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The Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Illustration of The Lion of the Tribe of Judah

When no one is found worthy to open the sealed scroll of history, John is told, 'Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah... hath prevailed.' The title fulfills Jacob's ancient blessing over Judah and portrays Christ's conquering, kingly power. Strikingly, when John turns to look at the Lion, he sees instead a slain Lamb - power revealed through sacrifice.

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Key Passages

The Lion Who Is the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-10

The Lion of Judah has prevailed to open the scroll - yet appears as a Lamb that was slain, conquering through sacrifice.

A1nd I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Did You Know?

1

The title fulfills Jacob's dying blessing over Judah: 'Judah is a lion's whelp.'

2

It appears when no one is found worthy to open the scroll of history.

3

When John turns to see the Lion, he sees instead a slain Lamb - power through sacrifice.

4

Lion and Lamb together capture the two comings: suffering first, then conquering.