“Zebulun will dwell at the shore of seas, and he will be a shore for ships, and his border will be upon Sidon” (Genesis 49:13). “Zebulun will dwell at the shore of seas” – Zebulun preceded Issachar, although the birth of Issachar is recorded before Zebulun. Why so? It is because Zebulun would engage in commerce, and Issachar would engage in Torah, and Zebulun would come to feed him.
Therefore, [Zebulun] was granted precedence. The verse said in his regard: “It is a tree of life for those who uphold it” (Proverbs 3:18). Issachar would gather [merchandise], and Zebulun would transport it on ships, sell it, and bring him all his needs. Likewise, Moses says: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your departure” (Deuteronomy 33:18) – why?
It is because “Issachar, in your tents” (Deuteronomy 33:18) – [the tents] are yours, as you assist him to reside in them.