The Tribe of Zebulon
Rabbi Yehudah (Tochukwu) ben Shomeyr
The
following is a brief Scriptural synopsis of Zebulon, his birth, what was
prophesied about him and his end as a patriarch and as a tribe in the future.
And Leah said, God
hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I
have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
– Gen. 30:20
The sons of Leah;
Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun. – Gen. 35:23
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Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven
of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. – Gen. 49:13
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Now
these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man
and his household came with Jacob… Zebulun Exd. 1:1, 3
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn
the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry
up my bones away hence with you. (Exd. 13:19/Jasher 80:62) The children of Israel also brought up,
each man his father's coffin with him, and each man the coffins of his tribe.
Jasher 80:63
The Tomb of
Zebulun is located in Sidon, Lebanon. In the past, towards the end of Iyyar,
Jews from the most distant parts of Palestine would make a pilgrimage to this
tomb.
And these shall stand
upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun,
Dan, and Naphtali. – Deut. 27:13
And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun,
in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. They shall call
the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of
righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of
treasures hid in the sand. – Deut. 33:18-19
Out
of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among
thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that
handle the pen of the writer. – Jud. 5:14
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Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the
death in the high places of the field. – Jud. 5:18
Of Zebulun,
such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war,
fifty thousand, which could keep rank: [they were] not of double heart. – I
Chron. 12:33
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And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. – Gen. 46:14
Of the tribe of
Zabulon were sealed
twelve thousand. – Rev. 7:8a
Zebulun was the 10th son of
Jacob and the 6th son of Jacob
and Leah, brother of Reuben, Simon, Levi, Judah, Issachar , Dan, Naftali, Gad, Asher, Joseph, Benjamin and Dinah;
and father of Sered, Elon, and Jahleel (Genesis 35:23-26;
Genesis 25:26-34).
The number 6 represents man, or just shy of perfection and we were made
in G-d’s image, yet a little lower than the angels as the Bible tells us. 6 is
also the letter Vav in Hebrew which is symbolic of a stake or tent peg,
symbolizing groundedness and security. 10 is the number of law and order. Ten
is represented by the letter Yod, which is symbolized by the hand. Could this
mean Zebulun was a hard worker with his hands with farming, shipbuilding,
warfare and business? Could this numerology collectively also hint of his
military naval prowess by ordering men at sea or in battle? The tribal symbol and banner for Zebulon
after all is a fleet of ships.
The name Zebulon means, or carries the meaning of, Dwelling,
Habitation, and Exaltation.
Zebulon is spelled: Zayin-Beit-Vav-Lamed-Vav-final Nun. Each
Hebrew letter has a symbolic meaning and a pictorial meaning.
· Zayin (Z) Sickle, Weapon = Food, Cut,
Nourish, #7: The blood of Messiah overcomes the powers of Hell (cancels
sin).
· Bet (B) Tent, Floorplan = Home,
Family, #2: The Messiah is the habitation of his people.
· Vav (V/W) Tent Peg, Nail = To Hang,
To Secure, To Fasten, To Add, #6: The Messiah grips and tears the evil of the
flesh.
· Lamed (L) Shepherd staff = Teach,
Yoke, Bind, #30: The Messiah is the Great Teacher of discipline through twelve
Tribes and Apostles.
· Nun (N) Seed, Son, Heir, #50: The
Messiah is the steadfastness of His people. The Heavenly Yehoshua (Joshua) the
son of Nun.
So we can
say that Zebulon is the Protector and Provider of the House/Family and Secures
such with Teaching and Secures the future with Seed and or Sons. Zebulon were navel warriors, tradesmen and
fishermen. The Book of Judges speaks of them handling the pen which could mean
they were as seamen they were traders and made treaties which kept them
prosperous and safe for generations to come. Handling the pen also could
indicate they could have been great teachers and scholars or that they were
very good at passing down knowledge to their children or others. This fits well with the prophecies given them
my Jacob (Israel) and Moses.
The general
meaning of their name means that they exalt, lift up, praise or improve the places
where they dwell and inhabit, which again hints of their being skilled explorer,
tradesmen and possibly agriculturists. Because they dwelt by water they knew
how to harness it through irrigation and or the use of it to generate
power. This does fit the people I will
talk about in this study.
Rabbinic
legends tell that Zebulon were successful seamen that brought in income to
Issachar in order for them to stay home and study Torah and be great teachers,
lawyers and diplomats (Genesis Rabbah 72:5).
There is a pseudopigraphal book called, “The Testament of
Zebulun” which is supposedly what Zebulun said to his children and
grandchildren before he died. The main theme was being compassionate and
charitable towards others, that what goes around comes around. In this book
also tells how he was became a sailor and was a fisherman by summer and a
shepherd by winter. So far fits with what we know of Zebulon from other
documents, legends and accounts.
Zebulon’s tribal stone in the Levitical Breastplate is the Amethyst – Hebrew – ahlama. The Amethyst symbolizes power, protection and
healing. The Greek meaning means “Not
Drunk.” The Hebrew means, “Dream stone.” The Hebraic meaning of the letters of this
word means, “Strong fence and yoke upon the watery home.” Could all
this hint of Zebulon’s hard sailor attitude and hence the Testament of
Zebulun’s focus on the need for compassion? However, Exodus Rabbah 38:5 says
the stone representing Zebulon was a diamond. Diamonds are the hardest precious
gem known to man. Sailors are known for being hardened men, Zebulon were
hardened sailors and warriors, again reason for the Testament of Zebulun’s
focus on the need for compassion?
Mystically speaking, Zebulun in Jewish mysticism is
represented by the Hebrew Month of Sivan and is symbolic of Movement. Zebulon,
a quiet tribe is all about action, movement through hard work. The Hebraic
month of Sivan falls within the Counting of the Omer, representing agricultural
abundance and growth. Shavuot, the
harvest festival and the festival celebrating the given of the Torah at Sinai are
both celebrated in this month. This would tie in with how Zebulon participates
in the spreading of Torah by quietly assisting the scholars in working to fund
their studies.
And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel. – Gen. 46:14
We already know what the Name Zebulun means, but what of that
of His sons?
·
Sered – To tremble. Obviously a name
of ferocity to strike fear into the heart of his enemies.
·
Elon/Ilon – Some argument to the
exact meaning, but my sources say, God most High, Or Oak Grove, either way it
is a name of strength and security of immovableness.
·
Jahleel/Yahleel – Expectant of God. A
name that gives hope to its bearer to expect God to do mighty things for him.
As a sailor, merchant, warrior or farmer, you need all these
traits to stand immovable in the face of the enemy and expect God to fight with
and for you, or to not take no for an answer in business, or to expect God for
a good harvest, even in the most adverse conditions.
Other than what we just uncovered, not a lot is known about
Zebulon. He is a mysterious patriarch.
He seems to be a quiet fellow in Scripture, maybe because he was a way
at war or on the sea or busy in his fields most of the time.
The Scattering of the 10 Tribes.
There is an imbalanced view fueled by racial prejudice and
supremacy that says the Lost Tribes either have to be black or white. They have
to be found either in Africa or the Northern Hemisphere of Europe and the
Americas. You have the two opposing camps of Black Hebrewism and British
Israelitism. Both have their extremists and bias embellished propaganda, and
both equally have their grains of researchable and verifiable truth. I have no
problem accepting that a portion of both camps are true. Why? Because the 10
tribes which made up the Northern Kingdom of Israel that went off into Assyrian
captivity has never returned and these peoples were transported, sold, traded,
migrated, scattered and settled everywhere; having mingled through marriage and
assimilation into virtually every people group on the planet and thus Hebrews
have become a part of virtually every nationality, and ethnicity.
Though portions of Judah and Levi has been scattered with the
other 10 tribes, who we recognize as Jews today come from Judah and Levi who
went off into Babylonian captivity and eventually returned and this is who we
recognize as Jews today.
I think it is undeniably clear that the first Hebrews were of
brown to black in complexion and many of Shem’s line married into the dark
complexion of the Hammitic line, genetically producing dark skinned Hebrews.
But through the two captivities and scattering in the diaspora, Hebrews
(Israelites) and Jews, as I said earlier, have mingled with many peoples of the
world and have migrated to unfamiliar climates and through the centuries some
Jews and Hebrews/Israelites have lost much of the darker skin tone and so we
have descendants of Jacob (Israel) of every color, shape and size. I believe
HaShem has allowed this to happen to break down racial barriers and the
dividing wall between Jew/Hebrew/Israelite and Gentile and as a way of
reversing the effects of the Tower of Babel. Instead we have perverted this
purpose to fortify disgusting racist diatribes. Therefore, it would be
prejudice and foolhardy of us to dismiss either side of the debate because of issues
of bias or race. Let us glean the truth that inherently resides in both sides
of the issue.
Where in the World is Zebulon?
We know according to Revelation that in the End of Days
Zebulun will be found and accounted for.
Of the tribe of
Zabulon were sealed
twelve thousand. – Rev. 7:8a
So where will they be found?
Some speculate that he is in Nigeria among the Igbos and
Ijaws. Others say he ended up in Holland, also known as the Netherlands as well
as South Africa. Are any of these claims true? Granted, hard evidence is
difficult to come by, but the circumstantial evidence is incredibly striking
and compelling, so much so that it makes claiming sheer coincidence sound as if
one is grasping desperately at straws to deny the plain and clear truth and
succor their own religiously prejudice views.
Zebulun in West Africa; Nigeria:
It is said
that Ijaw (Ujo) was a traveling companion of Eri, Areli and Adodi as they fled
Egypt. Oral tradition states that Ijaw is a son or some descendant of Zebulon. Others
say he came from Egypt, which is where Eri and his traveling companions set out
from! However, Ijaw is not listed in any Canonical Biblical genealogies that I
could find. But this should come as no surprise as one person could go by
different names and it may be that Ijaw was known by another name in Biblical
Writ. Or it could be Ijaw was a son of one of Zebulun's sons, and there for not
recorded in any Biblical genealogy. He was said to be the water scout and river
navigator of the group, and even today the Ijaw (Ijo, Izon) tribe and land can
be found near water and many are fishermen.
Ijaw (Ijo,
Ojo, Ejo, Ujo, Izon) means, “Real, Good or Palm tree;” could this relate to
Zebuon’s son Elon, meaning, “Oak Grove”? Could this Ijaw be Elon or Ilon or at
least a descendant of his?
We know from
history that the Ijaw and Igbo are fierce warriors as well as the people in
general have a positive or “expectant” attitude toward the work of the divine
in their life, no matter how bad things get around them.
Could it be
that Elon/Ilon, Sered and Jahleel or at least their descendants traveled with
Gad’s sons Eri, Areli and Arodi to Nigeria?
Some Ubulu in Igboland Nigeria claim that they know they came
from Zebulon. Ubulu in Igbo is the name
of and means a “huge tree,” could this relate to Zebuon’s son Elon, meaning, “Oak Grove”? I
ask, could Ubulu be named after Elon or Ilon of Zebulun or at least a
descendant of his?
Ubulu oral
tradition states categorically that the grand-parents of Ezemu (a famous
Hunter, Marksman and Herbalist) migrated from Israel and settled at Ife hence
Ezemu was often referred to as the king with long hairs – “Ezi Isi Iyomiyo”.
From Ife Ezemu and his relations migrated to Afor a village in present day
Ndokwa Local Government Area of Delta State. (http://www.nairaland.com/63003/origin-ubulu-uku)
“Legend that
one of the descendants of Eri (from Gad)
who first settled in Onitsha, at the bank of River Niger, near the domain of
his relatives from the descendants of Zebulun (Ozubulu in Anambra State) had to
travel across the River Niger to the ancient city of Benin or kingdom to prepare
war medicine, talisman or charm for a prospective contender to the stool of Oba
of Benin.” - Prof. O. Alaezi, Ibo
Exodus, pg. 25 – italics mine
“The Igbo Jews are said to have migrated from Syrian, Portuguese and
Libyan Israelites into West Africa. Historical records shows that this
migration started around 740 C.E. According to UCLA trained amateur Jewish
Historian and Rio Hondo Police Academy trained Forensic investigator Chinedu
Nwabunwanne of Aguleri, who resides in Los Angeles and has researched this
subject for more than 15 years at the UCLA libraries in Los Angeles, "the
migration started when the forces of Caliph Mohammed -the last leader of the
Umayyads- and his Qaysi-Arab supportes defeated the Yamani-Arab Umayyads of
Syria in 744 C.E; sacked the Yamanis and their Jewish supporters from Syria.
The Syrian-Jewish migrant tribes Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher resettled in
Nigeria where they became known as Sambatyon Jews. In 1484 and 1667 Judeans and
Zebulonians from Portugal and Libya respectively joined Sambatyon Jews of
Nigeria. Thus, Nigerian Jews originated from the following six Israelite
tribes: Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher and Zebulon. It is interesting to note
that these six tribes are the same tribes Moses repeated their names twice when
he blessed the Children of Israel. These six tribes mentioned above are The
House of Judah and the children of Israel his companions (Ezekiel 37:16. Those
remaining six tribes not mentioned above are The House of Ephraim and the
children of Israel his companion (Ezekiel 37:16)."”-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igbo_Jews
The tribe of
Zevulun ben-Ya`aqov (Zebulun), who was the sixth son of Ya`aqov (Jacob). These
groups comprise the Ubulu Okiti and Ubulu Ukwu clans in Delta State who settled
in Ubulu Ihejiofor. According to oral tradition, it is said that a descendant
of the Tribe of Zevulun named Zevulunu, on the advice of a certain Levite,
married a woman from Oji, who was descended from the Tribe of Judah, and from
this union was born Ozubulu ben-Zebulunu. Ozubulu then went on to have four
sons of his own who settled in other regions. These sons were: Amakwa, from
whom a clan in Neni, Anambra State is descended, and Egbema, from whom the
Egbema Ugwuta clan in Imo State and the Ohaji Egbema clan in Rivers State are
descended. - http://www.transparencyng.com/index.php/about-nigeria/49-ethnic-groups/1290-the-igbo-
It has also
been suggested that the Jewish Ibo people originated from a migration of
Israelites who fled to West Africa. They claim to be descended from three
tribes; Zebulon, Gad and Manasseh (Hebrew Qaraim Community). - http://www.helium.com/items/1432748-nigerian-history-history-of-the-ibo-people
The Igbo
Jews traditionally claim descent from three particular Israelite tribes: Gad,
Zevulun, and Menashe. The Jews of Manipur and Mizoram, the Bnei Menashe, also
claim descent from the tribe of Menashe. It is thought that these Jews fled to
Africa after the destruction of the biblical Temples in Jerusalem and
established communities all across the African continent. - http://www.mywesternwall.net/2012/06/01/igbo-jews-fascinating.html
It should be
noted that the majority of Ndi Igbo can be traced back to Gad through his sons
Eri, Areli and Arodi, or Levi who became the Nri priests. A small percentage stake claim to Judah,
Zebulon, and some even believe they are from Manasseh, Asher, Dan and even
Naphtali. But we see in ancient Israel that at times Benjamin and Simeon were a
small remnant living among Judah and were thus absorbed into Judah. In similar
fashion these other tribes which make up the Igbo have been absorbed into the
majority of Gad. Prof. O. Alaezi in his
book “Ibo Exodus” also recognizes this custom. “Other exiled Hebrews
descendants (e.g. Judah and Zebulun) are not as many and have been swallowed up
by the Eris.”
If any doubts reside, it should be noted that with my book, “Finding Gad: The Quest for the Lost Tribe of Gad” and the various works of Prof. O. Alaezi, Remy Ilona and Michael Caliben make it clear that the culture and customs of the Igbos is Hebraic in every way and thus there should be no doubt that the Igbo are of Israel, children of Jacob regardless if they are Gad, Levi, Judah, Zebulon or any other tribe.
Zebulun in
Holland and South Africa and their connection to the Igbo’s and Ijaws:
There are
those who prescribe to the British Israelite theory that the 10 Lost Tribes
scattered north and spread throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Steven M.
Collins and Yair Davidiy are the two main proponents of British Israelitism,
though not agreeing 100% with their views, as well as not agreeing with 100% of
Black Hebrewism views, I have stuck to the uncanny connections that ties
Zebulon to both camps and allow the reader to decide for themselves where
Zebulon is.
To get a
clue why some feel Zebulon made it to Holland (Netherlands); we must first look
at the prophecies given about them by Jacob and Moses. These prophecies will give us clues to their
whereabouts in the last days.
Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven
of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. – Gen. 49:13
And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun,
in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. They shall call
the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of
righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of
treasures hid in the sand. – Deut. 33:18-19
Because the
prophecies connect Zebulon to the coast and the sea and one should look to
famous and heavily trafficked sea ports one of which is the port of Rotterdam
in Holland. It handles the largest freight in the world and is considered the
gateway of Europe. It should also be
noted that Ijaws and Igbos who claim Zebulonic descendancy also live close to
and on the coast. In fact Ijaws pagan expression of worship is tied to water
and water spirits. Ijaws are known as fishermen and tradesmen in Nigeria. Many
live in the Delta and River states that are close to the sea.
The phrase
in Gen. 49:13, “haven of the sea” can mean shelter and or refuge and Holland,
via its system of dikes is quite literally “sheltered” from the sea. This same
phrase also lends to the fact as mentioned before of Holland’s great and world renowned
sea ports.
Moses’
prophecy (Deut. 33:18-19) speaks of the “sucking of the abundance of the sea”
and “treasures hidden in sand.” It is of interest to note that the Dutch of
Holland literally “sucked out” the sea with their system of dikes and windmills
which made the land “abundantly” fertile. The treasure in the sand is believed
to be the black gold, the oil that the Royal Dutch Shell company has “sucked”
from its “hiding” place in the sand. It
also should be noted that Nigeria is also an oil rich country, especially in
the places where the Zebulonite Igbo’s and Ijaws live! And Ducth oil companies
have set up shop in oil rich Nigerai too.
Some even
feel that the description of Zebulun’s “borders” being “Zidon” is also a clue,
because the word for border also means thigh which includes the pubic region.
Many feel this hints of the Holland being the “red light district” of the world
with its abundance of pornography, prostitution and tolerance of sexual
promiscuity. Zebulon’s territory in the Promised Land was previously occupied
by the ancient S(Z)idonian fertility cults of Baal and Ashtaroth. The Wicked Queen Jezebel, known as a sexual
temptress was a S(Z)idonian.
It should
also be brought to the reader’s attention that the tribal symbol for Zebulon is
the Ship which fits well with the Dutch, the Ijaw and a portion of the Igbo who
claim Zebulon is their forefather.
The Dutch
Coat of arms of the original seven provinces of the Netherlands (1579) is a
ship with a Bible on its prow.
Their
Levitical breastplate stone some say was the diamond and many Dutch relocated
and colonized South Africa and are in the diamond mine and trade business; so
would say is an amazing
coincidence. I am one who does not
believe in mere coincidence. And though
diamonds are not known to be found in Nigeria, Amethysts are and are mined!
Recall that this is the other gem supposedly in the Levitical breastplate that
represents Zebulun.
Linguistically
speaking it is said that Middle East and Turkish people who may have possibly
been related to the Sidonians of Phoenicia settled around Holland and Belgium
and are believed by some to be the ancestors of the Dutch which would include
Hebraic ancestors from Zebulon because of the mingling of the Zebulonites and
Sidonians in the Promised Land. And it is obvious that the Zebulonites were
influenced they the pagan ways of the Sidonians and hence why the L-RD took
them away into captivity.
The
Sabalingoi of ancient Frisia which is north of Holland is said to mean
Zebulon’s People or the Nation of Zebulon; Sabalin = Zebulon and Goi = from the
Hebrew, meaning people or nation.
Davidiy
explains through linguistics that he believes that the Chali which were the
people north of the Sabalingoi were descendants of Jahleel and that the
Suardeni were the descendants of Sered and the Alans the children of Elon.
The Amish
culture and religion, though “Christian” is very Jewish in its dress, traditions
and customs and way of life. Many Dutch Amish have Jewish last names and or
married Jewish women; this would never happen if the Jewish communities of the
Holland did not see the Amish as “brethren” i.e. blood relation.
Conclusion
With what
has been presented, I do believe it is very likely that Zebulon and his sons
ended up both in Africa and in Northern Europe. The linguistics, region and character
traits of the peoples mention do fit the Jacobic and Mosaic prophecies
concerning them. I personally would like
to see more hard, archeological evidence or become more familiar with the oral
traditions of said peoples so as to better tie these people to Zebulon or
totally rule them out.
All I know
and believe is that there are people roaming the earth to day who are Hebrews
and don’t even know it, after all the 10 tribes had to go somewhere, they just
didn’t die off of disappear! That would
mean G-D is unable to keep His promises and it would mean the Scriptures are a
lie and we know G-D and His Word is TRUTH manifest! So why not the Ijaw, the Igbo and the Dutch?
Anyone have any better candidates?
Shalom,
Rabbi
Yehudah (Tochukwu) ben Shomeyr
