Why Judah Marches First Among the Tribal Standards

Another interpretation: "And those who encamp eastward, toward the sunrise." You find that in every place Judah comes first among the standards, as it is said, "And those who encamp eastward, toward the sunrise, shall be the standard of the camp of Judah" (Numbers 2:3). This is for encamping. For journeying, from where? As it is said, "And the standard of the camp of the children of Judah set out first" (Numbers 10:14). For the offerings, from where? As it is said, "And the one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon ben Amminadav, of the tribe of Judah" (Numbers 7:12). From where for war? As it is said, "Who shall go up for us against the Canaanite first, to fight against him? And the Lord said: Judah shall go up" (Judges 1:1-2). And even when the herald comes, Judah is heralded first, as it is said, "Behold, upon the mountains the feet of the herald who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, fulfill your vows" (Nahum 2:1). The Holy One said to them: In this world I have made you into standards (degalim), as it is said, "Each man by his own standard…" (Numbers 2:2); and in the world to come, by the merit of the standards, I will leap (medaleg) and redeem you, as it is said, "The voice of my beloved! Behold, here he comes, leaping over the mountains…" (Song of Songs 2:8).