The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Genesis 49:10 ESV

Of Abraham’s twelve great-grandchildren, Joseph’s life is the most well-known. As his father’s favorite son, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his ten older brothers; however, by the providence of God, Joseph rose to be the second only to Pharaoh in all of Egypt.

Thus, when we think of promised Serpent-Crusher, we would imagine him to come from the Joseph’s lineage, yet Jacob made a different prediction about his sons.

On his deathbed, Jacob gives blessings to his children and proclaims that his fourth child, Judah, would one day be praised by all of his brothers. Though Joseph had a similar vision and he currently wielded the ruler’s scepter in Egypt, Jacob gives the royal decree to Judah.

This promise will partially be fulfilled when David becomes king of Israel, but more significantly, it points to the promised Savior, who would be a blessing for all the earth.

Therefore, we now know that the Serpent-Crusher would be an offspring of Judah and a ruler of all peoples. Indeed, Jesus is the descendant of Judah who comes to rule the nations, as the hope of the nations (Rom. 5:12); He is the promised offspring who is Savior and King.

As the fulfillment of the promises given to Judah, Jesus is rightful king and ruler over all people. In what ways do you submit your life daily to the rule and reign of Christ as king?