Topical Bible: Children: Judah

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Introduction:
Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds significant importance in biblical history and theology. As the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, Judah's lineage and actions have profound implications throughout the Scriptures. His name, meaning "praise," reflects the tribe's eventual role in the history of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

Birth and Early Life:
Judah was born to Jacob and Leah, as recorded in Genesis 29:35: "And she conceived again and gave birth to a son, and she said, 'This time I will praise the LORD.' Therefore she named him Judah." Judah's early life is marked by his involvement in the sale of his brother Joseph into slavery, a decision that would later lead to significant family reconciliation and growth.

Role in the Family:
Judah emerges as a leader among his brothers. In Genesis 37, he suggests selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites rather than leaving him to die in a pit, saying, "What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?" (Genesis 37:26). This act, while morally complex, demonstrates his influence and pragmatic nature.

Judah and Tamar:
The account of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38 reveals both personal failure and redemption. Judah's failure to fulfill his duty to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, leads to a series of events where Tamar disguises herself and bears twins, Perez and Zerah, by Judah. This narrative highlights themes of justice and the continuation of the family line, as Perez becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Leadership and Blessing:
Judah's leadership qualities are further demonstrated when he offers himself as a surety for Benjamin's safety during the brothers' second journey to Egypt (Genesis 43:8-9). His heartfelt plea to Joseph in Genesis 44:18-34 showcases his growth in character and responsibility.

Jacob's blessing of Judah in Genesis 49:8-12 prophesies the tribe's future prominence: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and the allegiance of the nations is his" (Genesis 49:10). This blessing foreshadows the royal lineage of David and the Messianic promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Tribe of Judah:
The tribe of Judah becomes one of the most powerful and influential tribes in Israel. After the conquest of Canaan, Judah receives a significant portion of land, including Jerusalem, which later becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel. The tribe's prominence is evident in its leadership during the monarchy, with King David and his descendants ruling over the united kingdom and later the southern kingdom of Judah.

Messianic Lineage:
Judah's most significant contribution to biblical history is its role in the Messianic lineage. The New Testament begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His ancestry through the line of Judah (Matthew 1:1-3). This fulfillment of prophecy underscores the importance of Judah in God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion:
The account of Judah is one of transformation, leadership, and divine promise. From his early missteps to his role as a forefather of kings and the Messiah, Judah's legacy is integral to understanding the unfolding of God's covenant with His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 44:18-34
Then Judah came near to him, and said, Oh my lord, let your servant, I pray you, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not your anger burn against your servant: for you are even as Pharaoh.
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Library

The Four Captive Children.
... and then ate of them themselves; they also used some meats for food that were unclean
to an Israelite, so that the four children of Judah determined that they ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxi the four captive.htm

The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah
... There is something very beautiful and pathetic in the fact that Judah is not ... Notice,
too, how the awful entail of evil from parents to children is adduced ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the great suit jehovah versus.htm

The Boy Joash on the Throne of Judah
... ruled twelve years over Israel, Ahaziah the son of Jehoram began to rule over Judah. ...
was dead, she rose and put to death all of Ahaziah's children except Joash ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the boy joash on the.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... But if his children forsake My ... meekness seems to have been the one chiefly appointed
for Rehoboam, for when he assembled the fighting men of Judah and Benjamin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... Take heed, therefore, my children, of fornication and the love of money; hearken
to Judah your father, for these things do withdraw you from the law of God ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

Christians were Promised to Isaac, Jacob, and Judah.
... and comes down through Judah, and Phares, and Jesse, and David. And this was a symbol
of the fact that some of your nation would be found children of Abraham ...
/.../chapter cxx christians were promised to.htm

How that is to be the Reward of All; the Apostle Earnestly Defends ...
... from the least unto the greatest of them," but all that belong spiritually to the
house of Israel and to the house of Judah,"that is, to the children of Isaac ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 40 how that is to.htm

Of the Things Pertaining to the Gospel of Christ which Hosea and ...
... itself spiritually among the children of Abraham, and for that reason is rightly
called Israel, therefore he goes on to say, "And the children of Judah and the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 28 of the things pertaining.htm

The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... 7. And now, my children, obey Levi, and in Judah shall ye be redeemed: [58] and
be not lifted up against these two tribes, for from them shall arise to you the ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm

Of the Blessing which Jacob Promised in Judah his Son.
... He says: "Judah, thy brethren shall praise thee: thy hands shall be on the back
of thine enemies; thy father's children shall adore thee. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 41 of the blessing which.htm