Judah Went Up First

Jdg 1:2 And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.

Jdg 1:3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

Jdg 1:4 And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

Judah means "praised". Judah's father Jacob gave him a prophetic blessing:

Gen 49:8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Gen 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?

Gen 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

King David was from the tribe of Judah. He was known for his many instruments of praise. He knew how to praise the LORD. He was after the Lords heart. Yes, he sinned, but also repented, wanting the Holy Spirit with him always.

Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

The mother of the man Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, so also was Joseph his legal earthly father. Jesus is to be praised. He had the fullness of the Holy Spirit; He is God the Son and He is the victor over our enemies: sin, death and the devil. Jesus went up first to glory, followed by all who trust in him. Jesus from the tribe of Judah shall receive our praise. Shiloh (tranquil) has come, the Messiah, the prince of glory and Jesus, our peace. He is worthy of all glory, honor and praise. Praise the name of Jesus!