The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
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Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is a significant biblical epithet that refers to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His royal authority, strength, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. This title is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is rich with theological implications.

Biblical Origin and Symbolism

The imagery of the lion is first associated with the tribe of Judah in the Book of Genesis. In Jacob's blessing of his sons, he prophesies over Judah, saying, "Judah is a lion’s cub; my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion, he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?" (Genesis 49:9). This passage establishes the lion as a symbol of strength, courage, and leadership, attributes that are later ascribed to the Messiah.

The lion's association with Judah is further developed in the context of kingship. The tribe of Judah is the lineage from which King David arises, and it is prophesied that the Messiah would come from David's line. The lion, as the king of beasts, becomes a fitting symbol for the kingly line of David and ultimately for Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the eternal King.

Messianic Fulfillment

The title "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is explicitly applied to Jesus in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 5:5, one of the elders says, "Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals" . This passage highlights Jesus' victory and authority to execute God's plan of redemption. The reference to the "Root of David" underscores His rightful claim to the Davidic throne, fulfilling the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.

Theological Significance

The title encapsulates several key theological themes. First, it affirms Jesus' messianic identity and His fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs and the nation of Israel. As the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Jesus embodies the hope and expectation of a deliverer who would establish God's kingdom.

Second, the title emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and power. The lion, as a symbol of might and dominion, reflects Christ's sovereign rule over creation and His ultimate victory over sin and death. This aspect of His identity provides assurance to believers of His ability to protect and lead His people.

Finally, the title serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. From the blessing of Judah to the apocalyptic vision in Revelation, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah represents the culmination of God's promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is a profound biblical title that encapsulates the strength, authority, and messianic fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of His role as the victorious King and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 49:9
Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, you are gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Fifth Chapter.
... 5. "Lo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed."] We
read in Genesis that this lion of the tribe of Judah hath conquered, when the ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the fifth chapter.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... As he wept one touched him, and said: "Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of
Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the Book, and to loose the ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

Christ's Kingly Office
... The lion of the tribe of Judah.' Revelation 5:5. The text says he is King of kings.'
He has a pre-eminence of all other kings, and is called, The Prince of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

The Sealed Book.
... And one of the elders saith to me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose its seven ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the sealed book.htm

Of the Four Living Creatures in the Apocalypse, which have Been ...
... lion mentioned in conjunction with the royal tribe itself, in that passage of the
Apocalypse where it is said, "The lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter vi of the four living.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... They only who do not know the Lion of the tribe of Judah, have any reason to explain
away, by a forced exposition, the slight allusion to a superhuman dignity ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Of the Blessing which Jacob Promised in Judah his Son.
... is Israel; if in the seed of Israel himself, setting aside the rest, we have Judah,
because Christ sprang of the tribe of Judah ... Judah is a lion's whelp: from ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 41 of the blessing which.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Christ.
... 38 of the same chapter we are told "The field is the world." Hence it is that the
apostle was told, "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/2 the millennium in relation.htm

On the Animals
... The lion is the Lord: the lion from the tribe of Judah conquers; again in another
part: let the lion seize my soul at any time. [Apoc.5:5; Ps.7:3(2)]. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/iv on the animals.htm

But Seeing Now that we must Make Proof of what is Alleged at ...
... of Judah, so Antichrist shall be born of the tribe of Dan. And as our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was spoken of in prophecy as a lion on ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece xix but seeing now.htm

Resources
What is the significance of lions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the correct translation of Psalm 22:16? | GotQuestions.org

What are the Christian themes in The Magician's Nephew? | GotQuestions.org

Lion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Lion

Lion of a Ruler's Anger

Lion of Divine Judgments

Lion of Satan

Lion used for the Torture of Criminals

Lion: An Unnamed Person Killed By

Lion: Disobedient Prophet Killed By

Lion: Fierceness of

Lion: Instincts of, in Taking Prey

Lion: Kept in Captivity

Lion: Killed by Benaiah

Lion: Killed by David

Lion: Killed by Saints

Lion: Killed by Samson

Lion: King of Beasts

Lion: Lair of, in the Jungles

Lion: Parable of

Lion: Proverb of

Lion: Samson's Riddle Concerning

Lion: Sent As Judgment Upon the Samaritans

Lion: Strength of

Lion: Symbolical

Lion: Symbolical: Margin)

Lion: The Bases in the Temple Ornamented by Mouldings of

Lion: The Roaring of

Lion: Twelve Statues of, on the Stairs Leading to Solomon's Throne

The Lion of Boldness of Saints

The Lion of Brave Men

The Lion of Christ

The Lion of Cruel and Powerful Enemies

The Lion of God in Executing Judgments

The Lion of God in Protecting his Church

The Lion of Imaginary Fears of the Slothful

The Lion of Israel

The Lion of Persecutors

The Lion of the Devil

The Lion of the Tribe of Gad

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah

The Lion: (Roaring of) a King's Wrath

The Lion: (Tamed) the Natural Man Subdued by Grace

The Lion: A Swarm of Bees Found in the Carcass of, by Samson

The Lion: Active

The Lion: Attacks and Destroys Men

The Lion: Attacks the Sheepfolds

The Lion: Canaan Infested By

The Lion: Conceals Itself by Day

The Lion: Courageous

The Lion: Criminals often Thrown To

The Lion: Disobedient Prophet Slain By

The Lion: Fearless Even of Man

The Lion: Fierce

The Lion: God Provides For

The Lion: God's Power Exhibited in Restraining

The Lion: Greatness of Its Teeth Alluded To

The Lion: Hunting of, Alluded To

The Lion: Inhabits: Deserts

The Lion: Inhabits: Forests

The Lion: Inhabits: Mountains

The Lion: Inhabits: Thickets

The Lion: Lurks for Its Prey

The Lion: Majestic in Movement

The Lion: Often Carries Its Prey to Its Den

The Lion: Often Perishes for Lack of Food

The Lion: Rends Its Prey

The Lion: Roars when Seeking Prey

The Lion: Slain by Benaiah

The Lion: Slain by David

The Lion: Slain by Samson

The Lion: Superior in Strength

The Lion: Universal Terror Caused by Roaring of

The Lion: Voracious

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The Lion of the Tribe of Gad
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