Destined to Reign

Zebulun means “A dwelling.” Of all the tribes, Zebulun was the most prepared to battle for David after the death of Saul. “Of Zebulun there were fifty thousand who went out to battle, expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks” (1 Chronicles 12:33). Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, was situated within the borders of Zebulun.

Joseph means “God shall add to me.” Joseph is one of the few individuals mentioned in Scripture of whom no fault is recorded. After his promotion in Egypt, his brothers feared that he would take revenge for their sin against him. But in response to their request for mercy, Joseph said, “It was not you who sent me here, but God. … You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 45:8; 50:20). In this way, Joseph is a stunning representation of Christ.

Benjamin means “The son of his right hand.” When Rachel was dying, she gave her newborn son the name Benoni, “the son of my sorrow,” but his father called him Benjamin (Genesis 35:18). Benjamin was born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of both David and Jesus. He, too, was a type of Christ, born into the world “a man of sorrow” (Isaiah 53:3) but elevated to “the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Hebrews 8:1). Once among the most corrupt tribes in Israel (Judges 19), Benjamin became a protector of the righteous (Deuteronomy 33:12) and found a place among the redeemed.

When you read the meaning of these names in the order presented in chapter 7, it’s no surprise that the tribes were listed in this sequence: “I will praise the Lord. He has looked on me and given good fortune. Happy am I for my wrestling. God is making me forget. God hears me and is joined to me. He has purchased me a dwelling. God shall add to me the son of His right hand.” What a beautiful expression of the experience of the redeemed in the last days!

Holy God, thank You for dwelling with us, for making us fruitful, and for promising an eternal reign with You. Make us worthy of these blessings!

For Further Study: Genesis 3:23; Colossians 1:15; 1 Peter 1:18; Psalm 96:3

Key Bible Texts

Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. (Revelation 7:8 KJV)