Zebulun
Sixth son of Jacob and Leah, ancestor of a seafaring tribe.
Zebulun is the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, born after Leah declared that God had given her a good dowry and that her husband would now dwell with her (Genesis 30:20). He is listed among the sons of Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun (Genesis 35:23). The tribe of Zebulun is later numbered in the wilderness census and assigned leaders and territories.
Quick Facts
- Father
- Jacob (Genesis 35:23)
- Mother
- Leah (Genesis 30:20)
- Sons
- Sered
- Elon
- Jahleel (Genesis 46:14)
- Captain of the tribe
- Eliab son of Helon (Numbers 2:7)
Lore & Background
Zebulun is introduced at his birth, when Leah names him, expressing hope that Jacob will now dwell with her because she has borne him six sons (Genesis 30:20). He is consistently listed as the sixth son of Leah (Genesis 35:23; Exodus 1:3). His own sons—Sered, Elon, and Jahleel—became the founders of the families of the Sardites, Elonites, and Jahleelites (Numbers 26:26). In Jacob’s blessing, Zebulun is prophesied to dwell at the haven of the sea, serving as a haven for ships, with his border extending to Zidon (Genesis 49:13). This maritime association is not elaborated elsewhere in the provided passages. Leaders of the tribe include Eliab son of Helon, who served as captain (Numbers 2:7) and offered on the third day of the altar dedication (Numbers 7:24), and who led the host of Zebulun in the wilderness march (Numbers 10:16). Gaddiel son of Sodi was the spy sent from Zebulun (Numbers 13:10). Later, Elizaphan son of Parnach was appointed prince of the tribe for the division of Canaan (Numbers 34:25).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Zebulun primarily as a tribal figure rather than an individual actor. His birth narrative (Genesis 30:20) emphasizes Leah’s perspective and the meaning of his name, linking it to dwelling and dowry. The genealogical lists (Genesis 35:23; Exodus 1:3) firmly place him among the sons of Leah. His sons are named in two contexts: the migration to Egypt (Genesis 46:14) and the later tribal family divisions (Numbers 26:26). Jacob’s blessing (Genesis 49:13) is the only prophetic or descriptive passage about Zebulun’s future territory, associating him with the sea and ships—a distinctive trait not repeated elsewhere in these verses. The wilderness census and leadership records (Numbers 1:9, 30-31; 2:7; 7:24; 10:16) show Zebulun as a sizable tribe with appointed military and religious leaders. The spy Gaddiel (Numbers 13:10) and the land-division prince Elizaphan (Numbers 34:25) indicate the tribe’s continued participation in Israel’s journey and settlement. No personal actions or words of Zebulun himself are recorded beyond his birth.
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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