Send שָׁלַח

We are still in chapter 49 of Genesis with our word for today.  שָׁלַח stretch out, let free, let go, send, dispatch, to inform by a messenger, dismiss. It is used 843 times in the Old Testament. Genesis 32:18 Then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift שְׁלוּחָ֔ה sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.’ Esther 3:13 Dispatches were וְנִשְׁל֨וֹחַ sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—on a single day…and to plunder their goods. Isaiah 16:2 Like fluttering birds מְשֻׁלָּ֑חpushed from the nest, so are the women of Moab at the fords of the Arnon. Genesis 44:3 As morning dawned, the men were שֻׁלְּח֔וּ sent on their way with their donkeys. If we remember the context Joseph accuses his brothers of being spies and requires that Simeon stay with him then he lets the others go or lets them loose. This is the sense our word is used in our chapter today. Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a doe שְׁלֻחָ֑הlet loose that gives beautiful words.This tribe’s location was north of Zebulun and Isaachar and contained the Sea of Galilee. Zebulun and Naphtali were a part of the district called “Galilee of the Gentiles,” which was spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:1–2) and where Jesus ministered (Matthew 4:12–16). Zebulun and Naphtali were distinguished for their bravery in battle (Judges 5:18). The image of “a doe let loose” suggests a free-spirited people, not bound to tradition. The tribe was located in the hill country. So this image was chosen wisely. Moses said they were “abounding with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 33:23). The last clause of Genesis 49:21 “that gives beautiful words” —suggests that they were a poetic people who could express themselves well. Possessing the abilities to run like does and speak beautiful words, the people of Naphtali would make ideal messengers. Naphtali has no judgment against it. When the Assyrians invaded the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Naphtali was one of the first tribes to be taken and deported (2 Kings 15:29). Naphtali reminds us of the beauty of the good news. Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Romans 10:13-15 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”