Zebulun’s name is derived from the Hebrew word “zabal” which means “the one who dwells” Among all the sons, he was the tenth. But to his mother Leah he was the sixth. The internet says it might also have come from the Hebrew word “zebal” which means a lofty or honoured dwelling, and can also be used to mean to exalt or to honour.
The modern meaning that has gained more traction is the one of honour. This means
Spiritual Significance of the name.
Leah, being the unloved wife, probably spent little time with her husband. She had named her third son Levi because she longed for the attention and attachment to the husband. She never had time with the husband as much as Rachel had.
At times she had to pay her sister to have time with Jacob. On the day of Zebulun’s conception, she “paid” Rachel with mandrakes so that she could allow him to sleep with her that night. Her conception was a form of payment or reward for the favour the younger sister gave her. But in her mind she was looking at the greater reward, which was having the husband dwelling with her.
Coming to Jesus, He likens Himself to a true grapevine, and those who believe in Him as branches. He says branches cannot live and produce fruit unless they are attached to the real tree. Once a branch is cut off from the tree, it simply dies. The importance of the name Zebulun is that people must stay or remain in the tree so that they can live and produce the necessary fruit.
People who decide to move away from Jesus cannot hope to live a Christ-like spiritual life. Spiritual fruits cannot be expected from them.
“Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15 : 5 NLT)
If we can substitute the word “remain” with “dwell” one can see how impossible it is to live a Christ-like life without Jesus. Likewise, there is no spiritual growth and productivity without Jesus.
Looking at what Leah said, that her husband would treat her with respect for she had given him six sons, we can see that this son meant honour and respect towards Leah. She believed the honour of being loved would finally be accorded to her.
The same can be said about God’s word dwelling in us.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3 : 16, NIV).
So the name also has implications about us keeping His word in us. The psalmist puts it clearly when he says:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet,
and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119 : 105, NIV).
The word of God should always dwell in us. Without the word we will use our own wisdom and understanding trying to do God’s willh. We will never succeed. The book of John introduces Jesus as the Word.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1: 1, NIV).
The Word that must dwell in us was there from the beginning. The Word was meant to direct using whatever we do. That is why it is important for the Word to dwell in us. He also dwelt among human beings since He took the form of man.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth ” (John 1 : 14, NIV).
Jesus came to make the earth His dwelling among the ordinary people. He was to restore the peace between God and His people. It was therefore imperative that He should dwell among the people. Since He is the true grapevine, He not only needs to live in us, but we also need to live in Him.
The presence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is very important in our lives. I remember the discussion between God and Moses where Moses stressed the importance of God being in their midst all the time.
“Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.
How will anyone know that you look favourably on me – on me and your people – if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all the people on earth’ ” (Exodus 33 : 15 – 16, NIV).
Conclusion
While Leah might have wanted Jacob to give her honour and respect by dwelling or living more with her, but as a prophecy, the name Zebulun looked at Jesus who would live among the people.
He was the Son that was destined to live among people so that those who accept Him would be set apart from everyone on earth. They would be apart because, as it is these days, the Holy Spirit dwells inside us. We can conquer whatever the devil throws upon us.
“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (1 John 4 : 4, NLT).
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