They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.
They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness—Moses blesses Zebulun and Issachar together, predicting their commercial prosperity through maritime trade. The Hebrew har (mountain) likely refers to Mount Tabor, located at the border of their territories, where pilgrims would gather for worship. Zivchei tzedeq (sacrifices of righteousness) indicates offerings given from honest gain, not exploitation—prosperity used for worship, not hoarded.
For they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand—Shefa yamim (abundance of the seas) points to Zebulun's coastal access (Genesis 49:13) and lucrative sea trade. The 'treasures in the sand' may refer to Tyrian purple dye extracted from murex snails, glass-making using coastal sand, or hidden maritime commerce. Their wealth would become a vehicle for calling nations to worship, prefiguring how God's people should use material blessing for missional purposes.
Historical Context
Zebulun's territory included the southern edge of the Jezreel Valley with access to Mediterranean trade routes, while Issachar occupied the fertile agricultural plain. Their commercial success in Moses's blessing was fulfilled during the judges period and David's reign. Archaeological evidence confirms extensive Phoenician trade networks along this coast. The 'calling peoples to the mountain' finds later echo in Isaiah's vision of nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-3).
Questions for Reflection
How should material prosperity and commercial success be directed toward worship and witness rather than personal accumulation?
In what ways can your vocation or business 'call people to the mountain' of encountering God?
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Analysis & Commentary
They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness—Moses blesses Zebulun and Issachar together, predicting their commercial prosperity through maritime trade. The Hebrew har (mountain) likely refers to Mount Tabor, located at the border of their territories, where pilgrims would gather for worship. Zivchei tzedeq (sacrifices of righteousness) indicates offerings given from honest gain, not exploitation—prosperity used for worship, not hoarded.
For they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand—Shefa yamim (abundance of the seas) points to Zebulun's coastal access (Genesis 49:13) and lucrative sea trade. The 'treasures in the sand' may refer to Tyrian purple dye extracted from murex snails, glass-making using coastal sand, or hidden maritime commerce. Their wealth would become a vehicle for calling nations to worship, prefiguring how God's people should use material blessing for missional purposes.