He Lion of Judah Is the symbol of the Hebrew tribe of Judah or the Jews. The association between Judah and the lion, almost always an Asian lion, can be found in the blessing given to Judah by his father James in the Book of Genesis.
The Book of Revelation also mentions the Lion of Judah. In this case, the term represents Jesus according to Christian theology. Many Christian organizations and ministries use the Lion of Judah as an emblem or even as their name.
The Lion of Judah was also one of the titles of the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie And was represented on the Ethiopian flag from 1897 to 1974. Because of this association with Salassie, the lion remains an important symbol among the members of the Rastafari Movement.
Lion of Judah and its symbolism for the Jews
The first lion, Judah, comes from the book of Genesis. Each of the Twelve Tribes of Israel has a symbol associated with it.
For example, the symbol of Benjamin is the wolf and Daniel's is a serpent. The Genesis verse that gives the lion symbol to Judah is:"Gur Aryeh Yehudah"; That phrase can be translated as"Young lion, Judah"
In time, all the Jews began to be known by the name of Judah or Judas. Although Judah sold his brother Joseph to slavery, the conclusion of the story is apparent because the Lion of Judah became a symbol of the values and commitment of the Jewish people.
History of Judah and the Old Testament
The story of Judah in the Book of Genesis has many lessons. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and still manages to reach a position of power in Egypt.
After a drought in the land of Canaan, the brothers of Judah come to him to beg him for some food. His brothers do not recognize him and suspect nothing when he sends them to look for his younger brother, Benjamin.
Since the loss of Joseph, Benjamin had become his father's favorite son. For that reason, the father would rather not let him go. Judah promises to his father that he will take care of his brother and that he will return home safely with Benjamin.
The reality is that Joseph wanted to teach his brothers a lesson and put a silver cup in Benjamin's bag. The cup is found and Joseph declares that Benjamin should remain in Egypt being a slave as a form of punishment.
During this test, Joseph tried to find out if his brothers would again let their brother suffer so they could move forward in their lives. On this occasion Judah asks that they release his brother Benjamin and take him as a slave instead.
Genesis
A theme present in Genesis in personal responsibility and responsibility for our neighbors. The story of Judah is just one of several stories with this theme that appear in this book.
Judah takes responsibility and for this reason his family is reunited. With this act, Judah becomes a role model for the Jews; They have to look after each other, as well as the world.
The Lion of Judah and Tzedakah
Tzedeká is a Hebrew word meaning solidarity. It has to do with doing justice and helping the neediest. This help is an obligation that has a lot to do with ethics.
For this reason, the Tzedeká relates to the Lion of Judah. The Tzedeká represents the responsibility each Jew has to watch over his brother and the obligation to make a difference in the lives of others.
Tzedeká can also mean justice; Implies the central theme in a person's life by performing acts of devotion to the needs of others.
Whether it is a monetary gift, a physical gift or some action, the power of the act of Tzedeká is very important. The Lion of Judah is a powerful symbol of the spirit of generosity and self-denial.
History in Ethiopia
The Kebra Naaest chronicles the history of Ethiopia since the 13th century, claims descendants of an entourage of Israelis who returned with the Queen of Sheba from her visit to the father of her son, King Solomon in Jerusalem.
The founder of the Solomonic dynasty was Melenik I; Product of the union between Solomon and Makeda, the Queen of Sheba. As Solomon was of the tribe of Judah, his son Menelik I would continue the line.
According to Ethiopian history, this line was passed directly from king to king until Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown in 1974.
Both Ethiopian Christian and Jewish history indicate that there were immigrants from the tribes of Dan and Judah who accompanied Makeda when he returned from his visit to Solomon.
From there comes the ge'ez motto"The Lion of Judah has conquered"; Included in the titles of the Emperor throughout the Solomonic dynasty.
The Lion of Judah is a prominent figure on the ancient imperial flag, on coins, on stamps, etc. It can still be observed on the terrace of the capital as a national symbol.
Rastafari Movement
The Lion of Judah is a symbol and an important figure in the Rastafari Movement. Represents the Emperor Haile Selassie I, as well as a symbol of strength, brotherhood, pride and African sovereignty.
The Rastafarian Movement considers the mention in the Bible of the Lion of Judah in Genesis 49: 9 and in Revelations 5: 5 as a reference to the Emperor Haile Salassie I.
References
- Lion of Judah. Jewish Gift Place. Retrieved from jewishgiftplace.com.
- Tribe of Judah. Prophecy - 12 Tribes. Retrieved from lifehopeandtruth.com.
- Judaism 101. Retrieved from jewfaq.org.
- Genesis 49: 9. Byblos. Retrieved from biblehub.com.
- Revelation 5: 5. Bible Study Tools. Recovered from biblestudiestool.com.
- Haile Selassie. King of Kings, Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah (1998) Retrieved from discussion.uvm.edu.