The Tribe of Zebulun was named after Zebulun (זְבֻלוּן, pronounced Zeh-voo-LOON), the tenth son of Jacob and the sixth son of Leah. His name comes from a Hebrew root meaning “to dwell” or “to honor.” When Leah gave birth, she said: “Yahweh has given me a good gift. Now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons” (Genesis 30:20). In Genesis 49:13, Jacob blessed Zebulun, saying, “Zebulun will live by the sea and become a haven for ships.”
During the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, the Tribe of Zebulun camped on the east side of the tabernacle, near the tribes of Judah and Issachar. They were a strong tribe with 57,400 men of fighting age (Numbers 1:31). When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Zebulun received land in the northern part of Canaan, between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea. Although their land didn’t touch the sea, they were close to important trade routes and busy ports. Their land was good for farming, and the hills were great for vineyards.
In Judges 4-5, they joined Deborah and Barak to fight against Sisera. In Judges 6, they helped Gideon fight the Midianites. Later, they joined David at Hebron and were praised as brave and loyal warriors. The prophet Isaiah said that Zebulun’s land would see a great light (Isaiah 9:1). This came true when Yeshua began His ministry in Galilee, which was part of Zebulun’s land.
Did You Know?
The tribe of Zebulun sent skilled warriors to support David at Hebron, but they also helped by bringing food. Relatives from Zebulun and nearby tribes brought supplies like figs, raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep to feed David’s army (1 Chronicles 12:38-40).
Test Your Bible Knowledge:
1. What blessing did Jacob give to Zebulun?
2. Where did the tribe of Zebulun live?
3. How did the tribe of Zebulun help David?
4. What connection does Zebulun’s land have to the ministry of Yeshua?
Learn more about the Tribe of Zebulun in our Twelve Tribes of Israel Activity Book. Click the book cover below to learn more!
