The term "Zebulonite" refers to a member of the tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Zebulun is named after Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. The Zebulonites played a significant role in the history and settlement of the Israelites in the Promised Land.

Biblical Background

Zebulun was born to Leah, Jacob's first wife, as recorded in Genesis 30:19-20: "And Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. Then Leah said, 'God has endowed me with a good gift. Now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.' So she named him Zebulun."

The tribe of Zebulun is mentioned in the blessings of Jacob and Moses. In Genesis 49:13, Jacob prophesies over his sons, saying, "Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and shall be a haven for ships; his border shall extend toward Sidon." This prophecy highlights the tribe's future geographical location and its involvement in trade and maritime activities.

Moses also blesses the tribe of Zebulun in Deuteronomy 33:18-19: "About Zebulun he said: 'Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. They will summon the 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.'" This blessing emphasizes the tribe's prosperity and its role in worship and sacrifice.

Territory and Settlement

The territory allotted to the Zebulonites is described in Joshua 19:10-16. The land was located in the northern part of Canaan, bordered by the tribes of Asher, Naphtali, and Issachar. The region was fertile and strategically positioned, allowing the Zebulonites to engage in agriculture and trade.

The Zebulonites were known for their valor and military prowess. In the time of the judges, they supported Deborah and Barak in the battle against Sisera, as noted in Judges 4 and 5. Judges 5:18 states, "Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield."

Role in Israel's History

During the reign of King David, the Zebulonites were among those who joined him at Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 12:33: "From Zebulun, 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David." This demonstrates their loyalty and commitment to the united monarchy under David.

In the time of King Hezekiah, the Zebulonites were part of the northern tribes that responded to Hezekiah's call to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem, as described in 2 Chronicles 30:10-11: "So the couriers traveled from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun, but the people scorned and mocked them. Nevertheless, some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem."

Prophetic Significance

The tribe of Zebulun is also mentioned in the context of Messianic prophecy. Isaiah 9:1-2 speaks of a great light coming to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, a prophecy fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who began His public ministry in Galilee, the region encompassing Zebulun's territory. Matthew 4:13-16 cites this prophecy, affirming its fulfillment in Christ's work.

The Zebulonites, as part of the larger narrative of Israel, contribute to the unfolding account of God's covenantal promises and the anticipation of the Messiah. Their history reflects themes of faithfulness, courage, and the blessings of God upon His people.Zebulonite

a member of the tribe of Zebulun. (Judges 12:11,12) Applied only to Elon, the one judge produced by the tribe. (Judges 12:11,12)

The designation of Elon, the judge who belonged to the tribe of Zebulun (Judges 12:11, 12). ZEBULONITE

zeb`-u-lon-it.

See ZEBULUNITES.

2075. Zebuloni -- descendant of Zebulun
... Zebulonite. Patronymically from Zbuwluwn; a Zebulonite or descendant of Zebulun --
Zebulonite. see HEBREW Zbuwluwn. 2074, 2075. Zebuloni. 2076 . ...
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But on the Death of Gideon, his Son Abimelech...
... After him, Elon the Zebulonite ruled for ten years, and Abdon also for eight years;
but, as their rule was peaceful, they performed nothing which history might ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxvi but on the.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... Then Ebron [2044] the Zebulonite, eight years. Then Eglom of Ephraim, eight years. ...
According to Judges 12:11, Elon the Zebulonite succeeded Ibzan. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Zebulonite (2 Occurrences)
...ZEBULONITE. zeb`-u-lon-it. ...Zebulonite (2 Occurrences). Judges 12:11 And after him
Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years. ...
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Zebul (5 Occurrences)

/z/zebul.htm - 12k

Elon (8 Occurrences)
... (4.) The eleventh of the Hebrew judges. He held office for ten years (Judges
12:11, 12). He is called the Zebulonite. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELON ( ...
/e/elon.htm - 10k

Ajalon (10 Occurrences)
... became tributaries. (WBS). Judges 12:12 And Elon the Zebulonite died, and
was buried in Ajalon in the country of Zebulun. (WBS). 1 ...
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Zebulun (46 Occurrences)

/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

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