Genesis 46:14
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
The sons of Zebulun
This phrase introduces the descendants of Zebulun, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Zebulun was the sixth son of Leah, Jacob's first wife. The name "Zebulun" is derived from the Hebrew root "zabal," meaning "to dwell" or "to honor." This reflects Leah's hope that her husband would honor her by dwelling with her more intimately. Zebulun's descendants would form one of the tribes of Israel, known for their maritime prowess and trade, as suggested by Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:13, which speaks of Zebulun living by the seashore.

Sered
The name "Sered" is of uncertain origin, but it may be related to the Hebrew root "srd," which can mean "to tremble" or "to be afraid." This could imply a characteristic or a significant event associated with Sered or his descendants. In the broader biblical narrative, names often carry prophetic or descriptive significance, reflecting the character or destiny of the individual or their lineage.

Elon
The name "Elon" means "oak" or "terebinth" in Hebrew, symbolizing strength, endurance, and stability. Oaks were significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with sacred sites and places of worship. The name may suggest that Elon or his descendants were known for their strength or played a significant role in the community, much like the sturdy and enduring oak tree.

Jahleel
The name "Jahleel" means "God waits" or "God hopes" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep spiritual truth about the nature of God and His relationship with His people. It suggests a sense of divine patience and expectation, highlighting the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, waiting for them to fulfill their potential and purpose according to His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zebulun
Zebulun is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. He is the sixth son of Leah, Jacob's first wife. Zebulun's descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for their maritime activities and trade.

2. Sered
Sered is the first son of Zebulun mentioned in this verse. His name in Hebrew, "Sered", may mean "fear" or "trembling."

3. Elon
Elon is the second son of Zebulun. The name "Elon" in Hebrew can mean "oak" or "strong."

4. Jahleel
Jahleel is the third son of Zebulun. His name in Hebrew, "Jahleel", means "God waits" or "God hopes."

5. Jacob's Journey to Egypt
This verse is part of the larger account of Jacob's journey to Egypt with his family during a time of famine, as they go to join Joseph, who has become a powerful leader in Egypt.
Teaching Points
Understanding Lineage and Heritage
The listing of names in genealogies, such as Zebulun's sons, emphasizes the importance of family heritage and God's faithfulness to His promises through generations.

Significance of Names
The meanings of names in the Bible often reflect character traits or prophetic insights. Reflect on the significance of your own name and identity in Christ.

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite the complexities and imperfections in family relationships, God works through them to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Jacob's family.

Faithfulness in Transition
Jacob's journey to Egypt represents a significant transition. Trusting God during times of change is crucial, knowing He is guiding and providing for His people.

Role of Tribes in God's Plan
Each tribe of Israel had a unique role and contribution to the nation. Consider how God has uniquely gifted and positioned you within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the genealogies in the Bible about God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. How do the meanings of the names Sered, Elon, and Jahleel reflect their potential roles or characteristics within the tribe of Zebulun?

3. In what ways does the journey of Jacob's family to Egypt demonstrate God's provision and sovereignty?

4. How can understanding the roles of the different tribes of Israel help us appreciate the diversity and unity within the body of Christ today?

5. Reflect on a time of transition in your life. How did you experience God's guidance and provision during that period? How can this encourage you in current or future transitions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:13
This verse provides a prophecy about the tribe of Zebulun, indicating their future role and location by the sea, which aligns with their maritime activities.

Numbers 26:26-27
These verses list the descendants of Zebulun during the census in the wilderness, showing the growth and establishment of the tribe.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Moses' blessing to the tribe of Zebulun highlights their joy in going out and their participation in sacrifices, reflecting their active role among the tribes.
The Beginning of the NationR.A. Redford Genesis 46:8-27
The Catalogue of the Children of IsraelT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:8-27
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Elon, Jahleel, Jah'leel, Sered, Sons, Zebulun, Zeb'ulun
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:8-27

     7230   genealogies

Genesis 46:13-14

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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