King of the Jews. (Judah)

”Where is He, who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matt. 2: 2)

The word `Jews` means the people from the tribe of Judah. They were one of the twelve tribes of Israel named after the twelve sons of Jacob, Abraham`s grandson.

So how did Jesus come to have the title `King of the Jews?`

When Jacob gave his Patriarchal blessing and prophetic word to his twelve sons, Reuben the first-born should have received three portions above his brothers. However because he sinned vilely and did not have the character to lead, the three portions were divided up between three of his brothers - 

The Kingdom Rule - to Judah.

The Priesthood - to Levi.

The Birthright - to Joseph. (double portion to his two sons, Manasseh & Ephraim)

Thus we see that the kingdom rule went to Judah who is likened to a lion, (known as the king of the animals), and who holds the sceptre of royal power. Jacob prophesied -

`Judah is a lion`s whelp...he bows down, he lies down like a lion; and as a lion who shall rouse him? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between His feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.` (Gen. 49: 8 - 10)

So when God chose a King to rule over the nation of Israel He chose one from the tribe of Judah, David, a man after His own heart. God told David -

`Your house and your kingdom shall be established for ever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.` (2 Sam. 7: 16)  

We know from the book of Matthew that Jesus was born of the seed of David. He was also born in the city of David, (Bethlehem), and became the last King of the Jews. (Judah)  

`The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David,....` (Matt. 1: 1)

This great King of the Jews, however was not received by the nation of Israel when He was on earth, and the fulfillment of this prophecy when `Shiloh comes` awaits His revealing when He delivers Israel from their enemies. (Zech. 12: 7 - 10)

The Hebrew word `Shiyloh,` meaning Shiloh, refers to a quality of the Messiah, tranquil, secure, success.

And one great Day at Christ`s investiture with the Kingdom, He will be acclaimed the -

"Worthy One,” `the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David....` (Rev. 5: 5)