Topical Bible: the Tribe of Zebulun: Bounds of Their Inheritance

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. The inheritance of Zebulun, as delineated in the Book of Joshua, is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. The boundaries of Zebulun's inheritance are described in Joshua 19:10-16.

Geographical Boundaries:

The territory of Zebulun was situated in the northern part of the land of Canaan. According to Joshua 19:10-16 , "The third lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Zebulun: The boundary of their inheritance stretched as far as Sarid. Then it went up westward to Maralah, reached Dabbesheth, and extended to the brook east of Jokneam. From Sarid it turned eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth-tabor, went on to Daberath, and up to Japhia. From there it continued eastward to Gath-hepher and Eth-kazin; it came out at Rimmon and turned toward Neah. Then the boundary circled around on the north to Hannathon and ended at the Valley of Iphtah-el. It also included Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem—twelve cities, along with their villages."

Significant Locations:

1. Sarid: The starting point of Zebulun's boundary, Sarid, is a location of uncertain identification today but was a significant marker in the delineation of the tribe's territory.

2. Maralah and Dabbesheth: These locations marked the western boundary, indicating the tribe's reach toward the Mediterranean Sea, although Zebulun itself did not have a direct coastal border.

3. Jokneam: Situated near the brook, this area marked the western extremity of Zebulun's territory.

4. Chisloth-tabor: Located near Mount Tabor, this area was part of the eastern boundary, indicating Zebulun's proximity to this significant landmark.

5. Gath-hepher: Known as the hometown of the prophet Jonah, Gath-hepher was within Zebulun's territory, highlighting the tribe's contribution to Israel's prophetic tradition.

6. Bethlehem of Zebulun: Distinct from Bethlehem of Judah, this city was part of Zebulun's inheritance, underscoring the diversity of locations sharing the same name within Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The territory of Zebulun was strategically located, providing access to trade routes and fertile lands. This positioning fulfilled Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:13 , "Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and shall be a haven for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon." Although Zebulun did not have a direct seacoast, its proximity to major trade routes allowed it to engage in commerce and interaction with neighboring tribes and nations.

Zebulun's inheritance was part of the larger division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, a process overseen by Joshua and Eleazar the priest. The allocation of land was conducted by lot, signifying divine guidance in the distribution of the Promised Land. Zebulun's territory, with its varied landscape and strategic location, played a significant role in the life and history of Israel, contributing to the nation's spiritual and economic vitality.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 19:10-16
And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was to Sarid:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The lot given to each tribe is described ... The descendants of Rachel and her handmaid
received as their inheritance the regions situated more to the centre of ...
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