Moses pronounces blessings on the tribe of Naphtali.
Moses continues the poem of blessing he pronounced upon Israel that he began in Deuteronomy 33:1. The next tribe on which Moses pronounced blessings was the tribe of Naphtali (v. 23). Naphtali (“my struggles”) was the second son that Bilhah bore to Jacob. She bore two sons to Jacob: the first Dan, and then Naphtali (Genesis 30:1-8).
In his benediction to Naphtali, Moses described him as one satisfied with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD. God’s favor (Hebrew “rāṣōn”) refers to His good pleasure and acceptance resulting in security and prosperity. God’s blessing (Heb. “berēkâ”) refers to success, prosperity, or material possessions (such as land) which He bestows on someone. Hence, Naphtali would receive God’s favor to enjoy many blessings from Him.
Moses further commanded Naphtali to take possession of the sea and the south. The word translated as sea (Heb. “yām”) probably refers to the Sea of Galilee, which is located on the southern boundary of the territory of Naphtali. This likely suggests that Naphtali would occupy the territory in the Upper Galilee, a prosperous and fruitful land, according to Joshua 19:32–37.
Perhaps one of the greatest blessings Naphtali enjoyed was the fact the Lord Jesus Christ spent a great amount of His time ministering in the tribal areas of Naphtali and Zebulun (Matthew 4:12–17). According to the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus came, He settled in Capernaum, a small fishing village on the northern shoreline by the Sea of Galilee (see map in Additional Resources ) This region is in ancient tribal lands of Zebulun and Naphtali among the northern borders of Israel. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in which he saw a great light coming from here to enlighten those walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:1-2).
Biblical Text
23 Of Naphtali he said,
O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the Lord,
Take possession of the sea and the south.
Check out our other commentaries:
-
Numbers 12:1-3 meaning
Not long after the people complained about the LORD’s provision of food, Miriam and Aaron complained about Moses. They seemed to complain about his marriage...... -
2 John 1:1-3 meaning
The apostle John addresses his letter in coded language. He does not introduce himself, nor does he mention the location of the church to which...... -
Romans 8:26-27 meaning
In the same way that we are not fully redeemed, our ability to communicate with God is not fully restored. In our weakness, the Holy...... -
Genesis 10:9-14 meaning
Nimrod was a mighty hunter. He built the kingdom of Babel and in Assyria, he built the city of Nineveh. Mizraim had seven sons. ...... -
Deuteronomy 13:12-18 meaning
Moses commands the Israelites to destroy an entire city that has succumbed to the enticements of the false prophets and has fallen into idolatry.......
