“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)
We have looked at:
- First born Reuben. Turbulent in character lacking self control and lacking in command to protect his younger brothers thus losing his father's trust.
- Second and third born Simeon and Levi. Lacking wisdom and having an untamed anger. Vengeful with devastating aftermath.
- Fourth born Judah. A leader, protector, negotiator, mediator and reconcillor. He had the gift of persuation and knew the right buttons to press. He was a royalty and he lived and acted like it.
Today we examine 6th born Zebulun and last son of Jacob and Leah. His name means "gift", in reference to Leah's view that her gaining of six sons was a gift from God. (Gen 30:20) Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun.
Upon entering the Promised Land, Zebulun failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Kitron and Nahalol, although Zebulun did subject them to forced labor (Judges 1:30). This was incomplete obedience to God’s clear command to drive out all the inhabitants of the land (Numbers 33:52). Later, Zebulun returned to God and followed His commands by participating in the battles led by Deborah and Barak, and fighting valiantly (Judges 4:6; 5:18).
Zebulun’s territory was located in what later became known as Galilee, in Northern Israel. Moses’ blessing on the tribe was that they would prosper in their overseas dealings with Gentile nations (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). Isaiah prophesied, “In the past [God] humbled the land of Zebulun... but in the future he will honor Galilee” (Isaiah 9:1). When Joseph and Mary returned from Egypt when Jesus was an infant, Galilee was their haven of safety (Matthew 2:13-23). Although Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, He grew up in Nazareth and lived there for 30 years before He started His ministry, much of which took place in the territory of Zebulun (Matthew 4:12-17). Eleven of the twelve disciples were from Galilee (Judas was not). Also, when the Jewish religious leaders were plotting to kill Him, He took refuge in Galilee (John 7:1 and 9).
Zebulun was a conduit to connecting Israel with foreign nations through trade and evangelism. The territory extended to the Mediterranean Sea (Ezekiel 48:26) making Zebulun a haven for ships during that time because that was the first port of entry into the land by sea.
There are some who have been made a haven where naturally voyagers find rest. A safe habor from the turbulence of life. There are many sailing in the sea, praying that God would take them to the nearest harbor to find some rest from the stormy sea. Just like Zebulun, you could be the gift for that passing vessel in the sea to rescue it from a band of pirates further on. Zebulun was disobedient by not driving out Canaanites, but they redeemed themselves later on.
Are you disobedient to God's call in your life? He has declared you a haven where broken hearts dock from the stormy sea of broken relationships and promises in their lives. God has extended your territory but as it is, it lays bare with no single sight of a docked ship. Perhaps you have made your port an 'exclusive club'. Where only cruise ships and selected voyagers can dock. Not responding fully to God’s Word, as Zebulun demonstrated, is a trait to which we all can relate. How often do we choose to follow our own paths for various reasons, many of which may not be in concert with God’s wishes?
Matt 10:8 says, "Freely you have received; freely give". Don't be an exclusive port because Jesus wasn't an exclusive Christ. While Zebulun had turned away from God, God's love for them, and theirs for Him, drew them back into communion with Him and compliance with His will. Open your heart to opportunities for battered ships to dock at the harbor that God has prepared in you.
We have looked at:
- First born Reuben. Turbulent in character lacking self control and lacking in command to protect his younger brothers thus losing his father's trust.
- Second and third born Simeon and Levi. Lacking wisdom and having an untamed anger. Vengeful with devastating aftermath.
- Fourth born Judah. A leader, protector, negotiator, mediator and reconcillor. He had the gift of persuation and knew the right buttons to press. He was a royalty and he lived and acted like it.
Today we examine 6th born Zebulun and last son of Jacob and Leah. His name means "gift", in reference to Leah's view that her gaining of six sons was a gift from God. (Gen 30:20) Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun.Upon entering the Promised Land, Zebulun failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Kitron and Nahalol, although Zebulun did subject them to forced labor (Judges 1:30). This was incomplete obedience to God’s clear command to drive out all the inhabitants of the land (Numbers 33:52). Later, Zebulun returned to God and followed His commands by participating in the battles led by Deborah and Barak, and fighting valiantly (Judges 4:6; 5:18).
Zebulun’s territory was located in what later became known as Galilee, in Northern Israel. Moses’ blessing on the tribe was that they would prosper in their overseas dealings with Gentile nations (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). Isaiah prophesied, “In the past [God] humbled the land of Zebulun... but in the future he will honor Galilee” (Isaiah 9:1). When Joseph and Mary returned from Egypt when Jesus was an infant, Galilee was their haven of safety (Matthew 2:13-23). Although Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, He grew up in Nazareth and lived there for 30 years before He started His ministry, much of which took place in the territory of Zebulun (Matthew 4:12-17). Eleven of the twelve disciples were from Galilee (Judas was not). Also, when the Jewish religious leaders were plotting to kill Him, He took refuge in Galilee (John 7:1 and 9).
Zebulun was a conduit to connecting Israel with foreign nations through trade and evangelism. The territory extended to the Mediterranean Sea (Ezekiel 48:26) making Zebulun a haven for ships during that time because that was the first port of entry into the land by sea.
There are some who have been made a haven where naturally voyagers find rest. A safe habor from the turbulence of life. There are many sailing in the sea, praying that God would take them to the nearest harbor to find some rest from the stormy sea. Just like Zebulun, you could be the gift for that passing vessel in the sea to rescue it from a band of pirates further on. Zebulun was disobedient by not driving out Canaanites, but they redeemed themselves later on.
Are you disobedient to God's call in your life? He has declared you a haven where broken hearts dock from the stormy sea of broken relationships and promises in their lives. God has extended your territory but as it is, it lays bare with no single sight of a docked ship. Perhaps you have made your port an 'exclusive club'. Where only cruise ships and selected voyagers can dock. Not responding fully to God’s Word, as Zebulun demonstrated, is a trait to which we all can relate. How often do we choose to follow our own paths for various reasons, many of which may not be in concert with God’s wishes?
Matt 10:8 says, "Freely you have received; freely give". Don't be an exclusive port because Jesus wasn't an exclusive Christ. While Zebulun had turned away from God, God's love for them, and theirs for Him, drew them back into communion with Him and compliance with His will. Open your heart to opportunities for battered ships to dock at the harbor that God has prepared in you.
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