Deuteronomy 33:18

KJV

¶ And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of Zebulun {H2074} he said {H559}, Rejoice {H8055}, Zebulun {H2074}, in thy going out {H3318}; and, Issachar {H3485}, in thy tents {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of Z'vulun he said: "Rejoice, Z'vulun, as you go forth, and you, Yissakhar, in your tents.

Berean Standard Bible

Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents.

American Standard Version

And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; And, Issachar, in thy tents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:18 records Moses' prophetic blessing upon the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar, delivered as part of his final testament to Israel before his death. This verse uniquely highlights two distinct yet complementary expressions of divine favor and human endeavor: Zebulun's prosperity in "going out," signifying external ventures like trade or maritime activity, and Issachar's blessing "in thy tents," representing a settled, agricultural, or internal focus. Moses' words emphasize that joy and flourishing are found in faithfully embracing diverse God-given callings, each contributing uniquely to the well-being of the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Moses' farewell address and prophetic poem, found in [Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Blessing of Israel"). Preceding his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land, Moses, under divine inspiration, bestows specific blessings upon each tribe, often alluding to their future territories, characteristics, and roles within the nation. Unlike Jacob's earlier, more mixed prophecies in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophecies to His Sons"), Moses' blessings are predominantly positive, focusing on God's intended prosperity and the unique contributions of each tribal segment. The juxtaposition of Zebulun and Issachar here, as with other pairs or groups, underscores the diverse yet unified nature of the twelve tribes as a collective body.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The tribes of Zebulun and Issachar were historically neighbors, settling in the fertile northern region of Canaan, particularly around the Jezreel Valley. Zebulun's territory extended towards the Mediterranean Sea and major trade routes, such as the Via Maris, making "going out" a natural reflection of their potential for maritime commerce, trade, and even military expeditions. Their geographic position positioned them as a gateway to the outside world. In contrast, Issachar's inheritance was renowned for its rich agricultural plains, making them primarily a sedentary, farming people. "In thy tents" thus signifies a life rooted in the land, focused on cultivation, domesticity, and perhaps even scholarly or contemplative pursuits within their settled communities. This reflects the common ancient Near Eastern dichotomy between nomadic or semi-nomadic "tent-dwellers" and settled agriculturalists, though here applied to distinct aspects of tribal life.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **diversity of divine blessing and human vocation**. God's favor is not limited to a single mode of life or economic activity; rather, it extends to and empowers various callings. This verse highlights **complementary roles** within the covenant community, illustrating that both outward-facing engagement with the world ("going out") and inward-focused stability ("in thy tents") are essential and equally valued for the flourishing of the whole. Furthermore, the repeated call to "Rejoice" emphasizes that **joy is to be found in one's God-ordained sphere of activity**, regardless of its external or internal nature. This theme resonates with later biblical teachings on the unity and diversity of the body of believers, as seen in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") and [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Living Sacrifices and Spiritual Gifts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _śāmaḥ'_):** This imperative verb, appearing at the beginning of the blessing for Zebulun, carries significant weight. It's not merely a prediction of prosperity but an exhortation to find deep gladness and contentment in their designated roles and the blessings that accompany them. The joy is intrinsically linked to their specific callings, whether outward or inward.
* **going out (Hebrew, _yāṣā'_):** This verb literally means "to go forth" or "to go out." In the context of Zebulun, whose territory bordered the sea and major trade routes, it strongly implies engagement in external activities such as commerce, trade, travel, or even military endeavors. It speaks to an active, outward-looking, and perhaps enterprising spirit.
* **in thy tents (Hebrew, _b'ohaleyka'_):** This phrase, literally "in your tents," signifies a settled, domestic, or agricultural existence. For Issachar, known for their fertile plains, it points to a life rooted in the land, focused on farming, family, and community within their established settlements. The "tent" here is a symbol of home, stability, and a more internal, perhaps contemplative, way of life, contrasting sharply with the "going out" of Zebulun.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out;":** Moses pronounces a blessing specifically for Zebulun, commanding them to find joy in their future endeavors that involve outward movement and engagement with the world. This anticipates their prosperity through trade, maritime activity, or other external ventures, highlighting that their success in these areas will be a source of divine blessing and personal gladness.
* **"and, Issachar, in thy tents.":** Following the blessing for Zebulun, Moses turns to Issachar, directing them to rejoice in their more settled existence. This indicates that their joy and prosperity will be found within their domestic spheres, agricultural pursuits, and rooted community life. It underscores the divine favor upon those who contribute through stability and internal development, affirming the value of a life focused on home and land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:18 employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, where the contrasting phrases "going out" and "in thy tents" are placed side-by-side. This highlights the distinct but equally valuable callings of Zebulun and Issachar, emphasizing that both active engagement with the world and a settled, internal focus are blessed by God. This juxtaposition is further reinforced by **Parallelism**, as the structure of the blessing for each tribe mirrors the other, creating a balanced and memorable pronouncement. The phrases also function as **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where "going out" stands for all outward-facing activities and "tents" symbolizes a settled, domestic, or agricultural way of life. These symbolic representations encapsulate the essence of each tribe's anticipated contribution and sphere of joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly teaches that God's design for His people includes a rich diversity of callings and contributions, each equally valued and blessed. It challenges the notion that one type of work or lifestyle is inherently superior to another, affirming that true joy and prosperity stem from faithfully embracing one's unique, God-given sphere of influence. Whether one's calling involves active engagement with the world ("going out") or a more settled, foundational role within the community ("in thy tents"), both are avenues for divine favor and sources of rejoicing. This principle is foundational to understanding the body of Christ, where various members, with diverse gifts and functions, are all indispensable and contribute to the health and growth of the whole.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Analogy of the Body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service in the Body")
* [Psalm 128:2](/psalms/128-2 "Psalm 128:2 - Blessing from the Fruit of Your Toil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:18 offers a timeless principle for believers today: God delights in and blesses the diversity of vocations and lifestyles within His kingdom. It encourages us to find profound joy and contentment in our unique callings, whether we are called to "go out" into the world as missionaries, entrepreneurs, public servants, or evangelists, or to flourish "in our tents" as homemakers, teachers, intercessors, or those who cultivate strong communities and families. This verse reminds us that every faithful contribution, no matter how seemingly grand or humble, is vital to God's purposes and a source of divine favor. Our task is not to compare our path with others but to embrace our specific assignment with gratitude and to rejoice in the blessings found within it, recognizing that all roles are essential for the flourishing of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current calling or daily activity reflect either "going out" (external engagement) or "in my tents" (internal focus, stability), and how can I cultivate greater joy and faithfulness within it?**
* **In what ways can I better appreciate and support those in the body of Christ whose callings and contributions differ significantly from my own?**
* **How might the principle of "rejoicing in your going out" or "in your tents" transform my perspective on mundane tasks or challenging circumstances within my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**What was the historical relationship between Zebulun and Issachar?**

Answer: Zebulun and Issachar were neighboring tribes in the northern part of ancient Israel, primarily situated in the fertile Jezreel Valley region. Their territories shared a common border, leading to frequent interaction and shared experiences. Historically, they are often mentioned together, notably in the Song of Deborah ([Judges 5:15-18](/judges/5-15 "Judges 5:15-18 - Zebulun and Issachar in the Song of Deborah")), where they are praised for their courage and unity in battle against Sisera, demonstrating a strong alliance and shared commitment to Israel's defense. This close proximity and shared history underscore the complementary nature of Moses' blessing upon them.

**Does "in thy tents" imply a less active or less important role compared to "going out"?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The phrase "in thy tents" for Issachar signifies a settled, agricultural, or domestic life, which was the foundational backbone of ancient Israelite society. While "going out" for Zebulun suggests external ventures like trade or military engagement, both roles are presented as equally vital and equally blessed with the capacity for "rejoicing." The passage emphasizes the *diversity* of callings, not a hierarchy of importance. God's blessing extends to all faithful endeavors, whether they involve outward movement or internal stability, highlighting that both are necessary for a thriving community.

**How does this blessing compare to Jacob's earlier blessing for Zebulun and Issachar in Genesis 49?**

Answer: Moses' blessing in [Deuteronomy 33:18](/deuteronomy/33-18 "Deuteronomy 33:18 - Moses' Blessing for Zebulun and Issachar") complements and expands upon Jacob's earlier prophecies in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophecies to His Sons"). Jacob's blessing for Zebulun in [Genesis 49:13](/genesis/49-13 "Genesis 49:13 - Jacob's Blessing for Zebulun") foretold their dwelling by the sea and becoming a haven for ships, which aligns with Moses' "going out" and its implication of maritime activity. For Issachar, Jacob described them as "a strong ass couching down between two burdens" in [Genesis 49:14-15](/genesis/49-14 "Genesis 49:14-15 - Jacob's Blessing for Issachar"), suggesting a willingness to toil and accept their agricultural lot. Moses' blessing, however, adds a crucial dimension: it emphasizes the *joy* and *blessing* to be found *within* these pre-ordained roles. Moses focuses on the prosperity and rejoicing in their distinct contributions, rather than merely describing their character or future circumstances, highlighting God's favor upon both active and settled lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The diverse blessings upon Zebulun and Issachar, highlighting joy in both "going out" and "in thy tents," find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ and His body, the Church. Jesus Himself perfectly embodies both aspects: He "went out" from the Father to accomplish our salvation, entering human history as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), engaging in a public ministry of teaching, healing, and evangelism, ultimately completing His mission on the cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Yet, He also provides the ultimate "tent" or dwelling place for His people, promising to prepare a place for us in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-2 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")), offering spiritual rest and a permanent home in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In the Church, Christ's body, this principle of diverse yet complementary roles is fully realized. Just as Zebulun and Issachar contributed uniquely to Israel, believers are gifted by the Holy Spirit for various functions—some called to "go out" as missionaries, evangelists, or those serving in the public square, while others are called to serve "in their tents" through teaching, intercession, nurturing families, or building strong local communities ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")). In Christ, all these diverse callings are unified, valued, and empowered, leading to true joy and the flourishing of God's kingdom, for our ultimate rejoicing is always "in the Lord" ([Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.