Deuteronomy 33:18-19
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This verse doesn't just assign distinct roles; it blesses them. Zebulun is called to rejoice in their "going out"—their ventures and expeditions—while Issachar is invited to find joy in their "tents"—their settled, domestic life. This highlights that God's blessing isn't one-size-fits-all; it finds fulfillment in both the adventurer and the homebody, in those who explore and those who cultivate.
And of Zebulun he said, “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar, in your tents. They shall call peoples to their mountain; there they offer right sacrifices; for they draw from the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses, about to die, blesses each of the twelve tribes, giving them a prophetic glimpse of their future destinies and God's favor. Here, he addresses the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar, acknowledging their distinct roles within Israel. Zebulun is encouraged to find joy in outward ventures and trade, while Issachar is blessed for embracing a life of settled domesticity and focus on their land.
Why does Moses call Zebulun to 'rejoice in your going out' and Issachar to 'rejoice in your tents'? These aren't just descriptions of their jobs, but divine affirmations.
Moses' blessing for Zebulun and Issachar highlights how God blesses different lifestyles and callings within His people.
Going Out and Staying In
Complementary Roles
These two tribes, though distinct in their primary activities, were brothers and lived near each other. Their differing callings were not meant to create division but to complement each other. One tribe’s outward focus could support the other’s inward focus, and vice versa. The key is that God’s blessing is on both – the 'going out' and the 'staying in' – when pursued with gratitude and faithfulness.
Ask a follow-up
Moses doesn't just assign jobs; he calls them to rejoice. What does this joy in differing circumstances reveal about God's heart for His people?
The core of this blessing lies not just in the activities themselves, but in finding God-given joy and purpose within them.
Divine Affirmation, Not Just Description
It's crucial to see these as commands to rejoice, not merely descriptions of their typical activities. Moses is giving them God's perspective: 'You, Zebulun, are blessed when you engage with the world in your commerce and ventures. And you, Issachar, are blessed when you diligently manage your homes and lands.' This affirms that God has purposes for His people in all legitimate spheres of life.
Joy in Stewardship
A Foundation for Israel
These distinct but equally valued roles contributed to the overall well-being and strength of Israel. God’s design is for a community where different gifts and callings are honored and find their purpose in Him.
Understand the original words
zebach · Hebrew Noun
An act of worship, obedience, or thanksgiving involving the presentation of animals or grain to God. "Right" or "righteous" sacrifices refer to those offered in accordance with God’s law, with a sincere heart, and as a recognition of His lordship.
Moses' blessing contrasts the outward-focused, mercantile life of Zebulun with the inward-focused, agrarian life of Issachar, reflecting their distinct geographical locations and historical roles.
c. 1400 BC
The Patriarchal Period
Jacob blesses his twelve sons, foretelling their future roles and characteristics. Zebulun is described as dwelling by the seashore and serving as a haven for ships, while Issachar is depicted as a strong donkey content to rest between two burdens, implying a more settled, agricultural life.
c. 1300-1200 BC
The Conquest and Tribal Allotment
After entering the Promised Land, the tribes of Israel receive their inheritances. Zebulun is allotted territory in the north, bordering the Sea of Galilee and extending toward the Mediterranean. Issachar receives a rich agricultural plain inland.
c. 1100 BC
The Song of Deborah
This ancient poem celebrates a victory over Canaanite oppressors. It praises Zebulun for its 'leaders who go out with the inkhorn' (or possibly 'scribes with the equipment of trade'), hinting at their commercial or administrative roles, and Issachar for its bravery in the valley.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Reign and Trade Expansion
Under King Solomon, Israel experiences a golden age of prosperity and extensive trade, particularly through maritime ventures from the Red Sea. This era likely saw increased commercial activity for coastal tribes like Zebulun.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Conquest and Deportation
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, including the territories of Zebulun and Issachar, is conquered by the Assyrian Empire. The inhabitants are deported, leading to the loss of distinct tribal identities for many.
c. 500 BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period
After the Babylonian exile, some Israelites return to their ancestral lands. While the distinct tribal structures are largely diminished, the legacy of their historical roles and blessings continues to be reflected upon.
This passage from Jacob's blessing also speaks of Zebulun dwelling by the seashore and becoming a haven for ships, highlighting the theme of outward-focused enterprise and trade.
Judges 5:18The Song of Deborah celebrates Zebulun for going out to battle and Issachar for staying with Deborah, illustrating their different roles and contributions to Israel's defense.
1 Chronicles 12:32This verse mentions Issachar's men who 'understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do,' suggesting a wisdom and foresight tied to their settled, perhaps scholarly, pursuits.
Proverbs 3:9-10This proverb speaks of honoring God with our wealth and possessions, a principle that resonates with the prosperity attributed to both Zebulun's ventures and Issachar's home life.
calvinDeuteronomy 33:1-29: "And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death."
And for the precious things of the earth, and fullness thereof, and for the good-will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.
Et ob prastantiam terrae, et ob plenitudinem ejus: et beneplacitum habitatoris rubi veniat super caput Joseph, et super ver…
gillDeuteronomy 33:18: "And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents."
And of Zebulun he said,.... The tribe of Zebulun, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem, with whom Issachar is joined, they being brethren, and of the same mother as well as father; though Zebulun the youngest is set before Issachar the older, as in Jacob's blessing, Genesis 49:13 , rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; in their going out to sea, to merchandise, to traffic in foreign p…
This verse doesn't just assign distinct roles; it blesses them. Zebulun is called to rejoice in their "going out"—their ventures and expeditions—while Issachar is invited to find joy in their "tents"—their settled, domestic life. This highlights that God's blessing isn't one-size-fits-all; it finds fulfillment in both the adventurer and the homebody, in those who explore and those who cultivate.
Moses, about to die, blesses each of the twelve tribes, giving them a prophetic glimpse of their future destinies and God's favor. Here, he addresses the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar, acknowledging their distinct roles within Israel. Zebulun is encouraged to find joy in outward ventures and trade, while Issachar is blessed for embracing a life of settled domesticity and focus on their land.
Moses, about to die, blesses each of the twelve tribes, giving them a prophetic glimpse of their future destinies and God's favor. Here, he addresses the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar, acknowledging their distinct roles within Israel. Zebulun is encouraged to find joy in outward ventures and trade, while Issachar is blessed for embracing a life of settled domesticity and focus on their land.
"And of Zebulun he said,
“Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
and Issachar, in your tents. They shall call peoples to their mountain;
there they offer right sacrifices;
for they draw from the abundance of the seas…" — This verse doesn't just assign distinct roles; it blesses them. Zebulun is called to rejoice in their "going out"—their ventures and expeditions—while Issachar is invited to find joy in their "tents"…
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Last reviewed October 2026