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). This tribe played a significant role in the history of Israel, both during the wilderness wanderings and in the settlement of the Promised Land.

Census in the Wilderness

During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, God commanded Moses to take a census of the people. This census was to include all the men of Israel who were able to go to war, from twenty years old and upward. The tribe of Naphtali was included in this enumeration. The leader chosen from the tribe of Naphtali to assist in this task was Ahira son of Enan. Numbers 1:15 states, "from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan."

The results of this census are recorded in Numbers 1:42-43: "From the sons of Naphtali, their genealogies according to their clans and families, those registered by name, every male twenty years of age or older, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Naphtali numbered 53,400."

Second Census

A second census was conducted near the end of the Israelites' wilderness journey, as recorded in Numbers 26. This census was necessary to prepare for the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes. The tribe of Naphtali was again counted, and the number of men able to go to war was recorded. Numbers 26:48-50 states, "The descendants of Naphtali by their clans were: through Jahzeel, the Jahzeelite clan; through Guni, the Gunite clan; through Jezer, the Jezerite clan; through Shillem, the Shillemite clan. These were the clans of Naphtali, and their registration numbered 45,400."

Role in the Conquest of Canaan

The tribe of Naphtali was allocated a portion of land in the northern region of Canaan, as described in Joshua 19:32-39. This territory included fertile lands and significant cities, contributing to the tribe's prosperity and influence. The tribe's strategic location also meant that it played a crucial role in the defense and administration of the northern territories of Israel.

Historical and Spiritual Significance

Throughout biblical history, the tribe of Naphtali is noted for its valor and contributions to Israel's military efforts. In the Song of Deborah, Naphtali is praised for its bravery in battle (Judges 5:18). The tribe's legacy is further highlighted in the New Testament, where the region of Naphtali is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry (Matthew 4:13-15), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the light shining in Galilee.

The tribe of Naphtali, through its leaders and warriors, played a vital role in the formation and sustenance of the nation of Israel, demonstrating faithfulness and courage in the face of challenges.Numbers 1:15
Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... made their settlement amid the Royal tribe of Judah ... northern tribes of Zebulun, and
Naphtali,"who had ... Anyhow, since certain persons have adopted this course ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the incidents he gives are carefully selected, apt and ... came in time to form a tribe
by themselves ... A number of the Israelites transferred their allegiance to ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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

Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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