The Tribe of Naphtali.

Census. At the time of the migration into Egypt while Joseph was still ruling in Egypt Naphtali had four sons (Gen. 46:24; 1 Chr. 7:13). While in Egypt Naphtali increased rapidly, numbering at the first census 53,400 (Num. 1:43), ranking sixth. The number decreased during the wilderness journey, for at the second census the adult males amounted to only 45,400, ranking eighth (Num 26:50).

Position. Naphtali occupied a position on the north side of the tabernacle with Dan and Asher (Num 2:25-31).

Standard. The standard, according to Jewish tradition, was a serpent, or basilisk, with the legend, "Return of Yahweh to the many thousands of Israel" (Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on Num 2:25).

Journeying. "All who were numbered of the forces with Dan (Naphtali and Asher), one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred-- they shall break camp last (fourth), with their standards." (Num 2:31).

Representatives. The prince of the tribe at Sinai was Ahira ben Enan (2:29). Among the spies the tribe was represented by Nahbi ben Vophsi (13:14).

Interesting Notes. At the ceremony of blessing and cursing, Dan and Naphtali stood on Mount Ebal, while the other Rachel tribes were on Gerizim (Deut 27:13). The tribe of Naphtali did not drive out all the Canaanites, but it did receive tribute from them. Barak, of Kedesh (Naphtali) was the one great hero whom Naphtali is recorded to have produced (Judg. 4:6). Naphtali responded to Gideon's call (Judg. 6:35; 7:23). When Saul's son Ishbosheth challenged David for the throne, 37,000 fighting men of Naphtali, led by 1,000 captains, joined David (1 Chr. 12:34). A part of the Northern Kingdom after the Israelites divided into two kingdoms, Naphtali was ravaged by the Syrian king Ben-Hadad (1 Kin. 15:20). Naphtali was also the first tribe captured by the Assyrians under Tiglath-pileser III (2 Kin. 15:29). Isaiah prophesied that one day the land of Naphtali, "in Galilee of the Gentiles," would see a great light (Is. 9:1-7). In the land of Naphtali Jesus spent a great part of his public life, the land of Gennesaret, Bethsaida, Capernaum and Chorazin all lying within its boundaries (Matt 4:15).

The Land Division. Along with Asher, Naphtali was the northernmost tribe of Israel, occupying a long, narrow piece of land-- about 50 miles north to south and about 10 miles from east to west. Naphtali was mountainous (Josh. 20:7) and very fertile. Fortified cities within the tribe's boundaries included Ramah, Hazor, Kedesh, Iron, and Beth Anath (Josh. 19:36-38). The three cities given to the Levites in Naphtali were Kedesh (a city of refuge), Hammoth Dor, and Kartan (Josh. 21:32).

The Man Naphtali

Heb. Naf'tali; "my wrestling").

Gen 30:7-8 And Rachel's maid Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, "With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed." So she called his name Naphtali.

The sixth son of Jacob. Naphtali was the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maid, and full brother to Dan.

Leah's fruitfulness was a hard trial her barren sister Rachel. She had obtained children from her maid and thus her reproach of childlessness was removed. The name Naphtali given to this son was a monument of her victory. She had won the favor and blessing of God.

Of the personal history of Naphtali we know nothing, as up to the time of Jacob's blessing the twelve patriarchs his name is mentioned only in the two public lists (Gen. 35:25; 46:24).

Jewish Tradition

According to Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, Naphtali was a swift runner. It also tells us that he was one of the 5 brethren whom Joseph chose to represent the family of Jacob in the presence of Pharaoh. He is said to have been 132 years old at his death. [Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, viii, 1, 1]