling). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

Chapter xlvi
... But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard. ... point to remind us that Rachel actually counts
as Jacob's wife ... And the sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Chapter xxxv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is contrasted ... of Leah"the first-born
of Jacob, Reuben, and ... the handmaid of Rachel"Dan and Naphtali; the sons ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... father, which when he understood that Jacob, his sister's son, was come ... And Jacob
while he ... had these sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... four sons of Dan and one of Naphtali, all of ... and Zion; the inscription found by Canaan,
son of Arphaxad ... xi.); [263] Jacob's yearly presents to his father and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Dan entered with one son, and Naphtali with four sons. ... Summa of all the souls of
the house of Jacob that entered into Egypt were in all seventy. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... He was the son of Bilhah, daughter of Rutheus, brother of Deborah, Rebecca's nurse. ...
In a second vision Naphtali sees Jacob and his sons standing by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is contrasted ... of Leah"the first-born
of Jacob, Reuben, and ... the handmaid of Rachel"Dan and Naphtali; the sons ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Chapter xlix
... Judah is a lion; Issachar, an ass; Dan, a serpent; Naphtali, a hind; Benjamin, a
wolf. ... Then Jacob turns away from his son as from a stranger in sad ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus