Topical Bible: Tribe of Judah by Whom Commanded

Bible > Topical > Tribe of Judah by Whom Commanded

◄ Tribe of Judah by Whom Commanded ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Judah holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, being one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe is named after Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, and is often associated with leadership, kingship, and prophecy fulfillment within the biblical narrative.

Leadership and Command:

1. Judah, Son of Jacob:
Judah, the patriarch of the tribe, is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. He emerges as a leader among his brothers, particularly in the account of Joseph. When the brothers contemplate killing Joseph, it is Judah who suggests selling him to the Ishmaelites instead (Genesis 37:26-27). This act, while morally complex, demonstrates his influence and decision-making role among the siblings.

2. Caleb and the Conquest of Canaan:
During the conquest of Canaan, Caleb, a member of the tribe of Judah, is highlighted as a key figure. He, along with Joshua, is one of the two faithful spies who trust in God's promise to give Israel the land (Numbers 13:30). Caleb's faith and leadership are rewarded with the inheritance of Hebron (Joshua 14:13-14).

3. Davidic Line:
The most prominent leader from the tribe of Judah is King David. Anointed by the prophet Samuel, David becomes the second king of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 5:6-7). The Davidic Covenant, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 , promises that David's descendants will rule Israel, establishing Judah's central role in the messianic prophecy.

4. Solomon and the United Monarchy:
Solomon, David's son, succeeds him and is known for his wisdom and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 3:12; 1 Kings 6:1). Under Solomon, the kingdom reaches its zenith in terms of wealth, power, and influence.

5. Post-Exilic Leadership:
After the Babylonian exile, leaders from the tribe of Judah, such as Zerubbabel, play crucial roles in the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 3:8). Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, is appointed governor of Judah and is instrumental in the return of the exiles and the re-establishment of Jewish worship.

Prophetic Significance:

The tribe of Judah is prophetically significant, as it is from this tribe that the Messiah is foretold to come. Jacob's blessing over Judah in Genesis 49:10 states, "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." This prophecy is understood to point to the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5).

Role in the Divided Kingdom:

Following Solomon's reign, the kingdom divides, with Judah and Benjamin forming the southern kingdom of Judah. The tribe of Judah remains central to the narrative of the southern kingdom, which retains Jerusalem as its capital and the Davidic line as its ruling dynasty. The kings of Judah, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, are noted for their efforts to reform and restore proper worship of Yahweh (2 Kings 18:3-6; 2 Kings 22:2).

Throughout biblical history, the tribe of Judah is depicted as a leading tribe, both in terms of governance and spiritual significance, fulfilling its role as a conduit for God's promises and purposes for Israel and the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 2:3
And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... to fight with such of the tribe of Judah as were ... as he stood at that place, having
the tribe of Benjamin ... had not justice done him by Ishbosheth, to whom he had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

How Amaziah Made an Expedition against the Edomites and Amalekites ...
... After this he chose him an army out of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin ... But while
Amaziah was engaged in this expedition, those Israelites whom he had hired ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how amaziah made.htm

The Exposition of Details Continued. The Sitting Down on the Grass ...
... that the twelve baskets were in the possession of the disciples to whom it was ... the
tribe of Simeon, and another of him who judges the tribe of Judah, and so ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/3 the exposition of details.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... king; and they all left David, and followed him; the tribe of Judah alone staid ... But
as for his concubines, with whom Absalom his son had accompanied, truly ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... Now the army of men that wore their armor, was three hundred thousand of the tribe
of Judah, of whom Adnah was the chief; but John was chief of two ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

The Sealing of the Servants of God.
... Of the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed ... Of the tribe of Benjamin twelve
thousand were sealed.""Rev.7 ... told to "come not near any man upon whom is the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the sealing of the servants.htm

Saul's War with the Amalekites, and Conquest of Them.
... four hundred thousand of the Israelites, besides the tribe of Judah, for that tribe
contained by ... because it was done by the command of God, whom it was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 sauls war with.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... He also ordained that all the tribe of Levi, as well as ... therefore, since you know
that of the twelve sons whom Jacob our forefather had Judah was appointed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... Then, turning to His disciples, He says: "Woe unto him through whom offences come! ...
To the tribe of Judah, indeed, wholly appertained the promised Christ ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm

Now it came to Pass, when She was Fourteen Years Old...
... priests having said to him, Take her, because of all the tribe of Judah thou alone ...
Let some virgins of her companions, with whom she may meanwhile spend her ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 8 now it came.htm