Joshua 19:32-39

NAPHTALI’S LOT, Joshua 19:32-39.

[The territory of Naphtali was bounded on the east by the Jordan and sea of Galilee, on the south by Zebulun, on the west and north by Asher. The northern limit probably ran into the splendid valley of the Litany, which separates the two great ranges of Lebanon. The excellence of Naphtali’s portion is indicated in Moses’ song, where he speaks of him as “satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord, possessing the west and the south.” Deuteronomy 33:23. The latter part should be rendered, “Possess thou the sea and the sunny clime.” “Naphtali possessed,” says J.L. Porter, “a greater variety of soil, scenery, and climate than any of the other tribes. Its northern portions are the highlands of Palestine. The sublime ravine of the Leontes separates its mountains from the chain of Lebanon, of which, however, they may be regarded as a prolongation. The scenery is here rich and beautiful. In the centre of this park-like region lie the ruins of the sanctuary of the tribe, the northern city of refuge, Kadesh-Naphtali.

The ridge rises gradually towards the south, and culminates at Safed, which has an elevation of nearly three thousand feet.

“The southern section of Naphtali was the garden of Palestine. The little plains along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and the vales that run up into the mountains are of unrivalled fertility. Josephus describes the plain on the shore of the lake as an earthly paradise, where the choicest fruits grew luxuriantly, and where eternal spring reigned. His words were not much exaggerated, for now, though more a wilderness than a paradise, its surpassing richness is apparent.”

Jacob spoke of Naphtali as “a hind let loose.” Genesis 49:21. The tribe had many a noble and fleet warrior. but, like the timid hind, they shrunk from aggressive war, and left several of their cities in the hands of the Canaanites. Judges 1:33. The valiant Barak lacked confidence to venture alone against the hosts of Sisera, (Joshua 4:8,) but when fully roused, like a hind brought to bay, he scorned his soul to death on the high places of the battlefield. Judges 5:18, note.] From his exposed position on the northern frontier Naphtali was the first to fall into the hands of the Assyrian invaders, (2 Kings 15:29,) but after the captivity the Israelites largely settled again in thin territory. His lot included the scene of the great victory of Joshua over the northern confederacy, and also many places where the Greater Joshua, by his mighty miracles and wondrous teachings, confounded his foes and laid the foundation of his everlasting kingdom. This region is Galilee of the Gentiles, whose “people, which sat in darkness, saw great light.” Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:16.