Topical Bible: Zebulun: Son of Jacob and Leah

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Zebulun was the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, making him the tenth son of Jacob overall. His birth is recorded in the Book of Genesis, where Leah declares, "God has given me a good gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons." So she named him Zebulun (Genesis 30:20). The name "Zebulun" is often understood to mean "dwelling" or "honor," reflecting Leah's hope for her relationship with Jacob.

Tribal Inheritance and Territory

The tribe of Zebulun, descended from Zebulun, was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the division of the Promised Land, Zebulun's territory was located in the northern part of Canaan. According to the Book of Joshua, the land allotted to Zebulun was situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee, providing the tribe with access to important trade routes and fertile land (Joshua 19:10-16).

Prophetic Blessings

Zebulun received blessings from both Jacob and Moses. In Jacob's blessing, Zebulun is associated with maritime activities: "Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and shall be a haven for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon" (Genesis 49:13). This prophecy highlights the tribe's future involvement in trade and commerce, leveraging its strategic location.

Moses' blessing, found in Deuteronomy, also emphasizes prosperity and joy: "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you, Issachar, in your tents. They will summon peoples to the mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand" (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). This blessing underscores the tribe's role in worship and its access to the riches of the sea.

Role in Israel's History

Throughout Israel's history, the tribe of Zebulun played a significant role. During the time of the Judges, Zebulun contributed warriors to the battle against Sisera, as recorded in the Song of Deborah: "From Zebulun came those who wield the spear, and from Naphtali those who wield the sword" (Judges 5:14). This demonstrates the tribe's valor and commitment to the collective defense of Israel.

In the era of the monarchy, Zebulun was part of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. The tribe's location made it vulnerable to foreign invasions, yet it remained an integral part of the northern tribes.

New Testament References

Zebulun is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of prophecy fulfillment. The Gospel of Matthew cites the land of Zebulun in relation to the ministry of Jesus: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light" (Matthew 4:15-16). This passage highlights the significance of Zebulun's territory as a place where Jesus' light and message would shine, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy.

Cultural and Spiritual Legacy

The tribe of Zebulun, with its strategic location and prophetic blessings, contributed to the cultural and spiritual fabric of Israel. Its legacy is reflected in its participation in key biblical events and its mention in prophetic literature. Zebulun's account is a testament to the diverse roles and contributions of the tribes of Israel in the unfolding narrative of God's people.

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Genesis 30:20
And Leah said, God has endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
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Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
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Genesis 46:14
And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
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Genesis 49:13
Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be to Zidon.
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Exodus 1:3
Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
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1 Chronicles 2:1
These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,
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Library

The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy.
... we will say, Look, if this is the coat of thy son: for they ... by the sea-coast, I caught
spoil of fish for Jacob my father ... 130] The derivation of Zebulun seems to ...
/.../vi the testament of zebulun concerning.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... That Zebulun is here viewed only as a part of the ... tender love of the father towards
his son and provider ... which goes beyond the human sphere of Jacob, is the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm