Numbers 2:29
Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.
Original Language Analysis
וּמַטֵּ֖ה
Then the tribe
H4294
וּמַטֵּ֖ה
Then the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
1 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
נַפְתָּלִ֔י
of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִ֔י
of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
2 of 8
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
H5387
וְנָשִׂיא֙
and the captain
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֶּן
of the children
H1121
בֶּן
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נַפְתָּלִ֔י
of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִ֔י
of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
5 of 8
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Cross References
Historical Context
Naphtali's later territory around the Sea of Galilee would witness much of Jesus's public ministry, including numerous miracles, parables, and the calling of most apostles. What was Israel's northern frontier became the gospel's initial epicenter.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Naphtali's transformation from border tribe to center of Jesus's ministry encourage faith that God can use any position or circumstance for His glory?
- What does this teach us about avoiding premature judgments about whether our current position is significant or peripheral in God's plan?
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Analysis & Commentary
Naphtali's camp placement in Dan's division positioned this tribe for later significance in Jesus's Galilean ministry. The region that seemed peripheral in Moses's day would become central when Christ made Capernaum (in Naphtali's territory) His ministry headquarters. This demonstrates God's ability to transform what appears marginal into what becomes central, encouraging believers in seemingly insignificant positions.