Respect & Admiration
Having a well-known name may have its perks, but it is certainly no indicator of respect and admiration. On the other hand, being a “lesser-known” but conducting oneself with dignity and loyalty are surefire assurances of those cherished traits.
Such truth is among several lessons we can learn from 2 of ancient Israel’s lesser-known tribes, and these lessons can certainly benefit Christians in the 21st century.
6 Sons
Bible readers who delve into the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Genesis, know that Jacob fathered 12 sons whose offspring became the 12 tribes of Israel.
Genesis readers may not be able to name all 12 of the brothers, but may be able to identify at least the 4 oldest. Those 4 are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. The oldest 2 are known for bad reasons; the youngest 2 for good.
Following those 4, their mother Leah went into a period of barrenness until the Lord blessed her with 2 more sons. Leah’s son number 5 was Issachar, and number 6 was Zebulun.
And you know what? The descendants of these 2 – though nowhere near the name-recognition of their famous older siblings – did quite well for themselves as tribal entities. Let’s look at each son and their tribes and see what we can glean from them.
Zebulun
Zebulun’s first significant mention comes during Jacob’s death-bed blessing of the siblings (interestingly, Jacob blesses him before the older Issachar, hence we start with him):
“Zebulun will reside at the seashore; and he shall be a harbor for ships, and his flank shall be toward Sidon” (Genesis 49:13-15).
The tribe of Zebulun settled in southern Galilee, and actually, its territory did not border the Mediterranean Sea or Sea of Galilee, but sat between them. But what really stuck out about Zebulun is that the famous Via Maris – the “way of the sea” – passed right through its territory.
The Via Maris was a critical international trade route connecting Egypt in the southwest to Damascus and Mesopotamia in the northeast. Because it passed through its territory, Zebulun was a center of commercial ventures and trade, providing financial security for its inhabitants.
Financially sound, Zebulun was also a distinguished tribe. During the time of the Judges, one of these leaders of Israel emerged from Zebulun. His name was Elon, and he governed Israel for 10 years (Judges 12:11).
Elsewhere, Zebulun is lauded for its role in Israel’s military victory over Jaban king of Canaan and his general Sisera (Judges 5:14). We further learn that gritty Zebulun “was a people who risked their lives” (v. 18) in order to rescue Israel from its oppressors.
Adding to Zebulun’s admirable characteristics was its loyalty. When Israel’s kingdom was transitioning from Saul to David, Zebulun showed its allegiance to him:
“From Zebulun, there were fifty thousand who went out in the army, who could draw up in battle formation with all kinds of weapons of war and helped David with an undivided heart” (1 Chronicles 12:33).
Population-wise among the 12 tribes, Zebulun ranked a robust 4th (Numbers 1:20-43)
Issachar
Zebulun’s slightly older brother was no slouch either.
Issachar bordered Zebulun on its southeast, and was situated in the fertile Jezreel Valley. Population-wise, Issachar ranked 5th, just under Zebulun. And like Zebulun, Issachar also produced a judge: “Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, rose up to save Israel” (Judges 10:1).
Also, like Zebulun, Issachar fought heroically for Israel in the battle with Canaan:
“And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; as was Issachar, so was Barak [Israel’s army commander]; into the valley they rushed at his [Sisera’s] heels …” (Judges 5:15).
In the days of David’s reign, Issachar continued to distinguish itself:
“Now the sons of Issachar were four: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. … The sons of Tola were valiant warriors in their generations” (1 Chronicles 7:2).
And v. 5 reiterates this notable fact: “Their relatives among all the families of Issachar were valiant warriors.” High praise indeed!
But without a doubt, the most impressive endorsement of the 2 brothers was this:
“From the sons of Issachar, [were] men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do …” (1 Chronicles 12:32).
This verse has gained popularity over the centuries among Christians – and for good reason: As Christians we should always seek to discern the times in which we live and act accordingly.
Christian Lessons
The descendants of these 2 lesser-known sons of Leah had their merits, and Scripture is generous in displaying them.
Believers in the Lord Jesus would do well to emulate these merits – merits such as: Faithfulness; boldness; valiant toiling for their King; wisdom; discernment; and loyalty (the “undivided heart” of 1 Chronicles 12:33).
When it comes to Christian service, having a recognizable name means little. What does mean something is serving our Lord Jesus as the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar served Israel: with honor, distinction, and selfless sacrifice!
David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since.David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website.
Featured Image by Harald Landsrath from Pixabay
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