The Triumphant Lion.

THE TRIUMPHANT LION.

Genesis 49:2, Genesis 49:8-10.

Jacob called his sons together to bless them, rather than calling them to him one by one (GENESIS 49:2). They were a family, and they deserved to know the blessings which each one received. The blessing of Judah (GENESIS 49:8-10) was of significance to them all!

In prophesying that Judah (whose name means Praise) would be the one whom his brethren would praise, the dying patriarch Jacob was foretelling the coming of Messiah. More than this, he foresaw the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and even His death and resurrection. And even beyond that, the reunion of the tribes of Israel under Christ.

GENESIS 49:8. “Judah, you are he whom your brethren shall praise.” This directs us immediately to the sovereignty of the house of David, and of great David's greater Son.

GENESIS 49:9. “He lies down like a lion, who shall raise Him?” This speaks of Christ overcoming death. Jesus said, 'I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it up again' (cf. John 10:18).

GENESIS 49:10. “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah... until Shiloh comes.” Judah becomes a ruler and a lawgiver amongst his brethren. The crown remains with his tribe until the coming of Jesus.

It is a historical fact that the Jews stubbornly refused to yield sovereignty to any invader, right until the moment that they cried out at Jesus' arraignment, 'We have no king but Caesar' (cf. John 19:15). The sceptre had not departed from Judah, and now He was come whose right it is!