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Naphtali

IsraelEnglish

A man who founded the tribe of Naphtali living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.8.

Naphtali was the sixth son of Israel (or 'Jacob') and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant (Gen.30.8; 35.25). His birth was celebrated by Rachel, who had been struggling with infertility. She named him Naphtali, saying, "With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed" (Genesis 30:8). As one of the twelve tribes of Israel, Naphtali played a significant role in the history of God's chosen people. During the Exodus, the tribe of Naphtali was led by Ahira son of Enan (Numbers 1:15) and was counted among the Israelite tribes in the wilderness (Num.1.42-43; 26.48-50). In the arrangement of the Israelite camp, Naphtali was positioned on the north side, along with the tribes of Dan and Asher (Numbers 2:29). The tribe also had representatives among the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan (Numbers 13:14) and had a designated leader, Pedahel son of Ammihud, during the allocation of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:28). The territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali was in the northern part of Canaan, bordering Asher, Zebulun, and Issachar (Joshua 19:32-39). The region was known for its fertile lands and abundant resources, as reflected in Jacob's blessing: "Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns" (Genesis 49:21) and Moses' blessing: "Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the Lord and is full of his blessing; he will inherit southward to the lake" (Deuteronomy 33:23). Throughout Israel's history, the tribe of Naphtali played various roles. They participated in the battles against Sisera (Jdg.4.6, 10; 5.18) and the Midianites (Jdg.6.35; 7.23). The tribe also provided skilled warriors to support David (1 Chronicles 12:34, 40) and was known for its wise and articulate people (Judges 5:18; PsalmJudges 68:27). In the New Testament, Naphtali is mentioned in connection with Jesus' ministry in the region of Galilee (Matthew 4:13, 15), fulfilling the prophecy ofIsaiah 9:1. The tribe is also listed among the twelve tribes of Israel sealed by God in the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:6).