The Lion of Judah part 1
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Genesis 49:8-12
Genesis 49:8-12
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Start with Genesis 49:28-33
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him. Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite. There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah. The field and the cave in it were bought from the Hittites.” When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
These verses summarize the chapter.
Jacob is speaking last words over his sons.
And the text tells us he spoke words that were appropriate for the legacy each son will leave.
We are not going to get into the specifics of each brother.
Most of the words offered by Jacob are unfavorable regarding the legacy the brothers left behind.
These words of Jacob foreshadow the plight of Israel as they become a nation.
And we know this to be true of the historical account of Israel.
The fulfillment of Jacob’s words does not happen for many years down the line of history.
After the people are freed from slavery in Egypt.
Eventually Joshua leads them into the land of promise.
The land is then divided up according to the sons of Jacob.
Most of the tribes inhabiting what would become the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the kingdom was divided.
We know from the Biblical account that Israel struggled with obedience toward God.
Often being led by evil kings.
We are going to talk specifically about the words offered to Judah.
Judah was the tribe that settled in the Southern part of Israel.
Eventually being refered to as the southern kingdom.
The Southern Kingdom included the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin along with the Levites who were serving in the Tabernacle.
Within this kingdom was Jerusalem.
The city where King David declared as the nations capital.
It is the in which city that Jesus was cruicified.
We are going to look at the words of Jacob spoken to his son Judah.
As we examine the words, we will see that Jacob is truly speaking of the promised Messiah.
Jesus our Lord.
Look at Genesis 49:8
“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you.
Click #1
1. The name Judah means to be praised.
The descendants of Judah settled in the Southern part of Israel years after the Exodus.
The text tells that Judah’s brothers will praise him and his fathers sons will bow down to him.
These words amplify the promise of God that the authority of not depart.
It was within the southern part of Israel that God chose to establish His Holy City, Jerusalem.
It was within this city that God called the people to set up the Tabernacle.
It was this city that God placed the Ark of the Covenant.
It was from this city that God called His people to appear before Him for worship.
And it is to this city that Jesus will return.
He will return to rightly sit upon His throne.
The words of Jacob, though very abbreviated, speak to this history.
Click #2 and #3
2. The words of Jacob (Genesis 49:8-12) speak to the promise of God being fulfilled in Messiah.
3. The authority of Jesus will never depart nor diminish.
Judah’s hand will be on the neck of his enemies.
Another way to declare the promise of Jesus defeating our enemies.
Include in notes:
The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
This is the promise of the authority of our Messiah.
Look at verse 9
You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?
The first part of this verse referring to a lion’s cub, may be a allusion to the first advent of Jesus.
He came to us as a baby.
He came to us in innocence.
The Lamb who was without spot nor blemish able to bear the penalty of our sin.
He came to us under the shadow of the cross.
He willingly laid down His life to Redeem His children.
Click #4
4. Though Jesus came to us a child, He will return as a lion.
To destroy all of His enemies.
To destroy all those who afflict His children, once and forever.
AMEN!
This is the day we look forward toward.
In verse 9, Jacob alludes to this time.
Judah, you return from the prey, my son.
Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness-who dares rouse him?
A lion after a meal will return to the den to lie down in wait for the next opportunity.
These words allude to the interim between the first advent of Jesus to the day that He will return.
When He first came to us as that lion’s cub.
He came to us as the Lamb who went to the cross.
Crucfiied for my sin.
Placed in the grave.
Only to rise again by His own autoroty.
To ascend back to His throne to prepare a place for us.
Jesus is awaiting His return.
Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool, the Psalmist tells us.
Jesus is awaiting His return.
Like a lion stalking its prey.
Who dares rouse the lion?
Who dares taunt the lion in His slumber?
Our enemy taunts Jesus.
Our enemy taunts the Lion.
Our enemy, in rebellious ignorance scoffs at the authority of Jesus.
The enemy, the devil,
The Lion has his enemies by the neck.
The enemy has already been defeated.
Click #5 and #6
5. Jesus has already secured victory.
The battle is over.
The enemy defeated.
6. Jesus our King is the Name above all Names.
The King of Kings and the Lord of Lord’s.
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
Click #8 and #9
8. The scepter is a symbol of authority.
It is a symbol which identifies who has the authority to lead.
In addition
9. The one who holds the scepter has the authority to uphold His promises.
We are going to close the sermon here this morning.
We are going to pick it up again next time.
Close with prayer.
Many of us are afflicted.
Pray for one another.
Encourage one another to remember that Jesus is one His throne.
Benediction: Micah 5:2-5
Micah 5:2–5 (NASB95)
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Therefore He will give them up until the time When she who is in labor has borne a child. Then the remainder of His brethren Will return to the sons of Israel. And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will be great To the ends of the earth. This One will be our peace. When the Assyrian invades our land, When he tramples on our citadels, Then we will raise against him Seven shepherds and eight leaders of men.
