Naming the Beast
“Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He crouches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion, who dares rouse him up? Genesis 49:9 NASB
Lion – Most of us are familiar with the phrase “lion of Judah.” It has taken on Messianic meaning for centuries in both Christianity and Judaism. Jacob’s prophecy seems to be the origin of this idea. When we investigate, we discover that there are six Hebrew words for lion and that lion is the most mentioned animal in the Tanakh. But perhaps we have missed some of the riches of this verse because we have Messianic theological associations.
Most commentators describe Jacob’s blessing as an allusion to power, strength and daring. Here we have two different Hebrew words, both usually translated “lion” but occasionally “lion” and “lioness” (based on the observation that the lioness is the fiercer of the two). The two words are ‘arye’ and labi’. The form for lioness (lebiya’) is found in Ezekiel 19:2. Since Jacob uses different words in the same sentence, we might reasonably assume he means both the male and female of the species.
Now let’s pay attention to the not so obvious linguistic connection between “lion” and “violence”. The second word for “lion” (labi’) is also associated with God’s judgment (Hosea 13:8). We don’t think of the “lion of Judah” in these terms, but maybe we should. We are prone toward the kind and passive “Jesus,” who heals, forgives and is generally an all-around nice guy. He has become the epitome of a morally upright advisor about life. “What a friend we have in Jesus” does not conjure up images of the savage beast. But let me show you what lions are really all about. In a word, “death.”
Is this the “lion of Judah” that you have in mind? Do you think of Yeshua HaMashiach as the one who brings judgment, the angel of death visiting a rebellious creation? Do you fear Him? Yeshua came as Messiah ben Joseph, but do not be deceived. He is coming back as Messiah ben David, and the blood He brings will not be the blood of a sacrifice.
I often dream of the days when His reign is restored to earth as it is in heaven, but before I can lay down with a lion, there will be judgment. And that scares me.
Topical Index: Genesis 49:9, lion, Judah, ‘arye’, labi’
My son, Michael, took this photo in Botswana.
You have written the truth. We need to press into repent, obey and love for His visitation draws near.
6 The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood, it is covered with fat– the blood of lambs and goats, fat from the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah and a great slaughter in Edom.
God’s Day of Vengeance and Redemption
1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”
Skip I have a question.
Our son hunts mountain lions in Colorado. He will only kill the toms (unless his dogs tree a female that is disposed to attacking). The reason is because the males kill the cubs. Is that true of the African lion as well?
I believe that is true of all cats. The males will kill cubs that are not their own in order that the females come into heat and mate with them thereby preserving that males genes.
This happens in even our barn cats occasionally when a stray tom wanders in.
Sad fact of nature.
Maybe that has some significance when considering God’s commands to cleanse the land of the original inhabitants and the destruction of the wicked at the second coming. Interesting that the word picture for Shalom is to “shen/Devour, lamed/authority, vav/ establishing, mem/ chaos”
HUMMMMM!!!
Ahh, Or…have I been living Torah “enough”?
The kinsman redeemer/the avenger of blood, He is both. He is the Pesach that entered into each home and protected those that where obedient and the angel of death that took out the first born of those that did not heed his word.
To Him be the glory forever.
Dr. Eli’s “Jewish Studies for Christians” addressed the name of Judah on December 2. He said that the name Judah (Yehudah) comes from the Hebrew verb LeHodot, meaning “to thank.” Further, according to Dr. Eli, there was a particular sacrifice in the Temple at Jerusalem known as The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving. “Todah” in Hebrew.
Help, followers of the Way! What is the connection between the judgment Skip refers to and the thanksgiving that Dr. Eli discusses? Or is there any?
(I realize Skip is talking about the word “lion” and Dr. Eli is talking about the word “Judah.”)
Isa 66:2 Didn’t I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be,” says Adonai. “The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.
This fear He has shown me recently brings obedience to His words.