Genesis 49:13

Zebulun shall dwell] The blessing is connected with the word Zebulun, 'dwelling.' The land of this tribe was between Asher and Naphtali. It may have touched the coastland of Phoenicia represented here by Sidon. So in Deuteronomy 33:19 it is said that Zebulun should 'suck of the abundance of the sea,' profiting by maritime traffic: cp. Ezekiel 27.

14, 15. Issachar occupied part of Galilee and the fertile plain of Jezreel. Between two burdens] RV 'between the sheepfolds': as at Judges 5:16, which see. 'The bright side of the saying is that Issachar will become a robust and hardy race (a strong ass) and receive a pleasant country inviting to repose. The dark side is that through his tendency to gain and comfort he will rather submit to the yoke of foreign sway than risk his people and possessions by warlike efforts (a servant unto tribute)' (Delitzsch). A number of Canaanite towns maintained themselves independent and powerful in this tribe.