◄ Numbers 1:43 ►
those registered to the tribe of Naphtali numbered 53,400.
Study Bible
those registered
The Hebrew word used here is "פְּקוּדֵי" (pequdei), which refers to those who are counted or mustered. In the context of the Book of Numbers, this registration is not merely a census for demographic purposes but a divine mandate for organizing the Israelites for both religious and military functions. The act of registration signifies belonging and accountability within the covenant community of Israel. It underscores the importance of each individual in the collective mission of God's people.

to the tribe of Naphtali
The tribe of Naphtali is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. Historically, the tribe of Naphtali settled in a fertile region in the northern part of the Promised Land, which later became known for its beauty and abundance. The mention of Naphtali here connects the tribe to its patriarchal roots and highlights its role in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. The tribe's inclusion in the census reflects its integral part in the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

numbered 53,400
The specific number, 53,400, indicates the size of the fighting men from the tribe of Naphtali at the time of this census. This figure is significant as it reflects the strength and potential of the tribe within the larger community of Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, numbers often symbolized completeness and divine order. The precision of this count demonstrates God's meticulous care and sovereign oversight over His people. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of each tribe's contribution to the collective mission of Israel as they journey towards the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Naphtali
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe is known for its warriors and played a significant role in the history of Israel.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who, under God's command, conducted the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness.

3. Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census took place. It represents a period of testing and preparation for the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land.

4. Census
An event commanded by God to count the men of Israel who were able to go to war. This was a preparation for entering the Promised Land and organizing the community.

5. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were being prepared to enter the land promised to their forefathers.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Organization
The census reflects God's order and structure for His people. It reminds us that God is a God of order, and He desires that we live our lives with intentionality and purpose.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as the Israelites were counted and prepared for physical battles, we are called to be spiritually prepared. This involves knowing our strengths and being ready to stand firm in faith.

Identity and Legacy
The tribe of Naphtali had a specific role and identity within the nation of Israel. As believers, we each have a unique identity and purpose in God's kingdom, and we should seek to understand and fulfill it.

Faithfulness in the Wilderness
The census took place in the wilderness, a time of testing. We are reminded to remain faithful and trust in God's provision and guidance during our own wilderness experiences.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the census of the tribe of Naphtali teach us about the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ?

2. How can we apply the concept of being "prepared for battle" in our spiritual lives today? What practical steps can we take to be ready for spiritual warfare?

3. In what ways does understanding our identity in Christ help us fulfill our unique role in God's kingdom, similar to the tribe of Naphtali?

4. How can we maintain faithfulness and trust in God during our own "wilderness" experiences, and what biblical examples can we draw strength from?

5. Reflect on the legacy of the tribe of Naphtali. How can we ensure that we leave a positive spiritual legacy for future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 30:7-8
This passage describes the birth of Naphtali, providing background on the tribe's origin.

Judges 4:6-10
The tribe of Naphtali is mentioned in the context of the battle led by Deborah and Barak, highlighting their role as warriors.

Revelation 7:6
Naphtali is listed among the tribes of Israel in the vision of the 144,000, showing the tribe's enduring legacy.
Sermons
The First Army of Israel, an Illustration of the Church MilitantW. Jones.Numbers 1:20-46
The Necessity of WarH. W. Beecher.Numbers 1:20-46
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gideoni, Helon, Israelites, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Egypt, Sinai
Topics
53, 400, Fifty-three, Hundred, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Numbered, Ones, Thousand, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 1:1-49

     5249   census

Numbers 1:20-43

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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