The Tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant (Genesis 30:7-8). As part of the Israelite community, the tribe was assigned specific positions both in the encampment around the Tabernacle and during the orderly marches through the wilderness.

Position in Camping:

In the arrangement of the Israelite camp, as detailed in the Book of Numbers, the tribes were organized around the Tabernacle, which was at the center. The Tribe of Naphtali was positioned on the north side of the Tabernacle. They camped under the standard of the camp of Dan, which included the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. Numbers 2:25-29 states, "On the north side, the standard of the camp of Dan shall be under their divisions. The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. His division Numbers 62,700. The tribe of Asher will camp next to it. The leader of the Asherites is Pagiel son of Ocran. His division Numbers 41,500. Next will be the tribe of Naphtali. The leader of the Naphtalites is Ahira son of Enan. His division Numbers 53,400."

This arrangement placed Naphtali in a strategic position, contributing to the defense and order of the camp, while also maintaining proximity to the Tabernacle, the spiritual center of the community.

Position in Marching:

During the Israelites' journeys, the tribes were to march in a specific order, as commanded by God through Moses. The Tribe of Naphtali, as part of the camp of Dan, was assigned to the rear guard of the marching order. Numbers 10:25 records, "Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out, under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all the units. The leader of the Danites was Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai."

As the rear guard, Naphtali, along with Dan and Asher, played a crucial role in protecting the community from attacks from behind, ensuring the safety and cohesion of the entire assembly as they journeyed through the wilderness.

The positions assigned to the Tribe of Naphtali in both camping and marching reflect their integral role within the larger Israelite community, contributing to the order, security, and spiritual life of the nation as they moved towards the Promised Land.Numbers 2:25-31
The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
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Numbers 10:25-27
And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rear guard of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
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