Judah Goes First in Every Generation and at the End of Days

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 37:3

"And it came to pass after the death of Joshua" (Judges 1:1). This is what Scripture says: "The sun also rises, and the sun goes down" (Ecclesiastes 1:5). Rabbi Simon said: Wherever "after" is stated, it means a considerable interval. "And the LORD said, Judah shall go up" (Judges 1:2). This is what Scripture says: "Judah, you, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies" (Genesis 49:8). In every place Judah is first. First at the going down into the sea, as it is said, "When Israel went out of Egypt... Judah became His sanctuary" (Psalms 114:1-2). First among the banners, "And the standard of the camp of the children of Judah set forward first" (Numbers 10:14). First among the judges, "And the LORD said, Judah shall go up." And even in the time to come, "And David My servant shall be prince over them forever" (Ezekiel 37:25).

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