Israel-©-MEA-20170906-(N90)–12-Tribes-10-Naphtali
The Tribe of Naphtali
Naphtali is the tenth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, a handmaiden of Jacob’s wife Rachel. The Tribe of Naphtali settled in the northern fertile region known as Upper Galilee and Lower Galilee, which was a natural pass and trade route for cities like Damascus, Tyre and Acre. This created prosperity for Naphtali. from what we do know, Naphtali proved to be happy and a very eloquent speaker (taken as a sign of great intelligence in that culture). He became respected as a man of intelligence and sage wisdom, which was believed to reflect his godliness and spiritual strength.
This is also why Jacob described Naphtali as having ‘beautiful words’ which were eloquent, wise, and holy. Also, the Bible records Naphtali having a significant military presence in the ancient Song of Deborah, where this Tribe is commended, along with Zebulun, for risking their lives in the fight against Sisera and the Midianite invaders.
The symbol for Naphtali shown in the mosaic above is a gazelle, which is a fast animal, and no surprise that this animal was adopted by the Tribe of Naftali as many of them were famous for being great runners.
Out of interest, all the photographs taken of mosaics showing the 12 Tribal symbols of Israel which have been featured in this series of ‘Picture of the Week’, can be found along the walking path over the old railway line leading up the original Jerusalem Railway Station. Next week’s picture is about Joseph.
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