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scatter them in Israel, so that they should not form independent and compact tribes. In
point of fact, we know that even at the second numbering of Israel (Numbers 26:14),
Simeon had sunk to be the smallest tribe. In the last blessing of Moses (Deuteronomy
33), no mention at all is made of Simeon. Nor does this tribe seem to have obtained
any well-defined portion in the land, but only to have held certain cities within the
possession of Judah. (Joshua 19:1-9) Lastly, we know that such of the families of
Simeon as largely increased and became powerful, afterwards left the Holy Land, and
settled outside its boundaries. (1 Chronicles 4:38-43) The tribe of Levi also received
not any possession in Israel; only that their scattering was changed from a curse into
a blessing by their election to the priesthood. This scattering of two tribes was the
significant answer which God in His righteous providence made to their ancestors'
attempt at vindicating the honor of their race by carnal means and weapons.
Simeon and Levi are brethren;
Instruments of violence are their swords;
Into their council come not thou, oh my soul,
Unto their assembly be not thou united, mine honor;
For in their anger they slew men,
And in their self-will they hamstrung oxen.
Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce,
And their wrath, for it was cruel.
I will divide them in Jacob,
And scatter them in Israel.
The three older brothers being thus dispossessed, and Joseph receiving the twofold
territorial portion, the other privileges of the birthright are solemnly transferred to
Judah. He is to be the leader, "the lion." As the lion is king of the forest, so was Judah
to have royal sway, through David onwards to the Son of David, the Shiloh, unto
Whom, as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah," all nations should render homage and
obedience. Similarly, fullness of earthly riches was to distinguish the lot of Judah,
these earthly blessings being themselves emblems of the spiritual riches dispensed in
the portion of Judah. The whole description here is full of Messianic allusions, which
were afterwards taken up in the prophecy of Balaam (Numbers 23:24; 24:9, 17); then
applied to David (Psalm 89:20-37); and from him carried forward in prophecy,
through Psalm 72, Isaiah 9, 11, to Ezekiel 21:27, and Zechariah 9:9, till they were
finally realized in Jesus Christ, "sprung out of Juda," (Hebrews 7:14) "our peace, who
hath made both one," (Ephesians 2:14) and who "must reign till He hath put all
enemies under His feet," (1 Corinthians 15:25) "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the
Root of David," Who "hath prevailed." (Revelation 5:5)
In the blessing upon Judah we note, for the first time, how the prophetic significance
of the name unfolds and appears:
(^)