Topaz-Issachar
1. His Birth
This name means "a hire for payment". Genesis 30:18- And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar. It was because of a deal struck with Rachel for some mandrakes that Reuben brought his mother, that Leah conceived this child.
2. The Patriarchal Blessing
Genesis 49:14- Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: Balaam's ass saw the angel. And Isaiah 1:3 says that the ass is wiser than the children of Israel- The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Issachar was a wise worker. God gave to this tribe some of the most fertile land in Palestine.
Genesis 49:15- And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. His "hire" or "reward" was to reap the benefits and the blessings of his hard work! Psalms 126:5-6- They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Great reward will always follow those who work for it, especially spiritually speaking!
3. The Mosaic Blessing
Deuteronomy 33:18-19- 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. There is an obvious link between Zebulun and Issachar. These brethren have opposite outlooks and different natures, and yet they labor together. There are many opposites who work well together in the Bible- Elijah and Elisha, Peter and John, Paul and Timothy. Psalms 133:1- Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
4. The Stone Topaz in the Breastplate
A topaz is thought to represent the reward of diligently seeking. It is a cheerful golden-yellow. Proverbs 8:17- I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Carbuncle- Zebulun
1. His Birth
Genesis 30:20- 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. Zebulun means dwelling.
2. The Patriarchal Blessing
Genesis 49:13- 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. He was given the border of the Mediterranean Sea. Zebulun's decendants were a sea-faring people. Christ lived in Nazareth which was a city of Zebulun, fitting for the great Fisher of Men!
3. The Mosaic Blessing
Deuteronomy 33:18- And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. While Issachar liked to dwell at home, Zebulun was an active tribe.
Deuteronomy 33:19- 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. Zebulun, also known as Galilee, not only sent treasures out, but they also brought them in. Galilee has been the setting of many stories of the Lord Jesus Christ- Mount of the Beatitudes, the Mount of Transfiguration, the Mount of Olives, and Calvary!
4. The Stone Carbuncle in the Breastplate
Carbuncle means glittering, like the sea when the sun is shining on it. Zebulun had many havens for ships, and probably many lighthouses. Psalm 107:30- Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. A harbor of rest for those who seek refuge from the sea of life, it is fitting that the Lord was raised here and had much of His earthly ministry in Zebulun's shores! Matthew 4:15-16- The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
