A Great Light

Matthew 4:15-16 ESV

Genesis 49:13 ESV

Joshua 19:10-16 ESV.

Isaiah 9:1-2 ESV

Isaiah 42:6-7 ESV

You all know that I’m crazy about learning new things, especially in scripture!

When I read today’s scripture from Matthew I was really curious about the reference to the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. Precisely what does it mean?

Matthew 4:15-16 says, “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

We know those two lands are of the sea. They are beyond the Jordan. It seems like they are in Galilee where there are Gentiles.

I knew Zebulun and Naphtali were two of the 12 tribes of Israel and that each tribe was given land. I looked at a map of the 12 Tribes for that area and I found out the land of Naphtali is in the Northern region in between Manasseh and the land of Asher. The land of Zebulun is directly south of Naphtali still in between the land of Manasseh and Asher.

The Eastern side of the Sea of Galilee borders Naphtali and North of the Sea of Galilee the Jordan River runs right through the Western edge of Naphtali.

The land mass size of Zebulun is smaller than the size of the lands the many of other tribes received. I learned that Zebulun was the youngest son of Jacob and Leah. In Genesis 49:13 we learn when Jacob gave his blessing to his sons. To Zebulun he said, “Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon.” Zebulun was a man of the sea and his lands were primarily used for sea trade (https://study.com/academy/lesson/tribe-of-zebulun-history-symbol-characteristics.html). Originally the western edge of Zebulun bordered the Mediterranean Sea. Jacob chose good land for his son.

According to Joshua 19:10-16 we learn that when the land was apportioned out by Joshua, “The third lot came up for the people of Zebulun, according to their clans. And the territory of their inheritance reached as far as Sarid. Then their boundary goes up westward and on to Mareal and touches Dabbesheth, then the brook that is east of Jokneam. From Sarid it goes in the other direction eastward toward the sunrise to the boundary of Chisloth-tabor. From there it goes to Daberath, then up to Japhia. From there it passes along on the east toward the sunrise to Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and going on to Rimmon it bends toward Neah, then on the north the boundary turns about to Hannathon, and it ends at the Valley of Iphtahel; and Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem—twelve cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the people of Zebulun, according to their clans—these cities with their villages.”

So…there were twelve cities in their land.  Ahhh…bingo! There’s the connection. When I read the list of cities you’d never guess which one jumped out at me?  Did you see it? ‘O Little town of Bethlehem’ is located in the territory of Zebulun! That HAS to be a clue why it was mentioned in Matthew 4…sorry to be so geeky but I love learning about scripture…I love it when God opens doors!

Now on to Naphtali…why did Matthew mention Naphtali? Both Zebulun and Naphtali were in the region of Galilee at the time of Jesus. Plus, the Sea of Galilee was in the region of Naphtali.

Oh of course! It was Jesus’ ol’ stompin’ ground. He KNEW that region.

The reference to the Gentiles in that region was a quandary…but according to the Hebrew Historian Josephus there were probably around 3 million people living in Galilee at the time of Jesus and it was a region heavily populated by Gentiles (https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-4/). That’s why Matthew called that region Galilee of the Gentiles.

That region was where Jesus started his ministry. The people saw a great light…Jesus the light of the world preached there. They were living in darkness in Galilee, but when Jesus showed up a great light dawned!

It’s notable that the very same references made in Matthew 4:15-16 are also found in: Isaiah 9:1-2 when the prophet wrote, “But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

The prophet Isaiah lived in the 8th Century B.C.E. The region that would be Galilee at the time of Jesus was captured by the Assyrians in 724 B.C. It was a very dark time for that region. The territories of Zebulun and Naphtali were hit very hard during the Assyrian conquest (https://histclo.com/chron/ancient/heb/hist/ass/hha-con.html).

However, Isaiah saw that one day a great light would shine in Galilee. Isaiah knew a light would shine in a land that had been in deep darkness!

We know that the Prophet Isaiah saw and knew the character and healing power of the ONE who would come.

Isaiah 42:6-7 wrote this during the 8th Century B.C., “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.”

I don’t know about you, but that blesses me greatly! Knowing what Isaiah KNEW and what he SAW long before Jesus came really makes me realize the amazing incredible power of God!

Spiritual Practice: Isaiah 42:6-7

Sit with this scripture (read and re-read it) and let God bless you!

In God, Deborah

acrazyjourney.com