The Tribe of Naphtali is 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 is known for its valor and swiftness, as reflected in Jacob's blessing: "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns" (Genesis 49:21).

Role in the Division of the Land

The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel was a significant event following the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The land was apportioned by lot, as commanded by God, to ensure a fair distribution among the tribes (Numbers 26:55-56).

In the allocation of the land, the tribe of Naphtali received a portion in the northern region of Canaan. This territory was bounded by the tribes of Asher to the west, Zebulun and Issachar to the south, and the Jordan River to the east. The land of Naphtali was known for its fertile soil and abundance of natural resources, including the Sea of Galilee, which provided ample fishing opportunities.

Key Figures in the Division

During the division of the land, key figures from each tribe were selected to oversee and ensure the fair distribution of territories. From the tribe of Naphtali, the leader chosen for this task was Pedahel, the son of Ammihud. As recorded in the Book of Numbers, "These are the men the LORD commanded to apportion the inheritance to the Israelites in the land of Canaan: ... from the tribe of Naphtali, Pedahel son of Ammihud" (Numbers 34:28).

Pedahel's role was crucial in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the process, ensuring that the tribe of Naphtali received its rightful inheritance as ordained by God. His leadership exemplified the trust and responsibility placed upon the tribal leaders during this pivotal moment in Israelite history.

Historical and Theological Significance

The allocation of land to the tribe of Naphtali holds both historical and theological significance. Historically, it marked the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the inheritance of the land. Theologically, it demonstrated God's faithfulness and sovereignty in guiding the Israelites to their promised inheritance.

The territory of Naphtali later became significant in biblical history, as it was part of the region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The prophecy of Isaiah, "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan" (Isaiah 9:1), was fulfilled through the ministry of Christ, bringing light to the region.

The tribe of Naphtali, through its leaders and its land, played a vital role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people, serving as a testament to His enduring promises and providence.Numbers 34:28
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... their lives unto the death,"and Naphtali upon the ... sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore
and ten persons, upon one ... the captivity of the land."* The tribe of Dan ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of Jehoshaphat, a member of the tribe of Judah ... trials innumerable, to the conquest
of the Promised Land. ... the incidents he gives are carefully selected, apt and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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