Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
[b said:Quote[/b] ]Why did you choose the name Tribe of Judah?
[As answered by Isaiah "Tek7" Jones]
Several people, upon seeing the [ToJ] prefix attached to my alias, have asked me what clan I belong to. When I explain that ToJ stands for Tribe of Judah, I receive one of many varied responses, most of which are further questions. I have written this article to explain why I chose the name 'Tribe of Judah' for a Christian gaming fellowship.
I must first emphasize that our name is symbolic. We are a Christian, not a Jewish, fellowship. Genesis 49 contains perhaps the most important passage of scripture concerning the Tribe of Judah:
8 ¶ Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
The Tribe of Judah was one of twelve tribes of Israel. Israel was God's chosen nation, to whom he first extended his Commandments. Israel was blessed while they followed the Commandments of God, and punished when they did not. The Tribe of Judah was set above all other tribes, even amongst God's chosen people.
Today, all Christians are considered God's people. Thus, we as the Tribe of Judah seek to set a standard for other Christians, inspiring others by our words and actions. We seek to follow His commandments, and be blessed.
10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
The sceptre or lawgiver in this scripture means that Judah will be ruled by law and reason. Shiloh here refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This prediction is fulfilled by the fact that Joseph, husband of Mary, virgin mother of Jesus, comes from the line of Judah. In Revelation, Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).
12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
This does not refer to drunkenness or gluttony, but instead refers to riches. This symbolizes the riches with which the Lord blesses us.
Other scriptures explain why we have taken this name:
Judges 1:2 And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.
This scripture tells us that the Lord promises to give the land of Canaan to Judah. We take this as a symbol of the blessings that the Lord promises us today.
2 Samuel 2:1 ¶ And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.
5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
6 And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
This passage tells us the story of David's travels into the land of the Tribe of Judah. Men from the house of Judah anointed him king over their tribe. David, in turn, pronounced blessing over the Tribe of Judah. We take this as a symbol of respecting and supporting other Christians, including those in leadership.
On at least two separate occasions (2 Samuel 20:1,2 and 1 Kings 14:21,22), the Tribe of Judah remained faithful to King David while others wavered. We take this as a symbol of loyalty in all times, not only to those anointed by the Lord to lead us, but also to the Lord himself.
Again, I emphasize that the name Tribe of Judah is symbolic. We take the name to remember the blessings and favor that the Lord has promised all His people who obey Him--not only our fellowship. We do not seek to seclude ourselves from the world, but rather to demonstrate, in word and deed, a better way of living.
[b said:Quote[/b] ]May we just not end up like the Judah in that passage.
Whoops. I copied and pasted from E-Sword. Oh and by the way, for those that don't know: E-Sword is an electronic version of the Bible. Great for those online discussions with curious non-believers (which if you have visited my forums you see I have a lot of).[b said:Quote[/b] (Plankeye @ June 12 2004,12:57)]Also, you wrote that passage as being Isaiah 3:1-10 yet you left out verse 10. Verse 10 states that the righteous have hope as they will enjoy the fruits of their deeds. It is a reminder to us that God does see what we do for him even amidst the evil that is around us. It is a hope we should be mindful of everyday as it is easy to forget in this wayword world.
It was difficult to choose a name with Biblical roots but without any sorrow or tragedy attached. If we were the Tribe of David, we'd have people asking why we stare at naked ladies on rooftops. If we were the Tribe of Paul, we'd have people asking us why we had to kill scores of Christians before we saw the light (har har). Most other names I brainstormed (five years ago) were just straight up cheesy. The list goes on and on.[b said:Quote[/b] (James @ June 12 2004,10:08)]It made me think more about some things... I'm not saying the name is evil or anything. May we just not end up like the Judah in that passage.