“The divisions of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun are to camp toward the sunrise on the east side of the Tabernacle, beneath their family banners” (Numbers 2:3 NLT).
Of the twelve tribes of Israel, Judah was given first position in the tribal encampment. They were to camp under their “family banners” emblazoned with a lion. This image came from Jacob, the father of the tribes, who had spoken over his sons, saying that Judah was like a “lion” (Gen.49:9). He further prophesied over Judah saying, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor” (Gen. 49:10).
This was a clear prophecy of the coming royal line of David that would arise in Judah. But more than that it was a Messianic prophecy predicting the coming of the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, whom all nations will one day honor.
The tribe of Judah was situated due east, so that they rose with the sun and led the way when the tribes broke camp. Yet, their first position is a foreshadowing of Jesus, who is “the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18).
Does the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, lead the way in your life?
PRAYER: Father, thank You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus to establish the way for our salvation. He is the Lion of Judah, the Author of our salvation and we are forever thankful and full of praise for His work on the cross for our redemption. We offer our bodies as living sacrifices as worship to You. Do what You want in and through us. Lead the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.