Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher. DanThe name "Dan" means "judge" in Hebrew, derived from the root word "din," which means to judge or to rule. Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Dan is historically significant, as it was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the context of Exodus, the mention of Dan signifies the inclusion of all tribes in the narrative of Israel's journey and God's covenant. Dan's role as a judge foreshadows the leadership and governance that would be necessary for the Israelites as they grow into a nation. Naphtali
Naphtali, meaning "my struggle" or "wrestling" in Hebrew, was the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah. The name reflects Rachel's struggle with her sister Leah for Jacob's affection, as well as the broader struggles of the Israelites. The tribe of Naphtali would later settle in the northern part of the Promised Land, an area known for its beauty and fertility. This name reminds us of the perseverance required in faith and the blessings that come from enduring struggles with God's help. Gad
The name "Gad" means "good fortune" or "troop" in Hebrew, derived from the root word "gad," which signifies fortune or luck. Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the first son of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Gad was known for its warriors and played a crucial role in the conquest of the Promised Land. The mention of Gad in Exodus highlights the strength and unity of the tribes, as well as the divine providence that guided them. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the blessings that come from being part of His people. Asher
Asher means "happy" or "blessed" in Hebrew, derived from the root word "ashar," which means to go straight, to advance, or to be blessed. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah. The tribe of Asher was known for its prosperity and abundance, often associated with olive oil production. In the context of Exodus, Asher's inclusion signifies the joy and blessings that come from being part of God's covenant community. It is a reminder of the happiness and fulfillment found in living according to God's will and being part of His divine plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanDan is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Jacob's fifth son by Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Dan is known for its later struggles with idolatry and its relocation to the northern part of Israel. 2. NaphtaliNaphtali is another tribe of Israel, named after Jacob's sixth son by Bilhah. The tribe settled in the northern region of Canaan and is noted for its valor and swiftness in battle. 3. GadGad is one of the tribes of Israel, named after Jacob's seventh son by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Gad settled on the east side of the Jordan River and was known for its warriors. 4. AsherAsher is a tribe of Israel, named after Jacob's eighth son by Zilpah. The tribe settled in the fertile region of Canaan and was blessed with prosperity and abundance. Teaching Points Understanding God's SovereigntyThe listing of the tribes reminds us of God's sovereign plan in forming a nation from Jacob's descendants. Each tribe had a unique role and purpose, reflecting God's intricate design for His people. Family Dynamics and God's PurposeThe origins of these tribes stem from complex family relationships, yet God used these circumstances to fulfill His promises. This teaches us that God can work through our imperfect situations to accomplish His will. Identity and InheritanceEach tribe had a distinct identity and inheritance in the Promised Land. As believers, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and the spiritual inheritance we have as children of God. Blessings and ResponsibilitiesThe blessings given to each tribe came with responsibilities. Similarly, the blessings we receive from God come with the responsibility to live according to His will and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the listing of the tribes in Exodus 1:4 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? 2. In what ways can the family dynamics of Jacob's household encourage us in dealing with our own family complexities? 3. How do the blessings and roles of the tribes of Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher in Deuteronomy 33 inspire us to seek God's purpose for our lives? 4. Considering the absence of the tribe of Dan in Revelation 7, what lessons can we learn about faithfulness and spiritual vigilance? 5. How can we apply the concept of identity and inheritance from the tribes of Israel to our identity in Christ and our spiritual inheritance? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30This chapter provides the background of the birth of Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher, highlighting the complex family dynamics of Jacob and his wives, which led to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. Deuteronomy 33Moses' blessings to the tribes of Israel, including specific blessings for Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher, which reflect their future roles and characteristics. Revelation 7The listing of the tribes of Israel in the sealing of the 144,000, where the tribes of Dan and Ephraim are notably absent, prompting discussions on their spiritual significance. People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Egyptians, Gad, Israelites, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Puah, Reuben, Shiphrah, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Nile River, Pithom, RamsesTopics Asher, Dan, Gad, Naphtali, Naph'taliDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 1:1-5 5096 Jacob, patriarch Exodus 1:1-7 7266 tribes of Israel Library Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDeath and Growth
'And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty....'--EXODUS i. 6, 7. These remarkable words occur in a short section which makes the link between the Books of Genesis and of Exodus. The writer recapitulates the list of the immigrants into Egypt, in the household of Jacob, and then, as it were, having got them there, he clears the stage to prepare for a new set of actors. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Prosperity under Persecution
Of this general principle we shall now proceed to consider three special illustrations. First, the circumstances of the children of Israel; secondly, the history of the church of Christ; thirdly, the experience of individual Christians. I. IN THE CASE OF ISRAEL, it did seem to be a deep-laid plot, very politic and crafty indeed, that as the kings of Egypt, themselves of an alien race, had subdued the Egyptians, they should prevent the other alien race, the Israelites, from conquering them. Instead …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew...
32. But, as for that which is written, that God did good to the Hebrew midwives, and to Rahab the harlot of Jericho, [2444] this was not because they lied, but because they were merciful to God's people. That therefore which was rewarded in them was, not their deceit, but their benevolence; benignity of mind, not iniquity of lying. [2445] For, as it would not be marvellous and absurd if God on account of good works after done by them should be willing to forgive some evil works at another time before …
St. Augustine—Against Lying There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the …
St. Augustine—On Lying The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 1:4 NIVExodus 1:4 NLTExodus 1:4 ESVExodus 1:4 NASBExodus 1:4 KJV
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