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Judah

Judah Region

RegionOld Testament
31.5000°N, 35.0000°E View on Map

About Judah (Location)

Judah was the southern kingdom formed after the division of Israel following Solomon's death. With Jerusalem as its capital, it was ruled by the descendants of David. The kingdom lasted from around 930 BC until the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC. The prophets Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Isaiah ministered during its final years, warning of coming judgment.

DavidLinked to this placeDavidFirst king of the united monarchy from the tribe of Judah

History of Judah

  1. Conquestc. 1400 BC

    Judah receives its tribal inheritance

    JOS 15:1-12

  2. United Monarchyc. 1010 BC

    David crowned king of Judah in Hebron

    2SA 2:4

  3. Divided Kingdomc. 930 BC

    Kingdom divides; Judah remains under Davidic line

    1KI 12:16-20

  4. Exile586 BC

    Babylon conquers Judah and destroys Jerusalem

    2KI 25:1-21

Notable Characters in Judah

David
David

First king of the united monarchy from the tribe of Judah

Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ

The Lion of Judah, Messiah from David's line

Locations Related to Judah

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Jerusalem was the capital of the Kingdom of Judah

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Bethlehem
Bethlehem

Bethlehem in Judah was David's and Jesus' birthplace

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Hebron
Hebron

Hebron was Judah's first capital under David

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Biblical Significance of Judah

Judah was the largest tribal territory and held the covenant promise of kingship. Jacob prophesied that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh (the Messiah) came. David established his dynasty in Judah, and from his line came Jesus, 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah.' When the kingdom divided, Judah remained faithful to Davidic rule and preserved Solomon's temple. Though eventually conquered by Babylon, Judah maintained the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus.

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