The Tribe of Judah would lead directly to the later birth of Jesus, who is the founder of Christianity. Jesus himself was Jewish and much of Christianity is founded on the principles of Judaism. Where the Jewish religion bases its beliefs and traditions on the text of the Old Testament, the Christian religion takes its beliefs and traditions from both the old and New Testaments, with the New Testament being the events that would happen after the birth of Jesus. The symbolism of the lion carries through to Jesus in several ways. One is that the lion is the symbol of the house of Judah, and Jesus is a descendant of the house of Judah. Jesus also understood that he would be a king, and therefore the symbol would make sense as it stood for Judah himself as a king. Judah was first referred to by Jacob as a "lion's whelp", or lion's cub, by his Father and he was told at this time by Jacob that this would carry through to his descendants. When Jacob blessed Judah, as recorded in Genesis 49, he stated, "Judah, your father's sons shall bow down before you. The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him." When Jacob said these words, he was stating that Judah and his descendants would continue to rule and that the tribe of Judah would produce kings that the other tribes would pay tribute to for safety and protection.
The Christian tradition believes that Isaiah 11 is a direct mention of how things will be after Jesus is born: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them." This states that Jesus, the "king of kings" as he's referred to in the book of Revelation, will even bring peace among the animals, and be the king of the beasts as well as the king of men. This once again brings the lion symbolism directly to Jesus, only in this case, referring to him as a majestic, peaceful, powerful, king.
The Lion in Scripture
The Lion is used as a symbol throughout Christian scriptures. In the first book of the bible, in Genesis 49, the lion is mentioned as a symbol of kingship and taking possession of land and other kingdoms by force. But the bible goes on to use the bible symbolism in many ways. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter says: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." In this instance, the lion is referred to still as powerful, and as a beast that can overtake any prey, but it is not portrayed in a positive light, but as a sneaky and scary animal that is hiding in the shadows and will harm or destroy if not carefully watched. The lion is also used as a general symbol of boldness and strength. In Ezekiel 10:14: "Each of the cherubim had four faces: One face was that of a cherub, the second the face of a human being, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle." This passage uses the lion as a symbol of God's strength and command. Throughout the Bible, whether painted in a positive or negative light, the lion is depicted as a strong and fierce symbol.
Usage of the Lion as a Symbol
In 1949, a new emblem was designed as the symbol of Jerusalem. The lion is figured prominently on the crest of the city of Jerusalem with an olive branch on either side. The olive branches symbolize peace, and the lion in the center symbolizes strength. The symbol of the lion figures prominently in cultures beyond ancient times, to more modern times and traditions as well. Beyond the Judeo-Christian religions, the lion is a part of other traditions, including African traditions, specifically Ethiopia. Haile Selassie was emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974 and many, especially those in Jamaica, revered him as the return of Jesus. Selassie would modernize Africa and help the African people to be more included in world affairs after World War II. The Rastafarian movement in Jamaica would use the lion as their symbol of Selassie on their flag. This image was fitting since the previous kings of Ethiopia had been descended from the tribe of Judah. Using the image aligned Selassie with Judah, Jesus, as well as other great kings of that nation.
The Emblem of Jerusalem
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The Flag of Ethiopia
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The lion figures prominently throughout many cultures outside of Judeo-Christian traditions, both modern and ancient. For instance, the lion figures prominently in Greek mythology. In the most popular story, the Nemean lion's fur cannot be pierced by traditional weapons, and for the king to be king, he must slay the lion and save the kingdom's people. King Eurystheus would ask the demigod Heracles to defeat the lion for him, and Heracles, with the help of Athena, would be victorious. In more modern times, the lion is showcased as the symbol of England. Richard I was at one time considered one of England's bravest kings and is commonly called Richard the Lionheart.
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FAQs
The lion of Judah has long been a symbol of bravery, nobility, and strength. This symbolism is used in the bible over 150 times but is most commonly equated with the House of Judah and the descendants of the House of Judah, including Judah himself, King David, King Solomon, and Jesus.
What is the message of the lion of the tribe of Judah? ›
We know that this lion was pointing to only one person, Jesus himself, God in human form, who is the lion of the tribe of Judah. This truth is important because it fulfills the promise and prophecy of God's word. It also gives us hope and confidence in this one who will ultimately be our deliverer.
What are 4 powerful reasons to understand and know Jesus as the Lion of Judah? ›
He has faced the worst and came out victoriously. He is fearless in the face of adversity. He is epic in the fight against darkness. He is massive compared to our obstacles.
What is the symbol of the tribe of Judah? ›
The biblical Judah (in Hebrew: Yehuda) is the eponymous ancestor of the Tribe of Judah, which is traditionally symbolized by a lion.
What does a lion symbolize spiritually? ›
The Lion spirit is associated with invincibility, self-confidence and bravery. It is the fiercest spirit animal to face all life's adversities and challenges. It has a strong and unique symbolism. Whatever the challenge, the Lion can help you overcome it with nobility and serenity.
Why is the tribe of Judah so important? ›
The tribe of Judah settled in the region south of Jerusalem and in time became the most powerful and most important tribe. Not only did it produce the great kings David and Solomon but also, it was prophesied, the Messiah would come from among its members.
Who is the lion of the tribe of Judah Scripture? ›
In Revelation 5:5, we read this about Jesus: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered.” Jesus is the Lion of Judah. And today, as we come in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, to the climax of the Joseph story (and the climax of the whole book of Genesis), we get to see why.
Who is the lion of God? ›
Asadullah, an Arabic given name meaning "Lion of God" Lion of God Ministry, a Latter Day Saint denomination. In Islam, Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib is known as "Lion of God"
Which tribe did Jesus come from? ›
Tribe of Judah - Wikipedia.
What does "hail hail lion of judah" mean? ›
Another older song is “Victory Chant” by Bob Fitts, which extols Jesus with the chorus “Hail, Hail, Lion of Judah, How powerful you Are.” In each of these songs, the image of the lion is used to denote Jesus' power and strength to fight our battles.
Aryeh is a transliteration of the Hebrew word אריה, which means lion. It is a common Hebrew masculine given name.
What does "loins" mean in the Bible? ›
This is the earliest meaning of the word, which comes from the Old French loigne, "hip or haunch." In the Bible, loin means "part of the body that should be covered with clothing." Definitions of loin. either side of the backbone between the hipbone and the ribs in humans as well as quadrupeds. synonyms: lumbus.
What is the Hebrew name for the lion of God? ›
Ariel is a given name from Biblical Hebrew אריאל Ariel that literally means "lion of God". The female form is אריאלה (transliterated as Ariela, Ariella, or the alternative English and French spelling Arielle). In modern Hebrew, Ariel is primarily used as a male name.
Why is God associated with a lion? ›
Portraying Jesus as a lion highlights His power, majesty, and ultimate authority over all creation. It emphasizes His role as the King and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah from the lineage of David, who hailed from the tribe of Judah.
Is lion a good symbol? ›
Often hidden in plain sight, lion symbolism serves many purposes - protection, guidance, power, and also balance. A lion symbolises a positive and powerful time in our life. As I am sure you are aware, lions are predominantly associated with strength, bonding, wisdom, and pride.
What does God say about lions? ›
Isaiah 31:4
4 This is what the LORD says to me: “As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey— and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor— so the LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.
What is the lesson from lion in the Bible? ›
The apostle Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). This verse actually reaffirms that Christians are to be like lions.
What is the lion of Tribe of Judah Ministries? ›
The Lion of Judah Ministries is a not-for-profit organization that exists to support the work of The Lion of Judah Academy and other similar Christian ministries in East Africa, especially Tanzania. The Lion of Judah Academy is a Christian primary and secondary school located in Bulima, Tanzania, East Africa.
What does the name Judah mean spiritually? ›
Derived from the Hebrew name Yehuda, Judah means “praise,” or “praised.” While it can always remind baby that they're worthy of praise, it can also be a potent reminder to encourage them to follow your faith. In the Hebrew Bible, Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah and the founder of the Tribe of Judah.
What does Judah represent in the Bible? ›
The text of the Torah argues that the name of Judah, meaning to thank or admit, refers to Leah's intent to thank Hashem, on account of having achieved four children, and derived from odeh, meaning I will give thanks.
