The tribes were divided. Some stood by Har Gerizim to issue the blessings, while the remainder stood by Har Eival to issue the curses. Ibn Ezra notes that the bnei ha’geviros, sons of “main” wives, Rachel and Leah, stood for the blessings, while the bnei ha’shefachos, tribes that descended from the maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah, stood for the curses. In order to “even” the sides, Reuven and Zevulun, were to stand on Har Eival. What is unusual about this division of tribes is the fact that Yissachar and Zevulun were separated from one another. Moreover, Zevulun was on the side of the curse, while Yissachar was on the side of blessing. Why were these two tribes, who were usually compatible with each other due to their unique partnership, suddenly separated? Furthermore, why does Yissachar stand on Har Gerizim and Zevulun on Har Eival? Can a specific lesson be inferred from this pasuk?
Horav Zeev Weinberger, Shlita, suggests that Reuven responds to the “curse” because of incest with one’s father’s wife. He stands in eternal testimony that he did not fall prey to this sin. As Chazal say, “Whoever claims that Reuven sinned, is mistaken.” Zevulun attests to the “curse” of he who does not uphold the words of the Torah. He who does not support those who study Torah is included in this curse. Zevulun was a principal in the famous Yissacher-Zevulun partnership. He stands in testimony to its eternal viability.
We suggest another approach to understanding the separation of Yissachar from Zevulun which is relevant today. Yissachar relies on Zevulun for support and sustenance. At times, however, Yissachar gets carried away and relies solely on Zevulun. Yissachar suddenly becomes stunned if Zevulun does not appear with his daily bread. He does not know what to do. He forgets that Zevulun is nothing more than an emissary from the Almighty. Chazal teach us that Hashem has many agents whom He sends to provide for our needs. There will always be a “Zevulun” if the “Yissachar” is worthy. Yissachar without Zevulun is nonetheless blessed. Conversely, Zevulun’s relationship with Yissachar engenders blessing in his endeavors.
