The Zebulunites were the descendants of Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, and one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Zebulun played a significant role in the history of Israel, both in the settlement of the Promised Land and in various biblical narratives.

Ancestry and Blessings

Zebulun was born to Jacob and Leah, as recorded in Genesis 30:19-20. Leah named him Zebulun, expressing her hope that her husband would honor her for bearing him six sons. Jacob's blessing upon Zebulun is found in Genesis 49:13: "Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and shall be a haven for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon." This blessing highlights the tribe's future association with maritime activities and trade.

Moses also blessed the tribe of Zebulun before his death, as recorded in Deuteronomy 33:18-19: "About Zebulun he said: 'Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. They will summon peoples to the mountain, and there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.'"

Territory and Settlement

The territory allotted to the Zebulunites is detailed 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 Zebulunites to engage in trade and commerce. The cities within their territory included Bethlehem (not to be confused with Bethlehem of Judah), Chisloth-tabor, Daberath, and Japhia.

Role in Israel's History

The Zebulunites were known for their valor and military prowess. In the time of the judges, they joined forces with Deborah and Barak to defeat the Canaanite army led by Sisera, as recounted in Judges 4 and 5. Judges 5:18 praises them: "Zebulun was a people who risked their lives to the death; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield."

During the reign of King David, the Zebulunites were among those who supported him, providing a significant number of warriors. 1 Chronicles 12:33 states, "From Zebulun, 50,000 seasoned troops, prepared for battle with every type of weapon, with undivided loyalty."

Religious and Cultural Contributions

The Zebulunites, like other tribes, participated in the religious life of Israel, attending the major feasts and contributing to the spiritual heritage of the nation. Their proximity to the sea and involvement in trade may have exposed them to various cultures, yet they remained integral to the covenant community of Israel.

Prophetic Significance

The tribe of Zebulun is mentioned in the prophetic literature, particularly in the context of the coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:1-2 speaks of the land of Zebulun and Naphtali as a region that would see a great light, a prophecy fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who began His public ministry in Galilee, the region encompassing Zebulun's territory.

In summary, the Zebulunites were a tribe marked by their strategic location, military contributions, and participation in the unfolding account of Israel. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of biblical history, reflecting both their earthly endeavors and their role in God's redemptive plan.ZEBULUNITES

zeb'-u-lun-its (hazebhuloni; Zaboulon): Members of the tribe of Zebulun (Numbers 26:27 Judges 12:11 f).

2075. Zebuloni -- descendant of Zebulun
... Zebulunite. Word Origin from Zebulun Definition desc. of Zebulun NASB Word Usage
Zebulunite (2), Zebulunites (1). Zebulonite. Patronymically ...
/hebrew/2075.htm - 6k

Women who Saved a Nation
... said to him, "Does not Jehovah the God of Israel command you: 'Go, march to Mount
Tabor and take with you ten thousand of the Naphtalites and of the Zebulunites ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/women who saved a nation.htm

Gideon's Brave Band
... throughout all the land of the Manassites, and they assembled under his leadership;
and he sent messengers to the Asherites, the Zebulunites, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/gideons brave band.htm

Zebulunites (1 Occurrence)
...ZEBULUNITES. zeb'-u-lun-its (hazebhuloni; Zaboulon): Members of the tribe of Zebulun
(Numbers 26:27 Judges 12:11 f). ...Zebulunites (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zebulunites.htm - 7k

Zeb'ulunites (1 Occurrence)
Zeb'ulunites. Zebulunites, Zeb'ulunites. Zebulun's . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Zebulunites, Zeb'ulunites. Zebulun's . Reference Bible.
/z/zeb'ulunites.htm - 6k

60500 (1 Occurrence)
... 60500 (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according
to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred. ...
/num/60500.htm - 6k

Zebulunite (3 Occurrences)
... Zebulunite (3 Occurrences). Numbers 26:27 These are the families of the Zebulunites
according to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred. ...
/z/zebulunite.htm - 7k

Zeb'ulunite (2 Occurrences)
Zeb'ulunite. Zebulunite, Zeb'ulunite. Zebulunites . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY RSV). Zebulunite, Zeb'ulunite. Zebulunites . Reference Bible.
/z/zeb'ulunite.htm - 6k

Threescore (87 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Numbers 26:27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according
to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred. ...
/t/threescore.htm - 33k

Sixty (70 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). Numbers 26:27 These are the families of the Zebulunites
according to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred. ...
/s/sixty.htm - 28k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those
who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred. ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

Zebulonite (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZEBULONITE. zeb`-u-lon-it. See ZEBULUNITES.
Multi-Version Concordance Zebulonite (2 Occurrences). ...
/z/zebulonite.htm - 7k

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