Zebulun and Issachar || Jacob’s Family Tree – Revisited #4

Welcome back to the “Jacob’s Family Tree – Revisited” series. This series takes another look at the blessings Jacob gave to his children and how those blessings are showcased in the rest of the biblical story. In the last part, we looked at the blessing of Jesus from Judah. This blog will look at Zebulun’s and Issachar’s blessings.

Genesis 49:13-15

13           “Zebulun will settle by the seashore and will be a harbor for ships; his borders will extend to Sidon.

14           Issachar is a sturdy donkey, resting between two saddlepacks.

15           When he sees how good the countryside is and how pleasant the land, he will bend his shoulder to the load and submit himself to hard labor.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19

18           Moses said this about the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar, “ May the people of Zebulun prosper in their travels. May the people of Issachar prosper at home in their tents.

19           They summon people to the mountains to offer proper sacrifices there. They benefit from the riches of the sea and the hidden treasures in the sand.

We see that Zebulun’s tribe is focused on their travels and how they attract people to their lands to offer the proper sacrifices. This would be an excellent time to go through the different sacrifices.

Burnt Offerings

These were voluntary offerings made to make payment for sins in general. The idea of this offering was that it showed a person’s devotion to God. When Jesus came, we saw that his death was the perfect offering.

Grain Offerings

These were voluntary offerings to show honor and respect to God in worship. This offering acknowledges all that we have belongs to God. Jesus came and later gave all of himself to God and others.

Peace Offerings

These were voluntary offerings to express gratitude to God. This offering symbolized peace and fellowship with God. Christ showed us that he is the only way to fellowship with God.

Sin Offerings

These were required offerings to make payments for the unintentional sins of uncleanness, neglect, or thoughtlessness. These offerings were to restore the sinner to fellowship with God and show the seriousness of sin. Christ’s death restored our fellowship with God.

Guilt Offering

These were required offerings to make payments for sins against God and others. A sacrifice was made to God, and the injured person was repaid or compensated. These provided compensation for injured parties. Christ’s death takes away the deadly consequences of sins.

It was important for the Israelites to have a place to offer these sacrifices, especially when they were traveling. The benefits from the riches of the sea and the treasure in the sand show us how the sea-faring tribes could conduct their economy.

Psalm 68:13

13           Even those who lived among the sheepfolds found treasures – doves with wings of silver and feathers of gold.

The Dove is a symbol of God’s beloved nation. Israel was so protected and blessed that they could take their enemy’s silver and gold before the battle started, even though they remained in their camp. This shows me that they were an obedient tribe willing to follow God at whatever cost necessary.

John 19:17-23

17           Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull

18           There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them.

19           And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.’”

20           The place where Jesus was crucified was the near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could it.

21           Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’”

22           Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.”

23           When the soldier had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless.

Tradition says that the rock formation of the hill looked like a skull. Many were executed in this spot so the Romans could use them as an example to those who traveled along the road.

Crucifixions were Roman forms of execution. Those who were convicted would be forced to carry their own crosses along a main road to their execution site to make an example and send a message to the people. Jesus was then nailed to the cross. Other people were only tied with ropes. Death came by suffocation because the weight of the victim’s body made breathing difficult as they lost strength. Why do I share all this?

This scene shows a heavenly king, stripped nearly naked and executed in public view. Earthly kings going through this meant that their kingdom was lost forever. Jesus’ kingdom was beginning. His death and resurrection would strike the final blow to Satan’s rule. They would establish Jesus’ eternal authority over the earth.

I will wrap this up here. I apologize if this part felt all over the place. There wasn’t much of a direct correlation to Zebulun’s and Issachar’s tribe. The only “important” person mentioned for either tribe was Baasha in Issachar’s tribe, which you can read about in 1 Kings 16:1-7. I will add an extended cut of this section if you’d like me to. Until next time, friends, stay blessed!