Genesis 46:24
The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.
The sons of Naphtali
This phrase introduces the descendants of Naphtali, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was born to Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. Naphtali's lineage is significant as it represents one of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Naphtali would later settle in the northern part of the Promised Land, an area known for its beauty and fertility. Historically, this region played a crucial role in Israel's history, often being a site of conflict and blessing. The mention of Naphtali's sons here underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation.

Jahzeel
The name Jahzeel can be translated to mean "God apportions" or "God divides." This name reflects the belief in divine providence and the understanding that God is the one who distributes blessings and responsibilities among His people. In a broader theological context, it emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the lives of the Israelites, reminding believers of the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing.

Guni
Guni's name is thought to mean "protected" or "defended." This name may signify the protection that God provides to His people. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as a shield and defender of Israel, and the name Guni serves as a reminder of this divine protection. It encourages believers to seek refuge in God, who is ever-present and faithful in safeguarding His children.

Jezer
The name Jezer is often interpreted as "formation" or "imagination." This could symbolize the creative power of God, who forms and shapes not only the physical world but also the destinies of His people. In the context of the tribe of Naphtali, it may also suggest the potential for growth and development within the community, as they are molded by God's hand.

Shillem
Shillem is believed to mean "peace" or "recompense." This name highlights the theme of peace, which is a central tenet in the biblical narrative. The pursuit of peace is a divine mandate, and the name Shillem serves as a reminder of the peace that God desires for His people. It also points to the ultimate recompense or reward that comes from living a life aligned with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Naphtali
Naphtali is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. He is the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. Naphtali is the progenitor of the tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Jahzeel
Jahzeel is the first son of Naphtali. His name means "God apportions" or "God divides," reflecting a divine allocation or distribution.

3. Guni
Guni is the second son of Naphtali. His name can be interpreted as "protected" or "defended," suggesting a sense of divine protection.

4. Jezer
Jezer is the third son of Naphtali. His name means "formation" or "imagination," indicating creativity or divine formation.

5. Shillem
Shillem is the fourth son of Naphtali. His name means "repaid" or "peaceful," which can imply a sense of fulfillment or tranquility.
Teaching Points
Understanding Lineage and Heritage
The listing of Naphtali's sons emphasizes the importance of family lineage and heritage in biblical history. It reminds us of the value of understanding our spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave for future generations.

Names and Their Meanings
The meanings of the names of Naphtali's sons reflect aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people. This encourages us to consider the significance of names and their meanings in our own lives and how they can reflect our identity in Christ.

God's Sovereignty in Family
The genealogy of Naphtali's sons illustrates God's sovereign plan in the formation of the tribes of Israel. It serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in the details of our family lives and has a purpose for each member.

The Role of Tribes in Israel's History
Understanding the role of the tribe of Naphtali in Israel's history helps us appreciate the collective identity of God's people and the unique contributions of each tribe. This can inspire us to recognize and value the diverse roles within the body of Christ today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Naphtali and his sons reflect the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

2. In what ways can understanding the meanings of biblical names enhance our study of Scripture and our personal spiritual journey?

3. How does the concept of divine protection, as seen in the name "Guni," apply to our lives today, and where else in Scripture do we see examples of God's protection?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali's role in Israel's history that can be applied to our participation in the church community?

5. How can we ensure that we are leaving a godly legacy for future generations, similar to the way Naphtali's lineage contributed to the history of Israel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 30:7-8
This passage describes the birth of Naphtali, providing context for his role in the family of Jacob and the significance of his descendants.

Numbers 26:48-50
This passage lists the descendants of Naphtali during the census in the wilderness, showing the growth and continuity of his lineage.

Deuteronomy 33:23
Moses blesses the tribe of Naphtali, highlighting the favor and prosperity bestowed upon them, which can be traced back to Naphtali and his sons.
The Beginning of the NationR.A. Redford Genesis 46:8-27
The Catalogue of the Children of IsraelT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:8-27
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Guni, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jezer, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Shillem, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:24

     7266   tribes of Israel

Genesis 46:8-27

     7230   genealogies

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

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 Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 46:24 NIV
Genesis 46:24 NLT
Genesis 46:24 ESV
Genesis 46:24 NASB
Genesis 46:24 KJV

Genesis 46:24 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 46:23
Top of Page
Top of Page