Who is the lion and who is Judah? Why the metaphor and what is the significance of the lion of Judah?
Who is the Lion of Judah?
God is described as the lion of Judah, Hosea 5:14. The description is not used to demean or denigrate God as an animal or wild beast but to epitomize God’s indomitable qualities.
Biblical references to animals
In the culture of the Israelites, it was common to use relevant animals for illustrations and teachings. David referred to the Lord as his shepherd, with whom he shall not want, Psalms 23:1. The journey of a lamb being led to its slaughter was also to illustrate man’s wickedness in denying justice to the innocent, Isaiah 53:7. This is repeated in Jeremiah 11:9.
In the New Testament, Jesus used animals including birds, snakes, scorpions, wolves and sheep to illustrate messages. Jesus himself was described as the Lamb of God, John 1:29 and 36. His followers were referred to as his sheep in need of a shepherd. Jesus also said to Peter, if you love me feed my sheep, John 21:17. Jesus is referred to as the good shepherd, John 10:11-16. Jesus said he knows his sheep and his sheep know him. Such illustrations were easy to understand in their culture.
Relevance of the lion
In Jewish fables, the lion was a symbol of strength, protection, alertness and fearless character. The bond between Saul and Jonathan was described as stronger than lion, 2 Samuel 1:23. In Judges 14:18 it is used as a riddle saying, what is stronger than a lion? No two lions rule the same territory because they rival each other and are jealous.
A lion is territorial and represents a symbol of dominance. It knows its prey and how to catch it usually without relenting. It is an experienced hunter. 1 Peter 5:8 says the devil is like a roaring lion seeking his prey to devour. It is indomitable hence it is called the “king of the forest”. It is courageous and good looking and such is God’s nature.
Who is Judah?
Judah is one of the 12 tribes of Israel. They are the descendants of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, Genesis 35:23. Judah was the first tribe to inhabit the promised land. It was a notorious tribe of prolific and indomitable warriors who were usually successful in battles.
The tribe of Judah is brave, fearless and devoted to helping the weak in battle. From the tribe of Judah came King David, Solomon, Jesse and Jesus Christ. It stood for blessing, majesty and divine protection for Israel. It was a celebrated tribe and a household name. These are the attributes of God in Israel.
Is God truly the Lion of Judah?
God and his son Jesus Christ are acknowledged as having the aforesaid invincible qualities. He watched over Judah and protected it as a fighting force in all Israel’s affairs. God was the architect of Judah’s battle plan and provided knowledge and wisdom for their livelihood, protection and preservation. In acknowledgment, Samuel said, the battle is the Lord’s, 1 Samuel 17:47.
Just as a lion is indomitable, God has made Israel relevant in the affairs of the world particularly wisdom, security and intelligence. Sound protection demands wisdom so James 1:5 says if any lacks wisdom, let him ask God. Jesus exhibited wisdom, Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2; Luke 2:52. He has the power of God and the wisdom of God, 1 Corinthians 1:24. In our protection under Christ Jesus, his angels said, peace on earth, Luke 2:14. Jesus also said, my peace I leave with you, John 14:27.
What God expects from us
God expects humility and submission to him. He has availed to us his sufficient grace, 2 Corinthians 12:9. As the Lion of Judah, God respects loyal relationships as strong as a lion. We cannot serve God and mammon, Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13. God hates rivalry as a jealous God, Exodus 20:5.
As a lion does, God will pursue his enemies until he has overcome them if we will submit to him. Israel’s successes in battles attest to this fact. Jesus said he will never leave us desolate, John 14:18. God has plans of future welfare for us, Jeremiah 29:11. God wants us to trust him to be alert for us just as the lion does. Psalms 121:4 says the Lord who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Just as lions move in schools, Jesus prayed for us that we may be one even as he is one with God, John 17:11.
Just as a lion is resilient in battle, James 4:7 says resist the devil and he will flee from you. The lion is called king of the forest and so is God our King who has given Jesus Christ his authority. Is God your strength in battle?
Prayer
Dear Lion of Judah, please watch over me, preserve my life, and take over my battles that I may have peace in thee, Amen!!
