– Parashah 44: D’varim (Words) –
(Complete Jewish Bible)
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The Tribe of Judah
The Tribe of Judah, which is Y’hudah in Hebrew, is the fourth of Israel (or Jacob) from his first wife Leah. Judah’s lands as described in Joshua 15, encompassed most of the southern portion of the Promised Land, including the Negev Desert, the Wilderness of Zin and Jerusalem. The lion image is the traditional symbol for the Tribe of Judah, and very often represented in Jewish custom, religion, art and sculpture and can be seen everywhere in Jerusalem. Many lions, from small to large stand in silence like soldiers to ‘guard’ the tops of city buildings, around parks, ponds and shop fronts, including the walls of the Old City.
The lion symbol has also appeared on Jerusalem’s municipal flag since 1950. The Lion of Judah is synonymous with the Biblical Tribe of Judah as well the Kingdom of Judah whose capital was Jerusalem. In Genesis 49:8, the prophecy over this fourth son declares: “Judah, your brothers will acknowledge you, your hand will be on the neck of your enemies, your father’s sons will bow down before you”. Judah was described as having the strength of a young lion with courage and vitality, and as a mature lion, have national prominence of a kingship dynasty beginning with David and Solomon. Next week is Zebulun and his historical significance.
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
– Double Portion Parashah 42 and 43:
– 42: Mattot (Tribes) –
(Complete Jewish Bible)
Matthew 5:33-36; Matthew 10:5-13
– 43: Mas’ei (Journeys) –
(Complete Jewish Bible)
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The Tribe of Levi
Last week we looked at the symbol and a little history about the Tribe of Simeon. This week we visit Levi, the third son of the Patriarch Jacob (also known as Israel). Levi’s mother was Leah, who also bore his two older brothers, Reuben and Simeon.
When Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Caanan (Joshua 13:33), the Levites were the only tribe to receive cities, but were not allowed to be landowners, “because they will have no inheritance with their brothers, because Adonai is their inheritance – as he has said to them” (Deut. 18:2 CJB). The Tribe of Levi served particular religious duties for the Israelites. In return the other Tribes of Israel were to give a tithe (a tenth) of their increase to the Levitical (including Aaronic) Priesthood who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. In Numbers 18:2-6, the Levites were charged with keeping watch over the Tabernacle itself and ministering to the Kohanim who had higher priestly duties, such as offering the sacrifices.
Unfortunately, Levi had been party to treachery and violence toward the Shechemites, a story which is told in Genesis 34:24-30. Levi’s anger was accompanied by cruelty and fierceness, which led to the promise of dispersing them throughout Israel. Because of God’s grace and their loyalty to Him, the Tribe of Levi were included in the privileged priestly office.
The big lesson that the Tribe of Levi had to learn, which can also apply to us today, is that once God forgave their sins, He then could then use them in the advancement of His Ministry. Famous people in the Bible who were Kohanim include Miriam, John the Baptist, Ezra, Samuel, Ezekiel and Malachi. Catch up with us next week with a glimpse of other Tribe.
Copyright exists in all the material on this website and is owned by Messianic Education Australia Ltd. unless otherwise explicitly stated. This copyright extends to the images, logos, layout and presentation styles as well as the text material.
