Expert: Marilyn - 2/23/2010

Question
David and Jesus are from the tribe of Judah. Where in the Bible is this verified with scriptural reference.

Answer
Hello Larry;

Judah was a son of Jacob by Leah, Genesis 29:35; 35:23 I Chronicles 2:1. In I Chronicles 2 the sons of Judah are listed. Judah produced Perez by Tamar, verse 4. Matthew 1 is a little clearer for our purposes: Perez -> Hezron -> Ram -> Amminadab -> Nashon -> Salmon -> Boaz -> Obed -> Jesse -> David -> Solomon -> Rehoboam -> Abijah -> Asa -> Jehoshaphat -> Joram -> Uzziah -> Jotham -> Ahaz -> Hezekiah -> Manasseh -> Amon -> Josiah -> Jeconiah -> Shealtiel -> Zerubbabel -> Abiud -> Elakim -> Azor -> Zadok -> Akim -> Eliud -> Eleazar -> Matthan -> Jacob -> Joseph.

Matthew lists the genealogy of Joseph, Jesus' step-father. Mary's genealogy is found in Luke. Luke traces her genealogy back to Adam. Up to David, Mary and Joseph's genealogies are identical. Mary is descended from David's son, Nathan, while Joseph is descended from David's son, Solomon. Solomon's line is the royal line, in the sense that he was heir to the throne, while Nathan was not.

The 12 sons of Jacob are the Patriarchs of Israel, the fathers of the 12 tribes. Genesis 49:28, "All these are the twelve tribes of Israel..." this verse refers to the previous verses of this chapter wherein Jacob blesses his sons. See also Deuteronomy 33:7.

Respecting Jesus see Zechariah 10:4; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5.

Jesus is heir to the throne by adoption by His step-father Joseph, but is also "naturally" born into the tribe of Judah on His mother's side.

Sincerely,

Marilyn