Zebulun was one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Old Testament. His story is found in the book of Genesis. Zebulun was the tenth son born to Jacob, and the sixth son borne by Leah, Jacob’s first wife (Genesis 30:19-20).
Here is a summary of key facts about Zebulun in the Bible:
- He was the tenth of Jacob’s twelve sons, and the sixth son of Leah (Genesis 30:19-20).
- His name means “dwelling”, referring to Leah’s hope that her husband would “dwell” with her after bearing him six sons (Genesis 30:20).
- He had three sons – Sered, Elon, and Jahleel (Genesis 46:14).
- Zebulun’s descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Tribe of Zebulun was allotted land in Canaan stretching from the Sea of Galilee westward (Joshua 19:10-16).
- During the time of Moses, the leader of the Tribe of Zebulun was Eliab son of Helon (Numbers 1:9; 7:24-29).
- Zebulun played an important role alongside the tribes of Issachar and Naphtali in securing Deborah and Barak’s victory over Canaan (Judges 4:6,10).
- Later, thousands from Zebulun were among the tribesmen who made David king of Israel at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:33).
- The inheritance of Zebulun is referenced in Jacob’s blessings for his sons (Genesis 49:13) and Moses’ blessing of the tribes (Deuteronomy 33:18-19).
- During Jesus’ ministry, people from the region of Zebulun were among those who followed Him (Matthew 4:15).
Now let’s take a deeper look at Zebulun’s story and background in the Bible.
Zebulun’s Birth
Zebulun’s birth is recorded in Genesis 30, during the time Jacob was living in Paddan Aram with his wives Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah.
After Leah had borne Jacob four sons – Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah – she became jealous that Rachel had not yet conceived (Genesis 30:1-2). So she gave her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife, and Zilpah bore him two sons Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:9-13).
Then Leah’s first son Reuben brought her mandrakes he had found, which were believed to help fertility (Genesis 30:14-16). So Rachel agreed to let Leah spend the night with Jacob in exchange for some mandrakes. That night, Leah conceived again and bore a fifth son, Issachar (Genesis 30:17-18).
Some time later, Leah conceived yet again and bore a sixth son to Jacob. She named him Zebulun, saying:
“God has endowed me with a good gift. Now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun. (Genesis 30:20)
The name Zebulun comes from the Hebrew word “zabal” meaning “to dwell or abide”. So in naming him Zebulun, Leah expressed her hope that because she had borne Jacob six sons, he would now “dwell” with her and honor her as his wife.
Zebulun and His Brothers Go to Egypt
Many years later, when a severe famine hit Canaan, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain, where they were reunited with their brother Joseph (Genesis 42:1-8). Jacob eventually migrated with his whole household – including Zebulun – from Canaan down to Egypt, where they settled in the region of Goshen (Genesis 46:8-27).
Before Jacob died, he blessed each of his twelve sons. To Zebulun he predicted:
“Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon.” (Genesis 49:13)
This blessing indicated that the tribe of Zebulun would someday dwell near the Mediterranean Sea and carry out maritime trade. Jacob’s blessings to his sons often contained prophetic significance for the future tribes they fathered.
The Tribe of Zebulun – Moses to the Judges
After Jacob (Israel) died, the descendants of his twelve sons went on to form the twelve tribes of Israel. Zebulun’s three sons – Sered, Elon, and Jahleel (Genesis 46:14) – established the Tribe of Zebulun.
When Moses organized the Israelite camp during the Exodus, the tribe of Zebulun was situated under the banner of the camp of Judah on the east side, along with Issachar and Judah (Numbers 2:3-9). The leader of the Zebulunites at this time was Eliab son of Helon (Numbers 1:9; 7:24-29).
After entering Canaan, Joshua allotted territory to each of the twelve tribes. The land given to Zebulun was in the northern region, stretching from the Sea of Galilee westward, and bordering the tribes of Naphtali, Issachar and Asher (Joshua 19:10-16). This fulfilled Jacob’s blessing that they would dwell by the sea.
During the time of the judges, the Bible highlights two roles played by the Zebulunites. First, the judge Deborah summoned Barak of Naphtali and Zebulun to fight against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. The “princes of Zebulun” are specifically mentioned as joining the battle which God gave to Barak and Deborah (Judges 4:6, 10).
Later, when Gideon called warriors to fight the Midianites, thousands from Zebulun joined the effort. Though not all the Zebulun warriors were chosen, they still loyally supported Gideon and the men who were picked (Judges 6:35).
Zebulun Supports David and Solomon
When David was made king over Judah and Israel, warriors from Zebulun were among those who came to Hebron support him. The Bible notes they were “men of war arrayed for battle” and “men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:23, 32). In all, 50,000 experienced warriors from Zebulun came to make David king.
Years later, when David’s son Solomon began building the temple in Jerusalem, he imposed forced labor on all Israel. People from Zebulun were among those conscripted to work cutting timber in Lebanon and bringing it to Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:13-18).
Prophecies Concerning Zebulun
In addition to Jacob’s blessing at the end of his life, Zebulun is referenced in several Bible prophecies concerning the twelve tribes:
- Moses’ Blessing: Moses pronounced a blessing over each tribe before his death. To Zebulun he declared: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar in your tents. They shall call peoples to their mountain; there they offer right sacrifices; for they draw from the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.” (Deuteronomy 33:18-19)
- Inheritance of Land: When the land was divided among tribes, Zebulun’s allotment is detailed in Joshua 19:10-16. It stretches from the Sea of Galilee westward.
- Blessing of the Tribes: In his blessing over the assembled tribes, the prophet Deborah proclaimed of Zebulun: “The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; as Issachar, so was Barak; into the valley they rushed at his heels.” (Judges 5:15)
- Zebulun in the Millennial Kingdom: Ezekiel prophesies that representatives from all twelve tribes will receive an allotment of land in the future Messianic kingdom. Zebulun’s allotment is described in Ezekiel 48:26-27.
Zebulun in the New Testament
Although the twelve tribes are scattered and not referred to much after the Old Testament period, there are a few New Testament references connecting back to Zebulun:
- When Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee, Matthew quotes Isaiah 9:1-2, referring to it as “Galilee of the Gentiles” and “the region of Zebulun.” (Matthew 4:12-16). So Jesus’ early ministry took place in the region originally inhabited by Zebulun.
- In Jesus’ genealogy in Luke 3, his earthly lineage is traced back through David and Judah to Jacob and Zebulun as one of the twelve patriarchs of Israel (Luke 3:32).
- In Revelation 7, when John describes his vision of the 144,000 sealed from every tribe of Israel, 12,000 are chosen from the “tribe of Zebulun.” This indicates God still has a plan and purpose for this tribe in the end times (Revelation 7:6-8).
So although the twelve tribes are not emphasized in the New Testament, Zebulun’s identity continues to be significant right up through the book of Revelation.
Lessons We Can Learn from Zebulun
Though not one of the most prominent tribes, Zebulun’s story still offers some important lessons:
- The value of family – Zebulun was born into a complicated family situation, but he and his brothers learned to stick together and support each other in difficult times like famine.
- Being supportive – Zebulun played a supportive role at key moments in Israel’s history – like Barak’s battle and making David king. They set aside jealousy and ambition to wholeheartedly back leaders God had chosen.
- Using skills to serve God – Zebulun seemed to develop useful skills and resources from their coastal region which they put to use serving God’s purposes.
- Fulfilled prophecy – Jacob’s prophecies over Zebulun were fulfilled, reminding us of God’s faithfulness to His Word.
Overall, Zebulun provides a positive example of a tribe that was loyal, supportive of others, and sought to use their skills and resources to serve God’s plans.
Summary of Zebulun’s Significance
In summary, here are some of the key things to remember about Zebulun in the Bible:
- He was the sixth son of Leah and tenth son of Jacob.
- His name means “dwelling”, reflecting Leah’s desire for Jacob to honor her.
- The tribe of Zebulun was given land in the northern region near the Sea of Galilee.
- They played a supportive military role during the time of the judges and King David.
- Jacob’s blessing predicted they would become sea traders.
- Jesus’ early ministry was in the region originally inhabited by Zebulun.
- Zebulun is included consistently as one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Though not the most prominent tribe, Zebulun was faithful to play his part in God’s history and purposes for the people of Israel. Their example reminds us to use our skills and resources to further God’s plans, and support the leaders He anoints to carry out His will.