“Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns. ". (Genesis 49:21)
We have looked at:
- 1st born Reuben. Turbulent in character lacking self control and lacking in command to protect his younger brothers thus losing his father's trust.
- 2nd and 3rd born Simeon and Levi. Lacking wisdom and having an untamed anger. Vengeful with devastating aftermath.
- 4th born Judah. A leader, protector, negotiator, mediator and reconcillor. He had the gift of persuasion and knew the right buttons to press. He was a royalty and he lived and acted like it.
- 5th born Dan (born of Bilha). A judge. Endowed with strength but misused it. Later on restored.
- 10th born Zebulun (Leahs 6th son). A haven of of rest for voyagers battered by life's storms. He was a safe harbor for those tossed by the strong winds in the seas. He also portrayed a conduit for the great commission, being the port of entry exit to other nations.
The word Naphtali means "Struggle". "I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won.” So she named him Naphtali (Gen 30:7). Naphtali was born of Bilha (Rachel's servant) at a time of intense rivalry between Rachel and Leah.
Jacob pronounces favour to Naphtali when he says of him, "a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns" (Gen 49:21). This is a representation of speed of sharing the good news and bringing a harvest. It represents fruitfulness.
However much as Naphtali had favor, like Zebulun they were disobedient. They didn’t drive out the Canaanites as required. “The Naphtalites too lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, and those living in Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath became forced labor for them” (Judges 1:33)
Naphtali had their ups and downs. Though they disobeyed God on one hand, they obeyed on the other by providing an army (in response to Gideon) to fight the Midianites. They may have been disobedient but not rebellious.
Proverbs 24:16 says, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again“. Though you have had your ups and downs the promise still remains “YOU WILL BEAR BEAUTIFUL FAWNS”. Rise up again and trust God through that situation. The Lord has set you free to bear much fruit.
We have looked at:
- 1st born Reuben. Turbulent in character lacking self control and lacking in command to protect his younger brothers thus losing his father's trust.
- 2nd and 3rd born Simeon and Levi. Lacking wisdom and having an untamed anger. Vengeful with devastating aftermath.
- 4th born Judah. A leader, protector, negotiator, mediator and reconcillor. He had the gift of persuasion and knew the right buttons to press. He was a royalty and he lived and acted like it.
- 5th born Dan (born of Bilha). A judge. Endowed with strength but misused it. Later on restored.
- 10th born Zebulun (Leahs 6th son). A haven of of rest for voyagers battered by life's storms. He was a safe harbor for those tossed by the strong winds in the seas. He also portrayed a conduit for the great commission, being the port of entry exit to other nations.
The word Naphtali means "Struggle". "I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won.” So she named him Naphtali (Gen 30:7). Naphtali was born of Bilha (Rachel's servant) at a time of intense rivalry between Rachel and Leah.Jacob pronounces favour to Naphtali when he says of him, "a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns" (Gen 49:21). This is a representation of speed of sharing the good news and bringing a harvest. It represents fruitfulness.
However much as Naphtali had favor, like Zebulun they were disobedient. They didn’t drive out the Canaanites as required. “The Naphtalites too lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, and those living in Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath became forced labor for them” (Judges 1:33)
Naphtali had their ups and downs. Though they disobeyed God on one hand, they obeyed on the other by providing an army (in response to Gideon) to fight the Midianites. They may have been disobedient but not rebellious.
Proverbs 24:16 says, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again“. Though you have had your ups and downs the promise still remains “YOU WILL BEAR BEAUTIFUL FAWNS”. Rise up again and trust God through that situation. The Lord has set you free to bear much fruit.
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