From Judah is The Lion King | Genesis 49

In Genesis 49, Jacob nears the end of his life and speaks prophetic blessings over his sons. These blessings are not mere words of wishful thinking; they are the Spirit-inspired voice of God, declaring what will come to pass. Among the twelve, Judah receives a prophecy that stands out because from his line will come the Messiah—Jesus Christ—whom Revelation calls the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

The Lion Motif in Scripture

Jacob describes Judah in powerful terms:

“Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” (Genesis 49:9–10)

Judah is compared to a lion—majestic, powerful, and unstoppable. The image of a lion suggests both strength and kingship, and it sets the stage for the coming of the true King, Christ.

Centuries later, John’s vision in Revelation ties directly back to this moment. The angel proclaims:

“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5)

What began as a tribal blessing becomes a title of eternal glory for Jesus, the rightful heir of David’s throne.

The True Heir and the Imposter

The story of humanity reflects this same lion-king motif. Adam, created as God’s son and steward of creation, forfeited his authority through sin. Satan, the deceiver, seized control and has reigned as an imposter, spreading destruction and rebellion across the world.

But Christ, the true Son, has come. He is the rightful heir who restores what was lost. His reign brings order, peace, and flourishing—not just in this life, but in the life to come. Just as the pride in The Lion King languished under the rule of Scar until the true heir returned, so the nations suffer under sin until the Lion of Judah establishes His kingdom.

Christ’s Authority Over All Things

Jesus is not only the Lion of Judah; He is Lord over every sphere of life.

Lord over the individual: Each person must repent and confess Jesus as Lord, trusting in His death and resurrection.

Lord over the family: As 1 Corinthians 11 teaches, Christ is the head of every man, and His authority shapes the home.

Lord over nations: Romans 13 reminds us that rulers are deacons of God, accountable to Christ as the King of kings.

Prophet, Priest, and King: He is the final Word of God, the mediator of the new covenant, and the sovereign ruler to whom all allegiance is owed.

We were made for Him. Our lives only flourish when submitted to His kingship.

The Call of the Lion King

Jacob’s blessing on Judah finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is the conquering King who has crushed the serpent’s head, the heir of all nations, and the ruler to whom every knee shall bow.

The call is simple yet urgent: acknowledge His rule, bow before Him in repentance and faith, and live under His reign. Rejecting Him leads to ruin; embracing Him leads to life.

Do you want to support Church of The Word?

https://cotwstl.org/give/

Check out our church here!

https://cotwstl.org/

#biblestudy #faith