Topical Bible: the Tribe of Naphtali: Land of, Purged of Idols by Josiah

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Topical Encyclopedia

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). The tribe's inheritance was located in the northern region of Canaan, a fertile and strategically significant area that included parts of the Galilee. This land was bordered by the tribes of Asher to the west, Zebulun and Issachar to the south, and the Jordan River to the east.

Geographical Significance

The territory of Naphtali was known for its rich soil and abundant resources, making it a vital area for agriculture and trade. The land included the western shores of the Sea of Galilee and extended into the mountainous regions, providing a diverse landscape. Key cities within Naphtali's borders included Kedesh, a city of refuge, and Hazor, a significant Canaanite city that was later conquered by Joshua (Joshua 19:32-39).

Historical Context

Throughout its history, the land of Naphtali experienced various periods of conquest and occupation. During the time of the Judges, the tribe played a crucial role in the military campaigns against the Canaanites, notably under the leadership of Barak and the prophetess Deborah (Judges 4-5). Despite these victories, the tribe struggled with the influence of surrounding pagan cultures, which led to periods of idolatry and spiritual decline.

Purging of Idols by Josiah

The spiritual reformation under King Josiah of Judah marked a significant turning point for the land of Naphtali. Josiah, known for his zealous commitment to the worship of Yahweh, initiated a widespread religious reform throughout the kingdom. This reform extended beyond the borders of Judah into the northern territories, including Naphtali, which had been part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel before its fall to Assyria in 722 BC.

Josiah's efforts to purge the land of idolatry are recorded in 2 Kings 23. The king systematically destroyed high places, altars, and idols that had been erected for the worship of foreign gods. The Berean Standard Bible recounts Josiah's actions: "He removed from the entrance to the temple of the LORD the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the room of an official named Nathan-Melech. Josiah then burned the chariots dedicated to the sun" (2 Kings 23:11). Although this specific verse does not mention Naphtali, the broader context of Josiah's reforms indicates his determination to cleanse all Israelite territories of idolatrous practices.

Legacy

The purging of idols from Naphtali under Josiah's reign was a significant step in restoring the worship of the one true God among the Israelites. This act of purification was part of a larger movement to return to the covenantal faithfulness that God had commanded. The land of Naphtali, with its rich history and spiritual significance, continued to play a role in the unfolding narrative of Israel, ultimately becoming part of the region where Jesus Christ would later minister, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 34:6
And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even to Naphtali, with their mattocks round about.
Torrey's Topical Textbook