During his life, Jacob allowed circumstances and his love for Rachel to influence him; but when he faced death, he acknowledged God's original plan of marriage. Genesis 2:24

Zebulun was the youngest son of Leah; he was older than Joseph, and was born while Jacob was serving Laban. Jacob on his deathbed prophetically located Zebulun's inheritance, saying, Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; he shall be for a haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. Genesis 49:13

Zebulun's portion in the promised land lay between the territories of Naphtali and Issachar, bordering on the southern part of the west shore of the Sea of Galilee, and is supposed to have extended also to the shore of the Great Sea. Moses, in his parting blessing, spoke of Zebulun as a sea-faring people. Deuteronomy 33:18,19

The Bible records nothing of Zebulun as an individual, except his birth. Three sons are ascribed to him, who became the founders of the tribe which bore his name. Numbers 26:26,27 There is no record of the tribe having taken any part in the events of the wandering or the conquest of Palestine.

Deborah, in her song of triumph after the battle of Megiddo, says that among the tribes of Zebulun were those who handled the pen of the writer, or as the margin reads, they that draw with the pen. Judges 5:14 This would indicate that they were a literary or artistic people.

In the battle which was a type of the great battle of Armageddon, Zebulun jeopardised their lives unto the death in the high places of the field; or, according to the marginal reading, they exposed to reproach their lives. Judges 5:18 God and His cause were more precious to them than their own lives or reputation.

Twelve thousand of the one hundred and forty-four thousand will enter the city of God under the name of Zebulun, - twelve thousand who, when the enemies of the Lord are numerous and popular, will expose to reproach their lives unto the death in the high places of the field. There will be men in high places who, like those of Zebulun of old, handle the pen of the writer, and wield a wide influence; these men, when the cause of God is in a crisis, will rise up and jeopardise their lives unto the death in the high place, thus bringing victory to the cause of God.

It was pure love that actuated Zebulun in that ancient battle, for Deborah says, They took no gain of money. Judges 5:19 From the record it would appear that Zebulun and Naplitali were exceptions in this respect. Whether they were more prosperous in this world's goods and better able than the other tribes to go to battle as self-supporting warriors, the record does not state.

After Israel returned from captivity and the cause of God was again in a crisis, Nehemiah, a self-supporting worker, came forward and did what others could not do. When the Saviour hung dead upon the cross and ignominy was heaped upon His disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, two rich men holding high positions, came forward and performed a work for the Saviour which those who loved Him perhaps more sincerely were not able to do.

While Zebulun and Naphtali may not have loved God more than the other tribes, yet from the record given by Deborah, it would seem that they turned the tide of the battle by risking their lives, and they took no gain of money for their service.

It seems that Zebulun was an intelligent tribe, blessed with this world's goods; but when there came a crisis in the cause of the Lord, we find them risking all to maintain the honour of God's name.

Over two hundred years later there was another crisis in the cause of God. Saul was dead, and the true hearted in Israel, came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 12:23. Every tribe was represented, but no tribe excelled Zebulun in number and equipage. Fifty thousand expert warriors came, bringing their own instruments of war. They were rangers of battle, able to set the battle in array; and what was of more value to the cause of God than numbers or skill, they were not of double heart, but men the Lord could trust in a crisis. 1 Chronicles 12:33, margin

Who is prepared to perfect such a character in the fear of God, and have the seal of God placed upon his forehead? Who will covet Zebulun's character so earnestly that he will be willing to expose to reproach his life for Christ's sake?

The land of Zebulun has the high honour of being the childhood home of Jesus. Nazareth was situated within its borders. The people here had an opportunity of seeing and hearing more of Christ than those in any other place.

Isaiah prophesied that the land of Zebulun would see a great light. Isaiah 9:1,2 Truly this prophecy was fulfilled, for they had within their borders the greatest Light this world has ever seen. The first miracle performed by Jesus was at Cana in Zebulun. It was also in Cana that the nobleman came to Jesus asking for the life of his son, and the request, like every other prayer of faith, was granted by the Great Physician.

SUMMARY

Zebulun had three sons, whose descendants formed the tribe which bore his name. Gen. 46: 14.
The tribe numbered 60,500, when they entered the promised land. Num. 26: 26,27.
In the typical battle of Megiddo, they were self-supporting warriors. Judges 5:19
Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, was within the borders of Zebulun.
Isaiah prophesied that Zebulun would receive great light. Isa. 9: 1, 2.