Numbers 1:31
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 8
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
זְבוּלֻ֑ן
of Zebulun
H2074
זְבוּלֻ֑ן
of Zebulun
Strong's:
H2074
Word #:
3 of 8
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
שִׁבְעָ֧ה
and seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֧ה
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
4 of 8
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Historical Context
Zebulun's territory included valuable trade routes and productive land, contributing to the tribe's economic stability. The tribe remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion and provided substantial forces to make David king (1 Chronicles 12:33, 40).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Zebulun's faithful service despite average prominence challenge the modern obsession with being exceptional or outstanding?
- What does this teach us about the value of faithful, steady service to God's kingdom regardless of recognition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zebulun's 57,400 fighting men positioned it solidly in the middle of tribal sizes, with neither special prominence nor obvious weakness. This average status did not prevent the tribe from producing the judge Elon (Judges 12:11-12) and contributing significantly to Israel's military efforts. The biblical pattern consistently shows God using ordinary means and average resources to accomplish extraordinary purposes, undermining human pride and directing glory to Himself alone.