praise, the fourth son of
Jacob by
Leah. The name originated in Leah's words of praise to the
Lord on account of his
birth: "Now will I praise [Heb. odeh]
Jehovah, and she called his name Yehudah" (
Gen. 29:35).
It was
Judah that interposed in behalf of
Joseph, so that his
life was spared (
Gen. 37:26, 27). He took a lead in the affairs of the family, and "prevailed above his brethren" (
Gen. 43:3-10; 44:14, 16-34; 46:28;
1 Chr. 5:2).
Soon after the sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelites, Judah went to reside at
Adullam, where he married a
woman of
Canaan. (See
ONAN ; TAMAR.) After the
death of his
wife Shuah, he returned to his father's
house, and there exercised much influence over the
patriarch, taking a principal part in the events which led to the whole family at length going down into
Egypt. We hear nothing more of him till he received his father's blessing (
Gen. 49:8-12).
I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
