and from NaphtaliNaphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali settled in the northern region of Canaan, an area known for its fertile land and strategic location. This region later became significant in biblical history, as it was part of the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry, fulfilling the prophecy in
Isaiah 9:1-2 about a great light shining in Galilee. The tribe's location made it vulnerable to invasions, which is reflected in the historical accounts of the Assyrian conquest.
Ahira son of Enan
Ahira, the leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the census in the wilderness, is mentioned here. His name means "brother of evil" or "my brother is friend," which may reflect the cultural practice of naming children with aspirational or situational meanings. The mention of Ahira as the son of Enan provides a genealogical link, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. This lineage underscores the continuity of God's promises to the patriarchs, as each tribe's leader represents a fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The role of tribal leaders like Ahira was crucial in organizing and mobilizing the people during their wilderness journey, reflecting the structured and communal nature of Israelite society.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NaphtaliOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali was known for its warriors and played a significant role in the conquest of Canaan.
2.
AhiraThe leader of the tribe of Naphtali during the census in the wilderness. His name means "brother of evil" or "my brother is evil," which may reflect the challenges or characteristics of his time.
3.
EnanThe father of Ahira. Not much is known about Enan, but his mention signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in the Israelite community.
4.
Census in the WildernessThis event, commanded by God, was a military census to organize the Israelites for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. It was a significant moment of preparation and obedience to God's instructions.
5.
Wilderness of SinaiThe location where the census took place, a place of testing, revelation, and preparation for the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Importance of LeadershipAhira's role as a leader of Naphtali highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding and organizing God's people. Leaders are called to be faithful and obedient to God's commands.
Significance of HeritageThe mention of Ahira as the son of Enan underscores the value of heritage and lineage in the biblical account. Our spiritual heritage in Christ is vital, and we are called to pass it on to future generations.
Preparation for God's MissionThe census was a preparation for entering the Promised Land. Similarly, believers are called to prepare themselves spiritually for the mission God has for them, through prayer, study, and obedience.
Faithfulness in the WildernessThe wilderness represents times of testing and growth. Like the Israelites, we are called to remain faithful and trust in God's provision and guidance during challenging times.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 1:15?
2.How does Numbers 1:15 emphasize the importance of leadership within tribes?
3.What role does family lineage play in Numbers 1:15's tribal organization?
4.How can we apply tribal leadership principles from Numbers 1:15 today?
5.How does Numbers 1:15 connect to God's covenant with Israel in Genesis?
6.What can Numbers 1:15 teach us about accountability in our communities?
7.Why is Numbers 1:15 significant in the context of Israel's tribal leadership?
8.How does Numbers 1:15 reflect the organizational structure of ancient Israel?
9.What does Numbers 1:15 reveal about the role of tribal leaders in Israelite society?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1?
11.2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22-24?
12.Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?
13.In 1 Chronicles 15:13, David suggests God's anger struck them down for improper Ark transport--why would a just God enact such severe punishment over ritual details?
14.In 1 Chronicles 15:2, where David insists only the Levites may carry the Ark, how do we reconcile this claim with any instances where non-Levites handled it or transported it in other texts?What Does Numbers 1:15 Mean
and from Naphtali“and from Naphtali” zooms in on one of the twelve tribes counted in Israel’s first wilderness census (Numbers 1:1–46).
• Naphtali traces back to Jacob’s sixth son, born through Bilhah (Genesis 30:7-8).
• Jacob foretold that “Naphtali is a doe set free” (Genesis 49:21), highlighting agility and freedom—qualities later seen as the tribe took its northern territory (Joshua 19:32-39).
• Moses blessed Naphtali with favor and fullness: “Naphtali, satisfied with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:23).
• In the camp arrangement, Naphtali marched under the standard of Dan to the north (Numbers 2:29).
• God’s precise inclusion of every tribe underscores His faithfulness to the covenant promises first given to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). The census affirms that no family line is overlooked.
Ahira“Ahira” is named as Naphtali’s leader selected to assist Moses and Aaron in numbering the men twenty years old and upward (Numbers 1:4-16).
• Scripture repeats Ahira’s role, anchoring his service in multiple events: offerings at the tabernacle dedication (Numbers 7:78-83) and the order of march (Numbers 10:27).
• The title “leader” (Numbers 1:16) conveys real authority—he is a representative prince, not a figurehead.
• By choosing a man from within each tribe, God emphasizes shared responsibility and unity, foreshadowing how Christ builds His body with many members yet one purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
• Ahira’s obedience models servant leadership: he stands ready to count, to give, and to move when God commands—traits later echoed in faithful leaders like Joshua (Joshua 24:15) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17-18).
son of EnanThe phrase “son of Enan” grounds Ahira in a specific lineage.
• Ancient Israel valued genealogy as proof of identity and inheritance (Ezra 2:59-62); this note secures Ahira’s legitimacy.
• Naming Enan preserves family honor, reminding readers that God deals with real families, not anonymous masses (Psalm 68:6).
• The detail reinforces Scriptural reliability: exact names, times, and places witness to historical fact (Luke 1:1-4).
• For believers today, it affirms that our own names are known to God (Isaiah 43:1;Revelation 3:5), encouraging personal assurance within the larger people of God.
summaryNumbers 1:15 singles out Naphtali’s appointed leader—“Ahira son of Enan”—to show that every tribe, family, and individual matters in God’s orderly plan. The tribe’s heritage, Ahira’s representative authority, and his recorded lineage together display the Lord’s precision and covenant faithfulness. This verse teaches that God counts His people, calls trustworthy leaders, and remembers each name, inviting us to serve with the same diligence and certainty of His care.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[and] from Naphtali,לְנַ֨פְתָּלִ֔י(lə·nap̄·tā·lî)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5321:Naphtali -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and the district settled by themAhiraאֲחִירַ֖ע(’ă·ḥî·ra‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 299:Ahira -- 'my brother is evil', a leader of Naphtalisonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Enan.”עֵינָֽן׃(‘ê·nān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5881:Enan -- 'having fountains', a man of Naphtali
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 1:15 Of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan (Nu Num.)