Numbers 1:43
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 8
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
נַפְתָּלִ֑י
of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִ֑י
of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
3 of 8
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה
and three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה
and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
4 of 8
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
Naphtali proved faithful in Israel's struggles, joining Barak and Deborah against Sisera (Judges 4:6, 10) and contributing forces to David's coronation (1 Chronicles 12:34). The tribe's consistent, unspectacular faithfulness exemplifies sustainable kingdom service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Naphtali's steady, average service challenge the modern emphasis on exceptional achievement and significance?
- What does this teach us about the importance of the many faithful believers whose service never garners recognition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Naphtali's 53,400 fighting men gave it average military strength among the tribes. The tribe's contribution to Israel's defense was solid if unspectacular, yet this average service was no less crucial to God's purposes than the contributions of larger or more prominent tribes. The kingdom of God advances through the faithful service of many 'average' believers more than through spectacular individual achievements. This democratic principle encourages all Christians to faithful stewardship regardless of perceived significance.