Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Judah holds a significant place in biblical history, being one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Known for its leadership and prominence, Judah was often at the forefront of Israel's endeavors. One notable event involving the tribe is its role in the conflict against the city of Gibeah, as recorded in the Book of Judges.Context and Background The incident at Gibeah is detailed in Judges 19-21, a period marked by moral and social chaos in Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The narrative begins with a horrific crime committed in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. A Levite's concubine was brutally abused and murdered by the men of Gibeah, leading to national outrage. Judah's Leadership in Battle In response to this atrocity, the tribes of Israel gathered at Mizpah to seek justice against the perpetrators. The assembly decided to go to war against the tribe of Benjamin, which had refused to surrender the guilty men of Gibeah. The Israelites sought divine guidance on how to proceed, asking, "Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?" The LORD answered, "Judah shall go first" (Judges 20:18). Judah's selection to lead the charge underscores its role as a leader among the tribes. This decision aligns with Judah's historical position as a tribe of strength and leadership, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:8-10, where Judah is described as a lion's cub and a ruler among his brothers. The Battle and Its Aftermath The battle against Benjamin was fierce and costly. Despite initial setbacks, the Israelites, led by Judah, eventually succeeded in defeating the Benjamites. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and highlighted the deep divisions and moral decay within the nation. The tribe of Judah's involvement in this conflict is a testament to its enduring role in the history of Israel. As the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come, Judah's leadership in times of crisis foreshadows its future significance in God's redemptive plan. Significance in Biblical Narrative The event at Gibeah and Judah's role in it serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for righteous leadership. It also illustrates the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of national crisis. Judah's obedience in leading the charge against Gibeah reflects its commitment to justice and righteousness, qualities that would characterize its future kings and, ultimately, the Messiah. The Tribe of Judah's actions during this period are a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel, demonstrating the tribe's central role in the unfolding account of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 20:18And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Kings. How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... The Israelites The Historical Books. David the Shepherd Youth. The Prophet --His Youth and his Call. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Exile --Continued. In Judaea Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org When and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |