יהושע, פרק י״ט, פסוק ל״ד

Mapping the tribal territories reveals a complex geographical puzzle where boundaries converge around prominent natural landmarks. The boundary line for the tribe of Naphtali initially shifts its course, moving from east to west [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. As it travels, it reaches the area of Mount Tabor, a significant central junction where several tribal lands meet [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Interestingly, this landmark was known by different names during that era; while associated with Naphtali here, it is referred to as Chisloth-tabor in the records of the neighboring tribe of Zebulun [רד״ק]. From this junction, the boundary pushes further north, arriving at a location known as Hukkok [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

From this point, Naphtali’s territory begins to intersect with its neighbors in a highly intricate pattern. To the south, it meets the land of Zebulun [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This specific meeting point is the result of the neighboring tribe of Issachar dipping down to claim certain tracts of land, which in turn allows Naphtali to spread out and absorb the remaining areas just north of Zebulun [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, some understand this intersection to mean that the boundary touches Zebulun's southern edge, which serves as Naphtali's northern limit [מצודת דוד]. Moving westward, the territory then borders the tribe of Asher [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. This western connection occurs because Naphtali’s boundary dips and winds around specific fortress cities, effectively wrapping around the strip of land belonging to Asher [מלבי״ם].

The final boundary point presents a geographical surprise, indicating a connection with the tribe of Judah to the east along the Jordan River. Given that Naphtali is situated in the far north and Judah in the south, this meeting seems impossible. One approach resolves this by suggesting that the reference to Judah does not actually mean the southern tribe. Instead, it serves as a unique, specific title for the Jordan River itself, or a designated area within it located to the east [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective explains that Naphtali’s eastern border encompassed the entire length of the Jordan River. Because Judah’s northern boundary ends at the river's southern tip, Naphtali’s territory essentially stretched all the way down the watercourse until it physically met Judah's border. While the Jordan naturally borders several other tribes along the way, Judah is specifically highlighted to emphasize the sheer distance Naphtali’s border extended, reaching all the way to the southernmost tribe [מצודת דוד].