<b>Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea (Gen. 49:13).</b> Zebulun was mentioned before Issachar even though Issachar was the elder. Why? Zebulun was engaged in commercial activity, while Issachar devoted himself to the study of the Torah, and they had agreed that Zebulun’s earnings would be shared by Issachar. That is why Moses blessed them: <i>Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out, and Issachar in thy tents</i> (Deut. 33:18). <i>Rejoice, Zebulun</i>, in going about to do business, for Issachar is in your tents studying the Torah. Why should he rejoice? Because the Torah <i>is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is everyone that holdeth her fast</i> (Prov. 3:8). Therefore Zebulun preceded Issachar. If it had not been for Zebulun, Issachar could not have studied the Torah. Since Issachar engaged exclusively in the study of the Torah, and was not concerned with business nor did any kind of work, it is written about him: <i>And the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times</i> (I Chron. 12:33).

<i>Issachar is a large-boned ass</i> (Gen. 49:14). That is, he bears the yoke of the Torah like an ass that bears its load, while Zebulun brings his wares in ships. <i>Crouching down between the sheepfolds</i> (ibid.). This refers to his disciples, who spread the knowledge of the Torah before the wise throughout the land, as it is said: <i>When ye lie among the sheepfolds, the wings of the dove are covered with silver</i> (Ps. 68:14). <i>For he saw a resting place that it was good</i> (Gen. 49:15). This refers to the Torah, as it is said: <i>I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest</i> (Jer. 45:3). <i>That it was good</i> alludes to the Torah, since it is said: <i>For I give you good doctrine</i> (Prov. 4:2). <i>And he bowed his shoulders to bear</i> (Gen. 49:15) the yoke of the Torah. <i>And he became a servant under task-work</i> (ibid.). <i>Task-work</i> refers to the law. Whenever the people erred in the law, they would seek a decision from him, as is said: <i>And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; as was Issachar, so was Barak; into the depth they rushed forth at his feet</i> (Judg. 5:15); for he would search deeply into the law.