Zebulun

"Dwelling, the sixth and youngest son of Jacob and Leah (Gen." 30:20). Little is known of his personal history. He had three sons (46:14).

"In Galilee, to the north of Issachar and south of Asher and" "Naphtali (Josh. 19:10-16), and between the Sea of Galilee and" the Mediterranean. According to ancient prophecy this part of Galilee enjoyed a large share of our Lord's public ministry "(Isa. 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:12-16)."

Numbered at Sinai (Num. 1:31) and before entering Canaan (26:27). It was one of the tribes which did not drive out the "Canaanites, but only made them tributary (Judg. 1:30). It took" "little interest in public affairs. It responded, however," "readily to the summons of Gideon (6:35), and afterwards assisted" "in enthroning David at Hebron (1 Chr. 12:33, 40). Along with the" "other northern tribes, Zebulun was carried away into the land of" Assyria by Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 15:29). "In Deborah's song the words, "Out of Zebulun they that handle "the pen of the writer" (Judg. 5:14) has been rendered in the" "R.V., "They that handle the marshal's staff." This is a" "questionable rendering. "The word sopher (`scribe' or 'writer')" defines the word shebhet (`rod' or `pen') with which it is conjoined. The `rod of the scribe' on the Assyrian monuments was "the stylus of wood or metal, with the help of which the clay" "tablet was engraved, or the papyrus inscribed with characters." The scribe who wielded it was the associate and assistant of the "`lawgivers.'" (Sayce)."

Definition of Zebulun:
"Zebulon, dwelling; habitation"

Related Bible Dictionary Terms:
Zebulun Lot of    Zebulun Tribe of