Introduction:
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. The tribe of Naphtali holds a significant place in biblical history, both in terms of its geographical inheritance in the Promised Land and its role in various biblical narratives.

Genealogy and Birth:
Naphtali was born to Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, as recorded in Genesis 30:7-8: "And Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, 'With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.' So she named him Naphtali." The name "Naphtali" is often associated with struggle or wrestling, reflecting Rachel's own struggles with her sister Leah.

Blessings and Prophecies:
Jacob's blessing over Naphtali is recorded in Genesis 49:21: "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." This poetic blessing suggests a sense of freedom and beauty associated with the tribe. Moses also blessed Naphtali before his death, as recorded in Deuteronomy 33:23: "About Naphtali he said: 'Naphtali is abounding with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he will inherit southward to the lake.'"

Territory:
The tribe of Naphtali was allocated a fertile and strategically significant region in the northern part of Canaan, as detailed in Joshua 19:32-39. This territory included the area around the Sea of Galilee, extending westward to the Jordan River. The land was known for its natural beauty and agricultural potential, fulfilling the blessings of abundance and favor.

Role in Israel's History:
Naphtali played a crucial role in several key events in Israel's history. During the period of the Judges, Barak, a leader from the tribe of Naphtali, was called by the prophetess Deborah to lead Israel against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera (Judges 4:6-10). The tribe's warriors were instrumental in the victory at the Battle of Kishon.

In the era of the monarchy, Naphtali was part of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. The region was later conquered by the Assyrians under Tiglath-Pileser III, leading to the exile of many inhabitants (2 Kings 15:29).

New Testament Significance:
The region of Naphtali is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' ministry. Matthew 4:13-15 cites the prophecy of Isaiah, highlighting the significance of the land of Naphtali: "Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.'"

Symbolism and Legacy:
The tribe of Naphtali is often symbolized by a deer or hind, reflecting the imagery used in Jacob's blessing. This symbolism conveys themes of agility, freedom, and beauty. The legacy of Naphtali is preserved in the biblical narrative as a tribe blessed with favor and playing a vital role in the unfolding account of Israel.

Unrestrained Communion
... of her Beloved. Naphtali's blessing is hers: she is "satisfied with favour,
and full with the blessing of the LORD.". But what is ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section vi unrestrained communion.htm

Naphtali's (1 Occurrence)
...Naphtali's (1 Occurrence). Matthew 4:15 "Zebulun's land and Naphtali's land; the
road by the Lake; the country beyond the Jordan; Galilee of the Nations! (WEY). ...
/n/naphtali's.htm - 6k

Zebulun's (1 Occurrence)
... Zebulun's (1 Occurrence). Matthew 4:15 "Zebulun's land and Naphtali's land; the
road by the Lake; the country beyond the Jordan; Galilee of the Nations! (WEY). ...
/z/zebulun's.htm - 6k

Naphtalites (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 1:33 Naphtali drove not out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants
of Beth-anath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of ...
/n/naphtalites.htm - 6k

Naphtalim (1 Occurrence)

/n/naphtalim.htm - 6k

Road (155 Occurrences)
... Matthew 4:15 "Zebulun's land and Naphtali's land; the road by the Lake; the
country beyond the Jordan; Galilee of the Nations! (WEY). ...
/r/road.htm - 37k

Lake (45 Occurrences)
... Matthew 4:13 and leaving Nazareth He went and settled at Capernaum, a town by
the Lake on the frontiers of Zebulun and Naphtali, (WEY NIV). ...
/l/lake.htm - 24k

Nations (683 Occurrences)
... Nations (683 Occurrences). Matthew 4:15 "Zebulun's land and Naphtali's land; the
road by the Lake; the country beyond the Jordan; Galilee of the Nations! ...
/n/nations.htm - 58k

Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus