Numbers 26:26
Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
Of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
זְבוּלֻן֮
of Zebulun
H2074
זְבוּלֻן֮
of Zebulun
Strong's:
H2074
Word #:
2 of 12
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 12
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 12
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַסַּרְדִּ֔י
of the Sardites
H5625
הַסַּרְדִּ֔י
of the Sardites
Strong's:
H5625
Word #:
6 of 12
a seredite (collectively) or descendants of sered
לְאֵל֕וֹן
of Elon
H356
לְאֵל֕וֹן
of Elon
Strong's:
H356
Word #:
7 of 12
elon, the name of a place in palestine, and also of one hittite, two israelites
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
8 of 12
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הָאֵֽלֹנִ֑י
of the Elonites
H440
הָאֵֽלֹנִ֑י
of the Elonites
Strong's:
H440
Word #:
9 of 12
an elonite or descendant (collectively) of elon
Cross References
Historical Context
Zebulun received territory in Lower Galilee between the Mediterranean and the Sea of Galilee (Joshua 19:10-16), including Nazareth (though not mentioned in Joshua). Their proximity to Phoenician trade routes brought economic prosperity. Zebulun later distinguished itself militarily, providing 50,000 warriors who 'kept rank' to make David king (1 Chronicles 12:33).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the difference between Jacob's blessing ('haven of the sea') and Zebulun's inland allotment demonstrate that God's promises may fulfill in unexpected ways?
- What does Zebulun's commercial success teach about the legitimacy of economic enterprise and trade within God's covenant purposes?
- In what ways does Zebulun's territory (later including Nazareth) position this tribe in redemptive history, and what does this teach about God's providence in tribal allotments?
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Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Zebulun after their families—Zebulun's census lists three clans: Seredites (from Sered, סֶרֶד, 'fear' or 'escape'), Elonites (from Elon, אֵלוֹן, 'oak' or 'terebinth'), and Jahleelites (from Jahleel, יַחְלְאֵל, 'God waits' or 'God pierces'). Zebulun was Jacob's tenth son, Leah's sixth and final son, whose name means 'dwelling' or 'honor' (Genesis 30:20). Leah hoped Jacob would finally 'dwell with' her after bearing six sons.
Jacob's blessing prophesied 'Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea' (Genesis 49:13), yet their actual allotment in Lower Galilee had limited sea access. This apparent discrepancy finds resolution in Zebulun's commercial prosperity and Moses's blessing that they would 'suck of the abundance of the seas' (Deuteronomy 33:19), suggesting trade rather than coastal dwelling.