Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, played a significant role in the defeat of Sisera, a Canaanite commander, as recorded in the Book of Judges. This event is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel during the period of the Judges, showcasing God's deliverance through unexpected means and highlighting the faith and courage of key figures.Historical Context The narrative of the defeat of Sisera is found in Judges 4-5. During this time, the Israelites were oppressed by Jabin, the king of Canaan, whose military commander was Sisera. Sisera's army was formidable, equipped with 900 iron chariots, which posed a significant threat to the Israelites (Judges 4:3). Role of Naphtali The tribe of Naphtali, along with the tribe of Zebulun, was called to action by Barak, the son of Abinoam, at the behest of the prophetess Deborah. Deborah, a judge and prophetess in Israel, summoned Barak and instructed him to lead an army against Sisera, promising that the Lord would deliver Sisera into his hands (Judges 4:6-7). Barak, however, insisted that Deborah accompany him, to which she agreed, but she prophesied that the honor of defeating Sisera would not go to him but to a woman (Judges 4:8-9). Barak then gathered 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and went up to Mount Tabor to prepare for battle (Judges 4:10). The Battle The battle took place near the Kishon River. As Sisera's forces advanced, the Lord threw them into confusion, and Barak's forces overwhelmed them. The text emphasizes that the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword (Judges 4:15). Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot, seeking refuge in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Jael's Role In fulfillment of Deborah's prophecy, it was Jael, not Barak, who ultimately killed Sisera. She offered him hospitality, only to drive a tent peg through his temple while he slept, thus securing the victory for Israel (Judges 4:21). The Song of Deborah and Barak Judges 5 records the Song of Deborah and Barak, a poetic retelling of the victory. The song praises the tribes that came to fight, including Naphtali, and highlights the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph. It celebrates the bravery of those who volunteered and the downfall of Sisera, attributing the victory to the Lord's power (Judges 5:18-21). Significance The defeat of Sisera marked a turning point for the Israelites, as it led to forty years of peace (Judges 5:31). The involvement of the tribe of Naphtali in this victory underscores their role in the collective efforts of the tribes of Israel to secure their land and freedom from oppression. The narrative also illustrates themes of faith, obedience, and the unexpected ways in which God accomplishes His purposes through His people. Nave's Topical Index Judges 4:6,10And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said to him, Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? Nave's Topical Index Judges 5:18 Library The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... 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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