Naphtali
Meaning: "My struggle"
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Symbol: Deer (doe)
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Stone/Color: Jasper / Reddish-brown
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Family: Sixth son of Jacob, born to Rachel's handmaiden Bilhah
Size: First Census: 53,400. Second Census: 45,400.
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Location: Hill country of Galilee.
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Jacob's Blessing: "Naphtali is a doe let loose; He bears beautiful fawns" (or " gives beautiful words" Gen.49:21).
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Moses' Blessing: Naphtali is "full of blessing" (Deut. 33:23).
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Notable: In the Song of Deborah, the tribe is praised for courage (Judg. 5:18). Barak was from Naphtali (Judg. 4:6). The tribe assisted Gideon in battle (Judg. 7:23). They volunteered fighting men to support David against King Saul (1 Chron. 12). Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy (Matt. 4:13-22; Isa. 9:1-2).