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Topical Encyclopedia

Mount Naphtali is a geographical region mentioned in the Bible, associated with the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This area is located in the northern part of the land of Canaan, which the Israelites entered under the leadership of Joshua after their exodus from Egypt.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Mount Naphtali is found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. InJoshua 20:7 , it is mentioned: "So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah." This verse highlights Kedesh as a city of refuge located in the hill country of Naphtali, indicating the region's significance and its elevated terrain.

Geographical Context:

Mount Naphtali is part of the mountainous region of Upper Galilee. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain and fertile valleys, which made it suitable for agriculture and settlement. The territory of Naphtali extended from the Jordan River in the east to the borders of Asher and Zebulun in the west, encompassing a significant portion of what is today northern Israel.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The tribe of Naphtali played a crucial role in the history of Israel. The region was known for its strategic importance due to its location along major trade routes and its proximity to neighboring nations. This made it a site of frequent conflict and cultural exchange throughout biblical history.

In the time of the Judges, the tribe of Naphtali, along with Zebulun, answered the call of Deborah and Barak to fight against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera, as recorded inJudges 4. This victory is celebrated in the Song of Deborah inJudges 5, which praises the bravery of the people of Naphtali.

Prophetic and Messianic Connections:

Mount Naphtali and its surrounding region hold prophetic significance in the Bible. InIsaiah 9:1-2 , the prophet speaks of a time when the land of Naphtali, which had been humbled, would 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, but in the future He will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—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."

This prophecy is understood by Christians to be fulfilled in the New Testament with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who began His public ministry in Galilee, as noted inMatthew 4:13-16 : "Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 'Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.'"

Conclusion:

Mount Naphtali, as part of the tribal inheritance of Naphtali, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. Its mention in both the Old and New Testaments underscores its importance as a site of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Mount Naphtali

the mountainous district which formed the main part of the inheritance of Naphtali, (Joshua 20:7) answering to "Mount Ephraim" in the centre and "Mount Judah" in the south of Palestine.

Library

The Cities of Refuge
... 7. And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee inmount Naphtali, and Shechem inmount
Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.8. And on...

The Six Cities.
... "And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee inmount Naphtali, and Shechem inmount Ephraim,
and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah....

The Testament ofNaphtali Concerning Natural Goodness.
... of herself to Jacob, and she bore me upon Rachel's lap, therefore was I calledNaphtali....
that the sun and the moon were standing still on theMount of Olives...

Women who Saved a Nation
... sent and called Barak, the son of Abinoam, from KadeshNaphtali and said to him,
"Does not Jehovah the God of Israel command you: 'Go, march toMount Tabor and...

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... circle""covered the ancient possession of four tribes: Issachar, Zebulon,Naphtali,
and Asher... other; on the south it was bounded by Samaria"Mount Carmel on...

The Book of the Law
... in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even untoNaphtali." Not until
he... himself, he spied the sepulchers that were there in themount, and sent...

How the Canaanites Brought the Israelites under Slavery for Twenty...
... and chose them a general, Barak, one that was of the tribe ofNaphtali.... it!" So they
collected ten thousand men, and pitched their camp atMount Tabor, where...

Six Cities
... of Palestine above the lake of Merom, near the snowy peaks ofmount Hermon and... It
was situated within the tribe ofNaphtali, and must have been it great town...

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great...
... In the rich heritage ofNaphtali, [3627] Kedesh was one of the fairest spots.... The
castle-mount (about 1,000 feet above Paneas), takes nearly an hour to ascend...

The Book of Jubilees
... "Moses was in themount forty days... the two sons of Pharez and of Beriah (Genesis
46:12, 17), adds in their place four sons of Dan and one ofNaphtali, all of...