Zebulun and Issachar || Jacob’s Family Tree || Week 4

Welcome back to Week 4 of “Jacob’s Family Tree.” In this series, we’re discussing in-depth the blessings Jacob gave to each of his sons. We’ve talked about the blessings given to Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. This week, we’re covering the blessing given to Zebulun and Issachar. Let’s look at his blessing in Genesis 49:13-15, which says this:

13 “Zebulun will live near the sea. His shore will be a safe place for ships. His land will reach as far as Sidon.

14 Issachar is like a strong donkey. He lies down while carrying his load.

15 He will see his resting place is good. He will see how pleasant his land is. Then he will put his back to the load. He will become a slave.

So the main thing to take away from this blessing is where Zebulun’s tribes will be.

Zebulun’s Seaside Stop

Zebulun’s territory didn’t border the Mediterranean nor the Sea of Galilee (two of the significant water spots in their land). The tribe was situated to benefit from the vital trade route traversed by sea traders moving through their territory.

Issachar’s Wealthy Tribe

An industrious robust, hardy, and stalwart tribe lived up to the name of their founder, whose name meant “man of wages.”

Moses Prayer Over These Tribes

Moses offered a prayer over these tribes so that they would receive God’s blessing in their daily lives, mainly through the trade on the seas. The prayer is found in Deuteronomy 33:18-19 says this:

18 Moses said this about the people of Zebulun: “Be happy when you go out, Zebulun. And be happy in your tents Issachar.

19 They will call the people to the mountain. And there they will offer the right sacrifices. They will do well from all that is in the sea. And they will do well from the treasures hidden in the sand on the shore.”

As was this blog, these blessings were short, but it holds a similar theme between the two. It’s interesting to see the prayer of wealth, economy, and prosperity over these tribes. Zebulun was blessed with a seaside territory that would become one of the best trade hubs in their area. Issachar became an industrial center for their area. It developed one of the concepts of the working industry, coming from Issachar’s name, meaning “man of wages.” We’ve had a couple of positive blessings now over the past few weeks, and I hope we continue it as we progress to the blessing given to Dan next week. I’ll see you then!.