The Tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is descended from Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. As part of the Israelite confederation, Zebulun held a significant role in the religious and communal life of the nation. The tribe's offering at the dedication of the altar, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, is a notable event that underscores their participation in the collective worship and dedication to God.

Biblical Context

The dedication of the altar is detailed in Numbers 7, where each tribe of Israel presented offerings over twelve days. This event followed the completion of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The offerings were a demonstration of devotion and a means to consecrate the altar for its sacred purpose.

Offering of Zebulun

On the tenth day of the dedication, the leader of the Tribe of Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon, brought forth the tribe's offering. The specific details of the offering are meticulously recorded in Numbers 7:24-26 :

"On the tenth day, Eliab son of Helon, the leader of the Zebulunites, drew near. His offering was one silver platter weighing 130 shekels and one silver basin weighing 70 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense."

The offering of Zebulun mirrored those of the other tribes, emphasizing unity and equality among the tribes in their service to God. Each tribe's offering included silver and gold vessels, fine flour mixed with oil, and incense, symbolizing purity, wealth, and the sweet aroma of worship ascending to the Lord.

Significance

The offering of the Tribe of Zebulun at the dedication of the altar highlights several key aspects of their role within the Israelite community:

1. Participation in Worship: Zebulun's offering signifies their active participation in the communal worship and dedication to God. It reflects their commitment to the covenant relationship with Yahweh and their role in the spiritual life of the nation.

2. Unity Among Tribes: The uniformity of the offerings from each tribe, including Zebulun, underscores the unity and equality among the tribes. Despite their individual identities and territories, the tribes came together in a collective act of worship and dedication.

3. Symbolism of the Offering: The elements of the offering—silver, gold, fine flour, and incense—carry deep symbolic meanings. Silver and gold represent value and purity, while fine flour and oil signify sustenance and anointing. Incense, with its fragrant aroma, symbolizes prayers and worship rising to God.

4. Leadership and Representation: Eliab son of Helon, as the leader of Zebulun, represents the tribe in this significant religious ceremony. His role underscores the importance of leadership in guiding the tribe in their spiritual duties and responsibilities.

The offering of Zebulun at the dedication of the altar is a testament to their faithfulness and dedication to God, as well as their integral role within the broader community of Israel. Through this act, Zebulun contributed to the sanctification of the altar, ensuring that it would serve as a holy place for worship and sacrifice in the service of the Lord.Numbers 7:24-29
On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... undoubtedly the same as Gittah-hepher, a town of the tribe of Zebulun in the ... withholding
the tithes required by the law of Moses, and offering in sacrifice ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... the blessing of Jacob, in which the tribe of Judah ... that the tribes of Issachar and
Zebulun are subordinate ... place: "And he that offered his offering the first ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Jerusalem, the temple and its dedication: the priesthood ... families which constituted
the half-tribe of Manasseh ... expressed their gratitude by offering the crown ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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