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. The tribe is noted for its participation in the dedication of the altar, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, during the consecration of the Tabernacle in the wilderness.

Biblical Context

The dedication of the altar is detailed in Numbers 7, where each tribe of Israel presented offerings over twelve days. The offerings were made by the leaders of each tribe, signifying their commitment and devotion to the Lord. This event followed the completion of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Offering of the Tribe of Naphtali

On the twelfth day of the dedication, Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, brought forth the offering. The Berean Standard Bible records this event in Numbers 7:78-83:

"On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the Naphtalites, drew near. His offering was one silver platter weighing 130 shekels and one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, for the peace offering. This was the offering of Ahira son of Enan."

Significance of the Offering

The offering of the Tribe of Naphtali, like those of the other tribes, was rich in symbolism and significance. The silver and gold items represented purity and value, while the fine flour mixed with oil symbolized sustenance and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings were acts of worship, atonement, and fellowship with God.

The participation of Naphtali in this dedication underscores the unity and collective responsibility of the tribes of Israel in their covenant relationship with God. Each tribe's offering was identical, reflecting equality and shared purpose among the people of Israel.

Theological Reflection

From a theological perspective, the offerings at the dedication of the altar highlight the importance of worship, sacrifice, and obedience in the life of God's people. The Tribe of Naphtali, through its leader Ahira, demonstrated faithfulness and reverence to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.

The dedication of the altar and the offerings of the tribes, including Naphtali, foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets. In Christ, the offerings find their true meaning, as He is the perfect and final offering for sin, bringing peace and reconciliation between God and humanity.Numbers 7:78-83
On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... the blessing of Jacob, in which the tribe of Judah ... and Benjamin, that Dan, Asher,
and Naphtali are encamped ... place: "And he that offered his offering the first ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... their lives unto the death,"and Naphtali upon the ... families which constituted the
half-tribe of Manasseh ... foes, expressed their gratitude by offering the crown ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... achieved at one blow,
the enemy offering an obstinate ... have come to light, but the dedication of one ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the couplet recited by Solomon at the dedication of the ... 10-16, where Ahaz is described
as offering sacrifice and ... they came in time to form a tribe by themselves ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.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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