June24: TRIBE NAMES & MEANING (part 2)
Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; Revelation 7:6
We continue our ‘detective work’. In looking into the sons of Israel, we may discover inspiring testimony that we can personally relate to. This testimony is also meant to equip each of us to relate to others well and help them discover the marvelous, recreating power of the God of love.
Asher means “Happy am I”. He was the eighth son of Israel. Eight is the number for infinity or eternity, as shown by the way it is written: 8. Moses wrote of Asher: Asher is most blessed of sons; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. (Deuteronomy 33:24). The oil of the Holy Spirit is the oil of gladness (Hebrews 1:9, Psalm 45:7), and the feet that bring the gospel are beautiful.* Israel’s blessing upon Asher says: Bread from Asher shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties (Genesis 49:20). This suggests the never-ending benefits of eating and sharing the Bread of life. Even more specifically, in discovering details— royal dainties—about the One whom we love, we accrue wealth beyond description.
Naphtali means “For my wrestling”. He was Israel’s sixth son. Six is the number associated with man. It was on the sixth day of Creation that God formed man from the dust of the ground. After forming him, He gave him the breath of life. Man is incomplete without God. To ignore His righteous requirements leads to impurity and ruin. Because of false teachings perpetrated upon the world by the father of lies (John 8:44), man has been shifted off of the path of righteousness. Getting back onto the narrow path (Matthew 7:14) calls for wrestling, as illustrated by Jacob’s wrestling in Genesis 32:28. Have you wrestled with the Lord? Most people do not bother to do this. Though named as a baby, there must have been a noticeable similarity between father and son, as his aged father spoke this blessing over him: Naphtali is a deer let loose; He uses beautiful words (Genesis 49:21). This tribe is a glorious representation for all who take up the power of the pen for the expansion of God’s kingdom.
Manasseh means “God is making me forget”. He was a grandson of Israel, and the firstborn of Joseph (Israel’s eleventh son), who was overjoyed at his birth. Joseph had suffered greatly in Egypt, and the joy of Manasseh’s birth made [him] forget the toil . . . (Genesis 41:51). Due to an early failing of the tribe of Manasseh to take possession of the territory given to them by the Lord, half of them chose to abide outside of the Promised Land. But when falsely accused of idolatry, Manasseh exercised patience instead of retaliating (Joshua 22:10-34). Over time, even though far from Jerusalem and the temple, this tribe was the most accepting of the reforms brought about by the good kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 15:9; 30:1). Now, at the end of earth’s history, church reforms are greatly needed in order to get back to the teachings of our Creator and Redeemer. Fortunately, many souls are recognizing how far away from the gospel the church has moved and, like Manasseh, will readily hear, receive, and grow in the knowledge of the Lord. His way of salvation is the only way. Persecution of God’s true followers is fast becoming a reality, but the first sight of Jesus (He’s coming soon!) will [make us] forget all of our sufferings.
*And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15 (see also Isaiah 52:7)