Topical Bible: the Tribe of Zebulun: Families of

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The Tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. As part of the Northern Kingdom, Zebulun played a significant role in the history and culture of Israel. The families within the tribe are mentioned in various genealogical records throughout the Scriptures, providing insight into their heritage and contributions to the nation of Israel.

Genealogical Records and Census

The genealogical records of the Tribe of Zebulun are first detailed in the Book of Numbers, where a census is taken of the Israelite tribes during their wilderness journey. According to Numbers 1:30-31 , "From the sons of Zebulun, their genealogies according to their clans and families, the number of names from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Zebulun numbered 57,400." This census highlights the military strength and organizational structure of the tribe during the Exodus.

Families and Clans

The families within the Tribe of Zebulun are further delineated in the genealogical records found in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 26:26-27 states, "The descendants of Zebulun by their clans were: through Sered, the Seredite clan; through Elon, the Elonite clan; through Jahleel, the Jahleelite clan. These were the clans of Zebulun, and those numbered were 60,500." These clans represent the primary family divisions within the tribe, each named after a son of Zebulun, reflecting the patriarchal structure of Israelite society.

Territorial Inheritance

The territorial inheritance of the Tribe of Zebulun is described in the Book of Joshua. Zebulun's allotment was located in the northern part of Canaan, bordered by the tribes of Asher, Naphtali, and Issachar. Joshua 19:10-16 provides a detailed account of the boundaries and cities within Zebulun's inheritance, emphasizing the tribe's strategic location and fertile land. This inheritance was crucial for the tribe's economic and social development, allowing them to thrive in agriculture and trade.

Role in Israel's History

Throughout Israel's history, the Tribe of Zebulun played a vital role in various military and political events. In the Song of Deborah, Zebulun is praised for its bravery and willingness to risk their lives in battle (Judges 5:18). Additionally, during the reign of King David, members of the tribe joined the king at Hebron to support his rule, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 12:33 : "From Zebulun, there were 50,000 seasoned troops, prepared for battle with every type of weapon of war, who helped David with undivided loyalty."

Prophetic Blessings

The Tribe of Zebulun also received prophetic blessings that highlighted their future prosperity and significance. In Genesis 49:13 , Jacob's blessing to Zebulun states, "Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and shall be a haven for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon." This prophecy alludes to Zebulun's involvement in maritime trade and its advantageous geographical position.

Similarly, Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:18-19 emphasizes Zebulun's joy and success: "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. They will summon peoples to the mountain, and there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand."

The Tribe of Zebulun, with its distinct families and clans, played a significant role in the unfolding narrative of Israel. Their contributions to the military, economic, and spiritual life of the nation are woven throughout the biblical text, reflecting their enduring legacy in the history of God's chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 26:26,27
Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands ...
... from another Bethlehem in the tribe of Zebulun; compare Joshua ... appear as a descendant
of the tribe of Judah ... prophet views the thousands, or the families of Judah ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap v 1.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly ... In this more favorable environment
their families and their ... The little tribe of the Danites, finding the ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... Genesis 12:3, "In thee all the families of the ... in the front, Judah, as the principal
tribe, is encamped ... two sons of his mother"Issachar and Zebulun"who were ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... It is not certain that all the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh
took their origin from Manasseh: one of them, for example, that of Jair ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm