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 servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, 'With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.' So she named him Naphtali" . The name "Naphtali" is often understood to mean "my struggle" or "wrestling," reflecting Rachel's ongoing rivalry with her sister Leah.

Tribal Inheritance and Territory

The descendants of Naphtali formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Naphtali was allocated a portion of land in the northern region of Canaan, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. Joshua 19:32-39 outlines the boundaries of Naphtali's inheritance, which included fertile lands and significant cities such as Kedesh, Hazor, and Beth Shemesh. This territory was strategically located, providing access to trade routes and fertile agricultural land.

Role in Israel's History

The tribe of Naphtali played a notable role in various biblical events. During the period of the Judges, Naphtali was instrumental in the victory over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. Judges 4:6-10 recounts how Barak, a leader from Naphtali, was summoned by the prophetess Deborah to lead an army against Sisera. The victory at the Battle of Kishon is celebrated in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5), highlighting the bravery and contribution of the Naphtalites.

In the era of the united monarchy, Naphtali was part of the northern kingdom under King David and later King Solomon. The tribe's territory was known for its natural beauty and resources, as described in 1 Kings 4:15, where it is noted as part of Solomon's administrative districts.

Prophetic Blessings and Legacy

Naphtali received a unique blessing from his father Jacob, as recorded in Genesis 49:21: "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns" . This poetic blessing is often interpreted as a reference to the tribe's swiftness, agility, and potential for prosperity. Moses also blessed Naphtali before his death, saying, "Naphtali is abounding with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he will inherit southward to the lake" (Deuteronomy 33:23). This blessing emphasizes the tribe's favored status and the richness of its inheritance.

Cultural and Spiritual Contributions

The tribe of Naphtali contributed to the cultural and spiritual life of Israel. It was known for its warriors and played a role in defending the nation against external threats. Additionally, the region of Naphtali is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of Jesus' ministry. Matthew 4:13-15 references the land of Naphtali as part of the area where Jesus began His public ministry, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about a great light shining in Galilee.

Naphtali's legacy is one of resilience, strength, and divine favor, as reflected in the biblical narrative and the blessings pronounced over him and his descendants.Genesis 30:7,8
And Bilhah Rachel's maid conceived again, and bore Jacob a second son.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 35:25
And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:
Nave's Topical Index

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

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 Life of Isaac
... these sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher ... him Benjamin,
that is to say the son of the ... Jacob raised a title upon her tomb; this is the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.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

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 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

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

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... After these things, my son Er took to wife Tamar ... these things shall Abraham and Isaac
and Jacob arise unto ... heaven, Dan; the fatness of earth, Naphtali; the sun ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

Who was Bilhah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Did the geographic positioning of the tribes fulfill Jacob's blessing? | GotQuestions.org

What are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org

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