Lion of Judah
Genesis 49:8–12
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Genesis 49:10
It is impossible to overlook the fact that the blessings on Judah—praise, preeminence, and prosperity—are fulfilled supremely in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born of Judah’s line and is portrayed in Revelation as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Rev. 5:5). Jacob referred to him explicitly when he declared that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”
Jacob told Judah that he would be the object of his brothers’ praise. But is this not true of Jesus in the most exalted sense? Jesus has been given “the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). To him “every knee” shall bow (v. 10). Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of even Joseph’s dreams, for the sun and moon and eleven stars bow to him and to no mere mortal.
We see that Jacob prophesied preeminence for Judah. But whatever preeminence Judah rightly had has been eclipsed by Jesus. Jacob thought of his fourth son as a lion, tearing his enemies apart and dominating his kingdom. Jesus has done this preeminently. In the spiritual sense there are two lions in this world. There is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is Jesus, and there is the devil, that “roaring lion” who prowls about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Jesus has defeated that old lion, wresting his kingdom from him and freeing all those who throughout their lives were subject to his bondage. That struggle took Jesus to the depths of the pit. But from the pit he has risen up to assume the highest place. Today Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is our King and our Lord. He is preeminent in the universe and must be preeminent in our lives.
Finally, Jacob spoke of prosperity to come through Judah. Even that physical prosperity came through Jesus, for Jesus is God and “every good gift and every perfect gift” comes from him (James 1:17). But more important even than physical prosperity is the spiritual blessing Christ brings. Jesus brings life out of death, love out of hate, joy out of sorrow, peace out of lifelong alienation. Thus, the one who has Jesus has everything, though he loses the whole world. And the one who does not have him, though he gains the whole world, perishes.
Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.