March 9, 2015
Joshua 15-Part 2
This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families ... Joshua 15:1
LET IT GLOW
Have you ever checked out your family's genealogy? My mother, sister, and a distant cousin have. Though we have no kings, stars, or significant people in our background, we do have a preacher, a guitar playing and gospel singing grandmother, and a full blooded Cherokee Indian. What kind of influence am I leaving Linda's line? Judah left quite a legacy. The line of Judah has a Lion of Judah in it. (I ain't lyin' either.)
The first part and the last part of this chapter is about the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.
As Israel's largest tribe, Judah is listed first and presented with the most detail. All the tribal listings follow a similar format: geographical boundaries and then a listing of cities by region. (D. Jeremiah)
Notice that these boundaries and descriptions of the Promised Land are very specific. God was telling Israel exactly what to do, and He was giving them just what they needed. They had no excuse for disobedience. (Life Application Study Bible)
In spite of Judah's younger sinful days, his father Jacob (Israel) still blessed Judah, as well as his other brothers, which stemmed from Abraham.
What did Jacob predict about his son Judah found in Genesis 49?
- His brothers will praise him.
- His hand would be on the necks of his enemies.
- His brothers would bow down to him.
- Judah is a young lion, who returns from the kill.
- The scepter will not depart from Judah.
- The staff would not depart from between his feet until the Messiah comes.
They prospered so greatly that people would tie a donkey to a choice vine, letting it eat because there is such abundance; wine will be as plentiful as wate4r and everyone will be healthy. This is likely a millennial prophecy. (MacArthur)
The scepter was a symbol of royal power. The lawgiver, is pertaining to a legislator or one in authority. when the dignitary was seated, the staff would rest between his feet. (Falwell)
The Messiah, Jesus Christ, came through the lineage of the line of Judah. In Revelation 5, no one is able to break the seals and open the scroll. Then, according to verse 5, one of the elders told John, Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals. (NIV Translation)
The tribe of Judah was a great army. Their cities numbered 36. (verses 20-62)
What kind of legacy are we leaving our children-faith, faithfulness in serving the Lord, teacher, preacher, servant of the Lord Jesus, believer in the Word of God?
LET IT GROW
What do we know about this man who was the father of the tribe bearing his name?
- Judah suggested selling Joseph, Israel's youngest son at that time, instead of his brothers leaving Joseph in a well to die. (Gen. 37)
- Judah had twin sons by his daughter in law, Tamar, who pretended to be a harlot, unbeknownst to him. (Gen. 38)
- When Judah and his brothers went to Egypt to buy grain for their family during a famine, they encountered that brother Joseph as the agricultural head of that country, which was kept a secret for a while. When Joseph demanded that his brothers' youngest brother, Benjamin, be brought to him next time, it was Judah who promised his father that he'd take the blame if Ben did not return home. (Gen. 43)
- Because brother Reuben committed fornication with his step-mother Bilhah (Gen 35), his first-born birthright went to brother Judah. Joseph received Reuben's blessing. (Gen 49).
Do we consider the influence our life has on future generations of our family to come?
LET IT GO
Let the past go and focus on the present and future.
Be encouraged that God can use me in His kingdom work as well as Judah.
Influence my family to be faithful to God.
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