Definition: Judah [is] a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break this verse down. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic passage from Genesis 49:9, and it speaks to the beginning of Israel's destiny. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes God’s plan for the future nation of Judah – essentially, the land that would eventually become Israel. It's saying that Judah will be a powerful and successful people, just like a lion protecting its prey. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Genesis 49:9” : This refers to a specific event in God’s history – the birth of Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelites. It’s a pivotal moment where God chooses Jacob and establishes him as the foundation for this future nation. “Judah is a lion’s whelp” : This is the key image. A “lion’s whelp” is a young lion pup that has been left to fend for itself. It's a vulnerable, but potentially powerful creature. The verse says Judah is a lion’s whelp – meaning he’s born into a position of being protected and nurtured by God. “from the prey, my son, thou art gone up” : This is a clever way of saying that Jacob was brought to this world as a result of God's plan. It emphasizes his special role and destiny. “he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion” : This is where the imagery really comes alive. The verse describes Jacob becoming a powerful, assertive lion – very fierce and commanding. He’s not just any lion; he’s a lion . “who shall rouse him up?” : This is the big question. It suggests that God has a plan for Judah to rise to greatness and become a leader. It implies that God will help Judah achieve his full potential. Overall Meaning & Symbolism: The verse paints a picture of a future nation that is destined for great things, guided by God’s hand. It's about: Divine Protection: Jacob is being protected and nurtured in a way that prepares him for a role of leadership. Potential for Greatness: The lion symbolizes strength, power, and leadership – qualities Judah will develop. God's Plan: This verse highlights God’s purposeful plan for the future, even though it’s still unfolding. In short, this is a beautiful and symbolic passage that speaks to the idea of God choosing a nation to be mighty and successful, guided by his wisdom. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the symbolism of lions? How this relates to the story of Joseph?