The land of Zebulun is briefly mentioned in the Book of Mormon in a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah prophesies about the future glory of this region, noting that it was once lightly afflicted but will see a great light. This prophecy is included in the writings of Nephi, and he associates it with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Specifically, 2 Nephi 19:1 parallels the biblical book of Isaiah 9:1, stating, “Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and afterwards did more grievously afflict by the way of the Red Sea beyond Jordan in Galilee of the nations.” The reference implies a period of suffering or minor affliction for the land of Zebulun that precedes a time of enlightenment.
Nephi further expounds that the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali in the region of Galilee would witness the messianic ministry of Jesus Christ, who is described as the “great light” that the inhabitants would see (2 Nephi 19:2). This interpretation is consistent with and reinforces the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, as recorded in the New Testament. It is in this area, specifically, where Jesus is noted to have spent the majority of His mortal ministry. Matthew in the New Testament confirms the fulfillment of this prophecy by indicating that Jesus’s dwelling in Capernaum was within the borders of both Zebulun and Naphtali (Matthew 4:13–16), thus bringing the prophesied great light to the region.
In the context of its brief appearance in the Book of Mormon, the land of Zebulun serves as a geographical symbol of past tribulation and future hope, wherein the coming of Jesus Christ ushers in spiritual enlightenment and salvation. The passage does not provide a description of the land’s characteristics, its inhabitants, or its location, as the focus is primarily on the prophecy’s fulfillment through the Savior’s ministry.