If you find yourself reading through the books of Chronicles, you’ll be reading a lot of genealogical information. One particular part is found in 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 (NHEB) The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn; but, because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and not to be regarded in the genealogy as the firstborn. For Judah prevailed above his brothers, and a leader descended from him; but the birthright was Joseph’s:).
So Reuben forfeits the birthright and it is given to Joseph and his sons, but it’s very clear here that Judah prevailed. How did Judah prevail, why does it say that a leader proceeded from him? What was it that set him apart?
I think the answer can be found in Genesis chapter 44. This is where Joseph tested the brothers by having his cup placed in Benjamin’s bag. When discovered we see Judah take the lead. We can see this in Genesis 44:14 (NHEB) So Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, and he was still there, and they fell to the ground before him. Notice how it says Judah and his brothers, this shows us that Judah took the lead? Then we see Judah truly stand out. He calls Joseph to the side and has a conversation and offers himself in Benjamin’s place. “So now, please let your servant remain as my lord’s slave instead of the boy. As for the boy, let him go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see my father’s pain (Genesis 44:33-34 NET).” Judah volunteered to sacrifice himself for his brother and his father. He had compassion and that drove him to be willing to sacrifice himself for them. Judah is the only brother that volunteered to stay in Benjamin’s place. This set Judah apart. This is also why I believe that Jacob prophecies that the Messiah will come through Judah in Genesis 49:10 (NHEB) The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs. And it is he whom the peoples will obey. This is why we read earlier that a leader would descend from him. Judah had taken on the character of God by being willing to sacrifice himself for others. Remember that Egypt is a type of the world or slavery to sin. So Judah was going to sacrifice himself so that his brother would not be a slave to the world. This is why I believe that Jesus came through the tribe of Judah. This was what set Judah apart, this is why he prevailed.
We should be willing to sacrifice ourselves for others just as Judah was, just as Christ did. Now we may not go into slavery or actually die, but we will die to ourselves. We may sacrifice our time, our money, our plans, our conveniences for others. We may have to go out of our way to help and reach others. It may be as simple as sitting and talking with others when it may not be convenient. It may be buying someone a meal or putting your arm around them and comforting them. It may be teaching a Bible study. Or it may be entering the mission field. The list could go on. The point is that we must be willing to make sacrifices to lead people out of the world.
1 John 3:16 KJV Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.