The Tribe of Zebulon
“And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” Genesis 49:1
Jacob is prepared tell Zebulon his 6th born son what blessings and prophecies shall affect him and his family at a later time.
“Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.” Genesis 49:13
Zebulon was given a portion of land to dwell in that would be very profitable and prestigious. One thing that must be understood is that a land of blessing was already established. Some proclaim that this signifies the Panama Canal and that the people of Zebulon would encompass Central America. While indeed it’s true that some of the tribes of Israel do dwell throughout Central America, this fact has nothing to do with the Panama Canal. The problem with this understanding is that the Panama Canal was manmade and established in 1914 by the French. This was not a blessing or meant to be beneficial for Israel (Micah 2:10). Another point of reference is that this land blessing would extend all the way to Zidon. The Panama Canal is in the western hemisphere and Zidon is in Northeast Israel! Let’s take a look at a map of Israel and understand what Jacob was speaking of when he blessed Zebulon.
Zebulon being a “haven of the sea,” refers to their land. Zebulon’s land was a coastal land inheritance that was widely used for fishing, trade, imports and exports of various supplies. To the east, was the sea of Galilee, to the west was the Mediterranean Sea, and the northern portion extended all the way to Zidon. Zidon is a coastal city that was well known for its fishing community and being a prime source for fishing business.
“And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: [60] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two. [61] And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: [62] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.” Ezra 2:59-62
Remember Israel was always recognized by genealogy (1 Chronicles 9:1) never by land. The bloodline of the Priests was sacred and it was forbidden to claim a tribe if you had no verifiable records to prove your lineage.
“And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. [19] They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.” Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Geographically the Tribe of Issachar would be neighbors with Zebulon, which is one of the blessings Moses spoke of regarding Zebulon (Deuteronomy 33:1). If you notice the land inheritance, Issachar is at the southern border of Zebulon. Together, Zebulon and Issachar would play a part in Israel offering righteous sacrifices to the Most High. We should know that there was nothing righteous going on in Central America and Mexico amongst the Aztec and Maya when they made sacrifices to idols and heathen deities.
“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” 1 Chronicles 12:32
Due to the fact that Issachar was blessed with understanding of times, they assisted in helping Israel know when it was time to make sacrifice, keep holy days, go to war etc. They completely understood the moon cycles and all Israel awaited their commandment in order to worship The Most High.
“And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid: [11] And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam; [12] And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chisloth-tabor, and then goeth out to daberath, and goeth up to Japhia, [13] And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittah-hepher, to Ittah-kazin, and goeth out to Remmon-methoar to Neah; [14] And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthah-el: [15] And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. [16] This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.” Joshua 19:10-16
Due to transgression, Zebulon eventually lost its possession of land (Joshua 1:30) and joined their brethren in various captivities.