Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:Judah at the Jordan refers to the events and significance surrounding the tribe of Judah in relation to the Jordan River, a prominent geographical and spiritual landmark in biblical history. The Jordan River serves as a boundary and a place of transition for the Israelites, including the tribe of Judah, as they enter the Promised Land. Historical Background: The tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is descended from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah holds a prominent position among the tribes, being the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ are descended. The tribe's inheritance in the Promised Land is located in the southern part of Canaan, encompassing Jerusalem and extending to the Dead Sea. Crossing the Jordan: The crossing of the Jordan River is a pivotal moment for the Israelites, marking their entry into the land promised to them by God. In the book of Joshua, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River on dry ground, a miraculous event reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stand in the river, and the waters are halted, allowing the people to cross (Joshua 3:14-17): "So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a heap far away at Adam, the city beside Zarethan. The water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until the entire nation had completed the crossing." Significance for Judah: The crossing of the Jordan is not only a physical transition but also a spiritual one, symbolizing the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. For the tribe of Judah, this event underscores their role in the unfolding of God's plan for His people. As the tribe from which the Davidic line emerges, Judah's inheritance and presence in the land are crucial for the establishment of the kingdom of Israel and the eventual coming of the Messiah. Judah's Inheritance: The land allotted to Judah is described in detail in Joshua 15. It includes significant cities such as Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. This territory becomes the heartland of the Davidic kingdom and the center of Jewish worship and identity. The strategic and fertile land of Judah plays a vital role in the tribe's prosperity and influence. Prophetic and Messianic Implications: The tribe of Judah is prophetically significant, as seen in Jacob's blessing over Judah in Genesis 49:10 : "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his." This prophecy points to the coming of a ruler from Judah's line, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Conclusion: Judah at the Jordan represents a moment of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises. The crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites, including the tribe of Judah, marks the beginning of a new chapter in their history, one that is foundational for the establishment of the kingdom of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of Judah. Subtopics Judah: A Prince or Priest Who Assisted in the Dedication of the Walls of Jerusalem Judah: Intercedes for Joseph's Life when his Brothers Were About to Kill Him Judah: Name of Two Exiled Priests Judah: Son of Jacob: Goes Down Into Egypt for Corn (Grain) Judah: Son of Jacob: His Incest With his Daughter-In-Law Judah: Son of Jacob: Lives at Chezib Judah: Son of Jacob: Prophetic Benediction of his Father Upon Judah: Son of Jacob: Takes Two Wives Judah: Son of Jacob: The Ancestor of Jesus the Tribe of Judah with Benjamin Alone, Adhered to the House of David the Tribe of Judah: After Saul's Rebellion Appointed to Furnish Kings to Israel the Tribe of Judah: Aided Saul in his Wars the Tribe of Judah: Bounds of Inheritance the Tribe of Judah: Descended from Jacob's Fourth Son the Tribe of Judah: Encamped With Its Standard East of the Tabernacle the Tribe of Judah: Families of the Tribe of Judah: First and Most Vigorous in Driving out the Canaanites the Tribe of Judah: Furnished to Israel the First Judge the Tribe of Judah: Led the First Division of Israel in Their Journeys the Tribe of Judah: Offering of, at Dedication the Tribe of Judah: Officer Placed Over by David the Tribe of Judah: On Gerizim Said Amen to the Blessings the Tribe of Judah: Other Tribes Jealous of, on Account of David the Tribe of Judah: out Lord Sprang From the Tribe of Judah: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Judah: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Judah: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Judah: Predictions Respecting the Tribe of Judah: Reigned Over Alone by David Seven Years and a Half the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Absalom the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Achan the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Adonijah the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Bezaleel the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Boaz the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Caleb the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of David the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Elhanan the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Elihu the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Elimelech the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Jesse the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Jonathan the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Kings of Judah (See 1st and 2nd Books of Kings) the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Nahshon the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Obed the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Pethahiah the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Solomon the Tribe of Judah: Reproved for Tardiness in Bringing Back David After Absalom's the Tribe of Judah: Strength of on Entering Canaan the Tribe of Judah: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt the Tribe of Judah: The First to Submit to David the Tribe of Judah: The Last Tribe Carried Into Captivity the Tribe of Judah: Went First Against Gibeah Tribe of Judah by Whom Commanded Tribe of Judah is Accorded the Birthright Forfeited by Reuben Tribe of Judah: Accused by the Other Tribes of Stealing the Heart of David Tribe of Judah: Commissioned by God to Lead in the Conquest of the Promised Land Tribe of Judah: Inheritance of Tribe of Judah: Loyal to David at the Time of the Insurrection Led by Sheba Tribe of Judah: Loyal to the House of David at the Time of the Revolt of the Ten Tribes Tribe of Judah: Make David King Tribe of Judah: Moses' Benediction Upon Tribe of Judah: On the Plain of Moab Tribe of Judah: Place of, in Encampments and the March Tribe of Judah: Prophecies Concerning Tribe of Judah: Rebuked by David for Lukewarmness Toward Him After Absalom's Defeat Related Terms |