Bird's-eye view
In this brief but potent oracle, the patriarch Jacob, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, prophesies the future character and destiny of the tribe of Naphtali. The verse is composed of two distinct clauses which, taken together, paint a picture of liberty and eloquence. This is not just a quaint description of a pastoral people. As with all of Jacob's pronouncements here in Genesis 49, this is covenantal prophecy. It describes the role Naphtali will play within the larger drama of redemption as it unfolds in the history of Israel. The freedom of a "doe let loose" is the freedom of the gospel, and the "beautiful words" are the fruit of that gospel. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment not in the historical tribe alone, but in the work of Christ and His Church, particularly as the light of the gospel dawned in the region of Naphtali.
Outline
- 1. The Prophetic Blessing on Naphtali (Gen 49:21)
- a. A Portrait of Liberty: "Naphtali is a doe let loose" (v. 21a)
- b. The Fruit of Liberty: "He gives beautiful words" (v. 21b)
Context In Genesis
We are at the end of Jacob's life, and therefore at the end of the foundational patriarchal narrative. Jacob has gathered his twelve sons to tell them what will befall them "in the last days" (Gen 49:1). This is not fortune-telling; it is the authoritative word of God establishing the trajectory of the twelve tribes who will constitute the nation of Israel. These blessings are a mix of rebuke and commendation, and they are foundational for understanding everything that follows in the Old Testament. The prophecy concerning Naphtali comes after the blessings on the sons of the handmaids, and just before the climactic and extensive blessing on Joseph. Its brevity should not be mistaken for insignificance. It sets a thematic note that will echo down through Israel's history.
Clause-by-Clause Commentary
Naphtali is a doe let loose
The first image is one of freedom, agility, and grace. A doe, or hind, is not a beast of burden. It is not an ox for plowing or a donkey for carrying loads. It is swift, elegant, and lives in a state of liberty. To be a "doe let loose" is to be set free from a trap, a snare, or a pen. This points to a people who will cherish their liberty. But we must define this liberty biblically. This is not the modern, secular notion of autonomy, which is just a high-sounding word for slavery to sin. This is covenantal freedom. It is freedom from sin and tyranny in order to be free to serve the living God with joy and swiftness. The tribe of Naphtali was settled in the northern regions, a frontier territory that would require vigilance and agility to defend. But more than that, this prophecy points toward the spiritual liberty that Christ would purchase. It is in the land of Naphtali that the Messiah would begin His public ministry, proclaiming release to the captives (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:13-16). Naphtali's blessing is a picture of the Christian life: we are does let loose, freed from the snare of the devil to run in the ways of God's commandments.
He gives beautiful words
The second clause is the direct result of the first. True freedom of the Spirit produces beautiful speech. The Hebrew here can also be translated "beautiful fawns," and some commentators prefer that, seeing it as a picture of fruitfulness. But the two ideas are not mutually exclusive; beautiful words are a form of spiritual fruitfulness. The traditional rendering, "beautiful words," fits the context of a speaking prophet and has rich theological implications. What are beautiful words? They are words of praise, words of wisdom, and ultimately, words of gospel truth. They are the opposite of the grumbling of the faithless, the deceit of the wicked, or the foolishness of the pagan. This prophecy was fulfilled in part by the poetic skill seen in the Song of Deborah, where Naphtali is praised for its valor (Judges 5:18). But the ultimate fulfillment is found in the one who brought the gospel of grace and truth to that very region. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the one who gives the most beautiful words of all. And His Church, filled with His Spirit, is commissioned to carry those beautiful words to the ends of the earth. Redeemed speech is a primary evidence of a redeemed heart. When the doe is let loose, she doesn't just run; she gives voice to her freedom in beautiful ways.
Key Issues
- The Nature of Biblical Freedom
- The Connection Between Liberty and Eloquence
- The Prophetic Fulfillment in Christ's Galilean Ministry
- The Ethics of Redeemed Speech
The Nature of Biblical Freedom
When the Bible speaks of freedom, as it does here with the image of a "doe let loose," it is crucial that we not import our modern, rebellious definitions into the text. Modern freedom is the freedom to do as you please, which always terminates in bondage to your appetites and lusts. It is the freedom of the prodigal son in the far country, which is no freedom at all.
Biblical freedom is liberation from a state of slavery (to sin, to the law's condemnation, to fear, to death) and liberation to a state of joyful service. It is the freedom of a son in his father's house. Naphtali's blessing is a promise of this kind of liberty. It is a state of being unhindered by the snares of the world so that one might run swiftly in the service of God. This is the liberty that Christ purchased on the cross and applies by His Spirit. "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (Gal. 5:1).
Application
This short verse provides two essential marks of a healthy Christian life and a healthy church. First, we are to be a people characterized by freedom. We are not to be hamstrung by legalism, fear, or the traditions of men. We have been set free by the Son, and are free indeed. This should manifest as a kind of spiritual agility and joy, a readiness to move and act as the Lord directs, without being weighed down by the baggage of the world.
Second, this freedom must bear fruit in our mouths. Christians ought to be the most eloquent people on earth, because we have the most beautiful message. Our speech should be seasoned with grace, full of praise, and ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us. We are to offer "beautiful words" to a world that is choking on ugly and deceitful ones. This is not about flowery or insincere language, but about speaking the profound and beautiful truth of the gospel into every situation. Are you living as a doe let loose? And is your liberty producing beautiful words for the glory of God?