Naphtali

Naphtali

Meaning: "My Struggle" (Genesis 30:8)

Symbol: Deer (doe) (Genesis 49:21)

Stone/Color: Jasper / Reddish-brown (Exodus 28:20)

Family: Sixth son of Jacob, born to Rachel's handmaiden Bilhah (Genesis 30:1-8)

Size: First Census: 53,400. Second Census: 64,400.

Location: Hill country of Galilee

Jacob's Blessing: "Naphtali is a deer let loose; he uses beautiful words" (Genesis 49:21).

Moses' Blessing: “Naphtali... full of the blessing of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 33:23).

Notable: In the Song of Deborah, the tribe is praised for its courage (Judges 5:18). Barak was from Naphtali (Judges 4:6). The tribe assisted Gideon in battle (Judges 7:23). They volunteered fighting men to support David against King Saul (1 Chronicles 12). Jesus began His ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy (Matthew 4:13-22; Isaiah 9:1-2).

Categories: Bible, Twelve Tribes of Israel