Topical Bible: Tribe of Naphtali: Inheritance of

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The Tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant (Genesis 30:7-8). The inheritance of the tribe is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where the land allotments for the tribes of Israel are described following their entrance into the Promised Land.

Geographical Boundaries:

The inheritance of the Tribe of Naphtali is outlined in Joshua 19:32-39. The territory assigned to Naphtali was located in the northern part of Canaan, encompassing a region that included fertile lands and strategic locations. The boundaries of Naphtali's inheritance stretched from the Jordan River to the west, reaching as far as the territory of Asher, and bordered the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar to the south. The land included significant cities such as Kedesh, Hazor, and Beth Shemesh.

Key Cities and Features:

1. Kedesh: A city of refuge located in the territory of Naphtali (Joshua 20:7). It served as a sanctuary for those who accidentally committed manslaughter, providing them protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.

2. Hazor: A prominent Canaanite city that was conquered by Joshua and later became part of Naphtali's inheritance (Joshua 11:10-13). Hazor was a significant urban center and played a crucial role in the region's history.

3. Beth Shemesh: Another notable city within Naphtali's borders, contributing to the tribe's agricultural and economic activities.

Historical and Biblical Significance:

The territory of Naphtali was known for its natural beauty and resources, often described as a land of "goodly words" (Deuteronomy 33:23). The region's fertile soil and abundant water sources made it ideal for agriculture and livestock, contributing to the tribe's prosperity.

During the period of the Judges, the tribe of Naphtali played a significant role in the military campaigns against the Canaanites. Barak, a leader from Naphtali, was called by the prophetess Deborah to lead an army against Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite forces (Judges 4:6-10). This victory was pivotal in securing peace for the Israelites in the region.

In the New Testament, the land of Naphtali is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. The region of Galilee, which includes parts of Naphtali's inheritance, is where Jesus spent much of His time teaching and performing miracles. Matthew 4:13-15 references the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting the significance of Naphtali's land in the coming of the Messiah: "Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah."

Cultural and Spiritual Legacy:

The Tribe of Naphtali, like other tribes of Israel, contributed to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the nation. The blessings pronounced upon Naphtali by Jacob and Moses emphasized the tribe's favor and prosperity. Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:21 states, "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns," symbolizing freedom and fruitfulness. Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:23 further underscores this, "About Naphtali he said: 'Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the LORD and is full of His blessing; he will inherit southward to the lake.'"

The inheritance of Naphtali, with its rich history and prophetic significance, remains an integral part of the biblical narrative, reflecting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 19:32-39
The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.
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Judges 1:33
Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelled among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries to them.
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Ezekiel 48:3
And by the border of Asher, from the east side even to the west side, a portion for Naphtali.
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Library

On Genesis.
... of the land are marked off for an inheritance and possession ... Jordan, yet they (the
men of that tribe) were enjoined ... And he (Naphtali) is adopted as a figure of ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

Chapter xlix
... in the Land of Promise Judah's inheritance was allotted ... Barak and the ten thousand
of Naphtali and Zebulon ... they will be the distinguishing marks of this tribe. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The lot given to each tribe is described ... her handmaid received as their inheritance
the regions ... less important tribes, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Zebulon ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... d to be mine, Still to preserve alive the dead man's name On his inheritance, lest
that ... forty years: in Zorah dwelt a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Sharduris merely strove to recover those portions of his inheritance to which Assyria ...
BC, perhaps in the time of Jehoshaphat, a member of the tribe of Judah ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... body to the invading hosts; but the range of mountains which forms its backbone
subdivides it into isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm