Tribe Of Napthali: Struggle to The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
- Mar 11
- 8 min read
A sermon which embodies struggle turned into strength of Naphtali, Jacob’s sixth son through Bilhah. His name, “my wrestling,” reflects Rachel’s rivalry yet points to grace and agility. Blessed by Jacob and Moses, Naphtali inherited fertile land by the Sea of Galilee but faltered in fully obeying God’s command. Positioned at Israel’s rear, they protected the vulnerable and fought bravely under Deborah, Barak, and Gideon. Isaiah foretold their land would see a great light, fulfilled in Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Their legacy faith, courage, gracious speech, and readiness to serve calls believers to walk in freedom and stewardship, trusting God to transform weakness into blessing.
Origins and Name – “My Wrestling”
Naphtali was one of the 12 sons (son #6) of Jacob (Israel) and the 2nd child born to Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. Naphtali comes from the Hebrew root patal, meaning to twist, struggle, or wrestle.
In Gen 30:8, Rachel declares, “I have wrestled mighty wrestling’s with my sister and have prevailed.” Rachel’s cry isn’t about physical pain—it’s the cry of a woman locked in a bitter rivalry with her sister Leah. Rachel, who had Jacob’s love but not his children, gives her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob as a surrogate wife. When Bilhah bears a second son, Rachel sees it as a victory in the ongoing contest for honour and fertility in their household. So, Naphtali is born not from peace but from competition and conflict. And yet, out of this struggle comes a legacy of grace, loyalty, and strength.
Blessing by Jacob & Moses
Jacob’s blessing in Gen 49:21 calls Naphtali “a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.” The AMP Version reads “Naphtali is a doe let loose, [a swift warrior,] Which yields branched antlers (eloquent words)” This poetic portrayal suggests agility, freedom, and fertility yet timidity.
The second part of the blessing—“offers beautiful/goodly words”—is unique. It can also be understood as one who speaks with elegance or brings forth noble speech. Naphtali was blessed by his father Jacob as being a swift runner , an eloquent speaker and faithful messenger.
Moses’ blessing in Deut 33:23 AMP “O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, And full of the blessing of the Lord, Take possession of the sea [of Galilee] (to the west) and the south” also affirms the prosperity and favour bestowed upon this tribe. These blessings point to the tribe’s role in embodying fruitfulness, spiritual favour, geographical inheritance and the ability to flourish under God’s guidance.
Pause and think about a deer, it is timid : What was Naphtali’s timidity? He would not push himself, but he would be satisfied. Under God’s tuition Naphtali could develop bravery, and such like.
Position in Israel’s march (Joshua)
The tribe of Naphtali is positioned at the rear of the Israelite camp under the banner of the tribe of Dan. Alongside Asher and Dan, Naphtali helped bring up the rear guard during the wilderness journeys. It was strategic. The rear guard protected the community from ambushes and surprise attacks. It also reveals a metaphorical role of guardianship—protecting the vulnerable, supporting the whole. Remember when crossing over from Egypt - Amalek attacked Israel at the rear end. (Deut 25:17-19)
After the Israelites entered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership, the tribe of Naphtali received its territorial inheritance in the northern part of Canaan (Joshua 19:32-39). This territory stretched along the western shores of the Sea of Galilee/Kinnereth , extending northward to the region of Mount Hermon. The location was fertile and strategically important, including areas rich in agricultural potential and key trade routes often called “an exceedingly fruitful region” in ancient texts (such as Josephus). This included 19 cities , important ones like Kedesh, a city of refuge, and others like Hammath , Kartan , Beth Shemesh. (Josh 20:7) . Despite all their blessings, the tribe of Naphtali failed to obey God’s command to drive out all the Canaanites living in their territory. Therefore, “lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, and those living in Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath became forced labour for them” (Judges 1:33).
Role in the time of Judges : Deborah, Barak & Sisera: Heroic Leadership & Gideon
The most noteworthy individual from Naphtali during this era is Barak (Barak, son of Abinoam, was from Kedesh). At the urging of the prophetess and judge Deborah, Barak mustered ten thousand warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor to confront the oppressive Canaanite commander Sisera. The resulting victory was nothing short of miraculous—Sisera’s army was thrown into confusion, his iron chariots rendered useless by divine intervention, and the final blow was delivered by Jael, a woman who crushed Sisera with a tent peg. (Judges 4:6)
Judges 5:18 - Song of Deborah records "Zebulun is a people who risked their lives to the point of death, Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.” Naphtali’s warriors fought not just in the battle—but in the most dangerous and exposed parts of it, on the heights. Tribe of Naphtali was known for bravery, self-sacrifice, and a heart tuned to obedience. They also responded to call from Gideon to repel the Midianites, Amalekites, and others from the East from their encampment in the Jezreel Valley (Judges 6:35). Naphtali consistently shows up when Israel needs reinforcements. They’re not always leading, but they’re always faithful and present in the battle
Application :
This isn’t just a story of military strategy—it’s about hearing the voice of God and responding with faith and action. Naphtali answered that call. So should we when God calls.
The warriors of Naphtali teach us the importance of courageously standing up for God’s people when they are being oppressed. God can give His people victory against great odds. However, we must wholly trust and rely on God rather than our own strength (Zech 4:6).
Naphtali in Prophecy and Messianic Significance (NT) – Jesus and His first coming.
When the kingdom divided after Solomon’s reign, Naphtali became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. This made them vulnerable to the Assyrian invasion (2 Kings 15:29). They were among the first to be exiled—carried off to Assyria and scattered.
Prophecy: Isaiah foretells that this region, once humbled by foreign oppressors, will see a great light: “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali… The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Is 9:1-2). When Jesus walked this earth the land of Naphtali (Galilee),was viewed by the Jews in Judea as a place of dishonour, full of Gentile pagans (John 1:46; 7:52) (Can anything good come out of Nazareth? John 1:46).
Matt 4:13-16. By residing in Capernaum, near the border of Zebulun and Naphtali, Jesus fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy and brings honour to this. This land becomes a stage for the inception of Jesus Christ’s public ministry. The region, which once endured foreign domination, now witnesses the “light” of the Messiah. All Jesus’ disciples but Judas, who betrayed Him, hailed from Galilee. It became a key location for many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings, healing, restoration, and preaching in towns like Capernaum and Bethsaida. Jesus ascends into heaven from Galilee (Acts 1:9-11)
What are some life applications for NT believers?
Our lives, like Naphtali’s territory, are meant to showcase the dawning light of Jesus Christ to a dark world. Ponder on the areas where we need courage to respond when God calls. Light and salt to this world?
Walk in freedom:
Overcome Canaanites in our life - Conquer flesh, desires, pride and idols.
Just as Napthali had to conquer land/subdue and chase out inhabitants of the land so do we have daily in life as we walk with the Lord, be fruitful, subdue the land else we will become its slaves. God desires for us to be fruitful and rule. Choose not to compromise but overcome those Canaanites in our lives (Physical and spiritual struggle) to ascend to higher places. 1 John 2:16-18 (NASB 1995) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Persisting in prayer / Intercession:
God uses ordinary people to accomplish His great plans. Intercessory prayer involves dedication and effort, as believers contend for the spiritual well-being of others.
Col 4:12 - Epaphras , a servant of Christ who struggles/ intercedes for others in prayer that they may grow in maturity as sons (Huios) and stand in maturity and fully assured of the will of God. Whom has the Lord put a burden on your heart? Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving (Col 4:2).
Speak with beauty and truth:
Like the “beautiful words” Jacob spoke of, our speech should reflect God’s character. Our gifts and talents should be used for God’s glory and to benefit His people and His kingdom. Col 4:6 - Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]. We must give an account of what we say to God. We will be brought into judgment for our hasty words, that do no good to the speaker or to the hearer. Then let us all speak words that will tend to edification. Sanctify my lips, tongue, thoughts.
Persevere with grace and God’s strength:
Respond When God Calls – Napthali showed up.
Naphtali didn’t always lead, but they showed up, stood strong, and supported others being united to the cause. Be swift to respond to God’s call as His covenant people. Whether in battle or ministry, let us respond quickly in covenant obedience. As we abide in Christ , the Holy Spirit brings fruitfulness and produces lasting fruit in every freed life just as the tribe of Napthali multiplied.
Closing : God Shapes Families, Nations for His Purposes
Gen 46:24 - The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem The sons of Napthali become heads of clans (Num 26:48-49), showing how a single generation can influence thousands. Legacy : a family surrendered to the Lord is a pipeline of blessing and His righteousness rather than brokenness (Ps 103:17-18). Honour and steward whatever heritage the Lord has given, trusting Him to redeem any weakness.
Jahzeel ("God apportions"/"God divides"):
God personally assigns every person a place in His plan / a time and a nation (Moed). Ps 16:5 - The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
Guni (“defender/ protector/My garden”):
Ps 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Jezer (“formation” or “imagination”):
He shapes hearts and inspires kingdom vision. Ps 139:16-18 - Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
Shillem (“peace, recompense”):
Christ Himself is our peace and perfect compensation. 2 Thess 3:16 - 1 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Background
Kainos Church India, Bengaluru led by Ps. Manoj and Lincy Iype is a gathering open to all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Church is ideally located for believers in the Koramangala, HSR Layout, Agara, Sarjapur Road, Bellandur areas of Bengaluru and our Church Service in English starts at 10am on Sundays.
These notes are from the Sunday Sermon held on 8th March 2026