Joshua 19:10-23.  Both of theses territories are in the north, north of the territory given to Manasseh.  Zebulun’s territory was west of the Sea  of Galilee bud did not touch it.  Their territory included hill country from about the ridge line of the central hills down their west side to the coastal plain.  Their south-western border flowed into the Jezreel Valley (You might remember that valley from the book of Judges.  It’s the place where the battle of Gideon started.  Issachar’s territory was south-east of Zebulun’s and south of the Sea of Galilee.  It also included part of the Jezreel Valley (the wider eastern portion) and extended to the Jordan River in the east.

In Genesis 49 the blessing or prophecy of Jacob concerning Zebuln is interesting because it says Zebulun shall dwell at the sea shore, it shall be a haven for ships, and his border shall be toward Sidon.  None of these is literally true, Zebulun was in the middle of the land.  But remember that Zebulun’s territory flowed down into the Jezreel valley.  That would have been the major east-west path from the Mediterranean to the Jordan and farther inland.  In Judges 4 when the land was invaded Zebulun was prominent in the battle (Judges 4:4,10).  In Judges 5:12-18 we see that they fought fiercely (v. 18).  And in Judges 5:14 we see that they carried the commander’s staff.  The reference to Sidon in Genesis 49 is to a leading Philistine city.  The Philistines were sea people who would have controlled much of the sea trade.  Sidon was far to the north of the coast where the Jezreel Valley connects with it (around 50 miles).  Overall from these various sources I think se see a people whose influence was as leaders.  They did not own the coast, as we will see it belonged to Asher in that area, but they had great influence in the region.  The Hebrew words translated “their border shall be toward Sidon” are “flank or side” and “Sidon”, two words.  To me the total picture of that is Sidon being off to the side, sidelined in the region.

The prophecy in Genesis 49:14 about Issachar tells us that there future was one of servitude or slavery.  Their land was in the fertile but well traveled Jezreel Valley, the Canaanites that were not displaced became a constant source of trouble for them.  Unlike Dan who gave up and moved north (Judges 18), Issachar stuck it out.  And when the opportunity came they fought fiercely too (Judges 5:15). The reference to donkey could also reflect the trade that went through the Jezreel Valley.  Perhaps they wpent a lot of time moving goods through there.  It is clear from Genesis 49 though that they were not in charge.

What stood out to me most in today’s reading was the reference to family.  At the beginning and end of each description was the fact that the land was allotted by family.  It seems that the basic unit in the society was the family.  Family is an important concept in the Bible.  Later, in the New Testament, it is used as an example of believer’s relationship to God and each other.  Sometimes in our culture we place way too much emphasis on individuals.  Everything is about me.  In the law the land remained in the “family”.  If it was sold (actually it could only be leased) it had to be returned at the end of each 50 year period.  Land was “sold” based on the number of years to the next “Jubilee” (every 50 years) (Leviticus 25).  But notice that it was the family’s land.  We need to remember that we are a part of something much bigger and that at the head of it all is God.  Jacob was the leader of his family at the time and he gave his “blessing” to his sons.  Some would become leaders others hard working “donkeys”.  Later when the land was given out by God, it was given in such a way that honored Jacob’s “prophecies”.  The sovereignty of God is a complex mix of His power and wisdom and knowledge and the freedoms and responsibilities He has given us.  In that mix families play a big part.  We need to honor our fathers and mothers and we need to honor God.  We need to work hard at what ever God gives us to do, whether it’s moving furniture or moving men.  Just like the land, your life, your gifts, your abilities, your personality, your passions, and your experiences are from God use them for His family today.  Lord help me be a faithful part of your family each day.  Let me take the blessings you have given me and be a blessing to those around me.  Let it not be about me but about Your family and You.