Bible Study Guides – The Contrast Between Dan and Naphtali

July 28, 2013 – August 3, 2013

Key Text

“There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:12.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 4, 193–197; Ibid., vol. 5, 94–98.

Introduction

“Would all professed Christians use their investigative powers to see what evils needed to be corrected in themselves, instead of talking of others’ wrongs, there would be a more healthy condition in the church today.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 96.

1 THE TWO SONS OF BILHAH

  • What did Rachel do in desperation when she saw that she was unable to conceive? Genesis 30:1–6. What serious warnings should we heed against indulging in this type of attitude?

Note: “Jealousy and stubbornness are the natural fruits of selfishness.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 545.

“Fellow laborers, we are each sowing seed in the fields of life. As is the seed, so will be the harvest. If we sow distrust, envy, jealousy, self-love, bitterness of thought and feeling, we shall reap bitterness to our own souls.” Ibid., vol. 5, 30.

“Envy, jealousy, evil surmising, and evilspeaking are of Satan, and they effectually bar the way against the Holy Spirit’s working.” Ibid., vol. 6, 42.

  • Relate the words of Rachel when her maid Bilhah gave birth to Jacob’s second son. Genesis 30:7, 8.

2 DIFFERING IN POTENTIAL

  • Although Dan was the son of a concubine, how did Jacob show honor and deep respect for the natural ability of the young man? Genesis 49:16.
  • Explain the potential value of keen observation and discernment, when rightly employed. Matthew 10:16; I Corinthians 12:7, 8.

Note: “The servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment.” Early Writings, 102.

“It is impossible for anyone to foresee to what he may be called. He may be placed in situations where he will need quick discernment and well balanced arguments.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 257.

“Tact and good judgment increase the usefulness of the laborer a hundredfold.” Gospel Workers, 119.

  • How was Naphtali described as timidly fleeing from danger and burdens? Genesis 49:21, first part.

Note: “If he [Brother Pierce] would overcome timidity and possess more confidence that God would be with him and strengthen him he would be much more happy and a greater blessing to others.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 630.

  • When and how did the Naphtalites eventually progress to distinction? Deuteronomy 33:23; Judges 4:4, 6–8, 14, 15; 5:18. How can timidity be overcome?

Note: “What a thought that God chooses a man and brings him into close connection with Himself, and gives him a mission to undertake, a work to do, for Him. A weak man is made strong, a timid man is made brave.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 167.

3 DAN

  • How was the sharp keenness of Dan perverted into backbiting? Genesis 49:17. What warning should be impressed upon us today, to flee from this widespread pitfall of Satan? James 3:5–8.

Note: “[James 3:15–18 quoted.] … He who opens his heart to the suggestions of the enemy, taking in evil surmisings, and cherishing jealousy, frequently misconstrues this evil-mindedness, calling it special foresight, discrimination, or discernment in detecting guilt and fathoming the evil motives of others. He considers that a precious gift has been vouchsafed to him; and he draws apart from the very brethren with whom he should be in harmony; he climbs upon the judgment seat, and shuts his heart against the one he supposes to be in error, as though he himself were above temptation. Jesus separates from him, and leaves him to walk in the sparks of his own kindling.

“Let no one among you glory any longer against the truth by declaring that this spirit is a necessary consequence of dealing faithfully with wrongdoers and of standing in defense of the truth. Such wisdom has many admirers, but it is very deceptive and harmful. It does not come from above, but is the fruit of an unregenerated heart. Its originator is Satan himself. Let no accuser of others credit himself with discernment; for in so doing he clothes the attributes of Satan with the garments of righteousness.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 936, 937.

  • What other evil also occurred among the ranks of the tribe of Dan? Judges 18:1, 2, 26–30. How did the craftsmen from the tribes of Judah and Dan misuse their talents? II Chronicles 2:1, 11–14.

Note: “In the tribes of Judah and of Dan there were men who were regarded as especially ‘cunning’ in the finer arts. For a time these men remained humble and unselfish; but gradually, almost imperceptibly, they lost their hold upon God and His truth. They began to ask for higher wages because of their superior skill. In some instances their request was granted, but more often those asking higher wages found employment in the surrounding nations. In place of the noble spirit of self-sacrifice that had filled the hearts of their illustrious ancestors, they cherished a spirit of covetousness, of grasping for more and more. They served heathen kings with their God-given skill, and dishonored their Maker.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 174, 175.

4 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORDS

  • How does Inspiration establish the contrast between Naphtali’s goodly words and the evil effects of an unregenerate tongue? Genesis 49:21, last part; Proverbs 16:24; Matthew 12:36, 37.

Note: “True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and deficiencies of others. They will turn away from vileness and deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is attractive and lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word of censure or condemnation, is painful.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 96.

“Those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious cannot partake of the dish of nonsense, and folly, and backbiting. They will say decidedly, ‘Take this dish away. I do not want to eat such food. It is not the bread from heaven. It is eating and drinking the very spirit of the devil; for it is his business to be an accuser of the brethren.’ ” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 458.

  • Of the seven things that the Lord lists as abominations to Him, how many are directly related to speech? Proverbs 6:16–19.

Note: “Those who criticize and condemn one another are breaking God’s commandments, and are an offense to Him. They neither love God nor their fellow beings.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 937.

  • What is the first thing one should do—and not do—if he or she sees a brother or sister in some fault? Proverbs 25:9; Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1.

Note: “It pains me to say that there are unruly tongues among church members. There are false tongues that feed on mischief. There are sly, whispering tongues. There is tattling, impertinent meddling, adroit quizzing. Among the lovers of gossip some are actuated by curiosity, others by jealousy, many by hatred against those through whom God has spoken to reprove them. All these discordant elements are at work. Some conceal their real sentiments, while others are eager to publish all they know, or even suspect, of evil against another.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 94.

5 SOMETHING NOT ALLOWED IN HEAVEN

  • How does God view those who harbor a judgmental attitude toward others? Psalm 101:5; Romans 2:1–3; James 4:11, 12.

Note: “To unite with the faultfinding element, to be accusers of the brethren, to take up the reproach they lay at your door is seconding the work of the enemy by playing yourself into his hands to make his work a success.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 266, 267.

“The Lord is testing and proving His people. You may be just as severe and critical with your own defective character as you please; but be kind, pitiful, and courteous toward others.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 97.

“All pride must perish, all jealousy be overcome, all ambition for supremacy be given up, and the meekness and trust of the child be encouraged.” Ibid., 130.

  • Although the name of Naphtali is among the overcomers, why is it that Dan’s name is not there? Revelation 7:5–8; Psalm 15:1–3.

Note: “What a world of gossip would be prevented if every man would remember that those who tell him the faults of others will as freely publish his faults at a favorable opportunity. We should endeavor to think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. . . . Should a brother go astray, then is the time to show your real interest in him. Go to him kindly, pray with and for him, remembering the infinite price which Christ has paid for his redemption. In this way you may save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 58, 59.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Explain how the attitude of Rachel affected Bilhah’s offspring, and how this attitude can affect God’s people in general.

2 What was Naphtali like, and how only will the remnant of his tribe overcome?

3 Explain the problem of Dan.

4 What dangers, concerning words, can easily plague God’s people?

5 Why is a judgmental spirit so destructive?

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.