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I. THE DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND OCCUPATIONS IN WHICH MEN ARE PLACED. It is owing to God's directing the inclinations of men that some are fond of the country and some of the town; that some love the noise and bustle of cities and seaports, the fatigue and hazard of navigation and travelling; while others prefer the retiredness and silence of the country. Some choose to dwell with Zebulun at the haven for ships; others with Issachar in the tents of the country, among the bleatings of the flocks. Nor is this different choice entirely owing to education and habit, since it is frequently seen that young people choose a different occupation from their fathers; and some are uneasy till they have changed that to which they were brought up. This diversity of inclination is by appointment and influence of God, the supreme sovereign of every community. Further, His hand is to be owned and adored in giving men ability and skill to pursue their several occupations, in giving them the use of their limbs and senses, health of body, and capacities of mind.

II. THE DUTIES INCUMBENT UPON MEN, HOWEVER DIFFERENT THEIR OCCUPATIONS BE.

1. To be content and cheerful with their lot and calling. Every calling hath its conveniences and inconveniences. A dislike to the business to which a man hath been brought up generally ariseth from pride, ignorance, or an inordinate love of wealth or ease; and if the discontented person were to have his wish, and change with the person he envies, in all probability he would repent it speedily, and wish he had continued as he was. But prudence, diligence, and good economy will gradually lessen the difficulties of any employment, and piety and humility reconcile the mind to them. We are to guard against that excessive application, hurry, and fatigue, on the one hand, which men of ambitious and covetous spirits impose upon themselves, so that they can have no real pleasure in the enjoyment of life. On the other hand, we are to guard against a trifling, indolent, extravagant disposition, by which men first lose their trade, and then complain of the deadness or unprofitableness of it.

2. To make religion their chief business and greatest concern. Those who pretend that they cannot find time for religion can find time for pleasure, and spend more in unnecessary sleep, idle chat with their neighbours, or other amusements than would be necessary for the acts of religious worship, secret and social. Where a person's disposition is serious and spiritual, and when his great aim is to please God and save his soul, there will be no difficulty at all to find time for religion.

3. To endeavour to promote religion in others. Thus it is said in the text, "They," that is both Zebulun and Issachar, "shall call the people to the mountain"; to the house of God, which Moses foresaw, by a spirit of prophecy, would be built upon a mountain. The tribes spoken of in the text, though their employments were so different, were to unite in promoting the interests of religion. Thus, though Christ hath appointed pastors and teachers in His Church, yet it is the duty of every one of His disciples to "do good to all men" as they "have opportunity," to "seek the things of Jesus Christ," and to "exhort one another daily." Let merchants and tradesmen, then, improve their commerce to spread the knowledge of God and religion, and to promote piety, justice, and charity. Let farmers improve their business and connections with others to the same good purpose. Let those of you whose labours God hath prospered honour the Lord with your substance, and cheerfully concur in any good design for promoting the happiness of all around you, supplying the needy, and relieving the afflicted; and thus, according to that expression of the prophet, "consecrate your gain unto the Lord and your substance unto the Lord of the whole earth" (Micah 4:13). But the great thing you are to be solicitous about is to promote the salvation of one another's souls.

(Job Orton, D. D.)

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KJV: And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.

WEB: Of Zebulun he said, "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and Issachar, in your tents.