Let Judah Go Up First

“In Judah, God is known…” — Psalm 76:1 (NKJV) Judah (or Yehudah in Hebrew) was the fourth son of Jacob, one of whose descendants was to be the Messiah (Genesis 29:35; 49:8–12).

Interestingly, the meaning of Judah is “praise.” Therefore, we can understand this verse in a deeper way:

In Judah (Praise), God is known or revealed.

God Is Honoured Through Praise

“God is honoured in Judah…” — Psalm 76:1 (NLT)

God is honoured when we praise Him. Praise is not just an expression it is an act that brings honour to God.

Jacob’s wife, Leah, named her fourth son Judah. Do you know why?

She knew that Jacob, her husband, did not love her, in spite of the fact that she had borne him three sons. At this point, she made a decision she chose to surrender. Instead of lamenting Jacob’s lack of love for her, she said:

“This time I will praise the Lord.” — Genesis 29:35

This was when Judah was born.

This moment is powerful. Judah (praise) was born not in comfort, but in surrender.

Praise Holds a Special Place in God’s Heart

Just as Judah held a special place in God’s heart, praise also holds a special place in God’s heart today.

Praise is:

Powerful
A necessity
A key to God’s blessings

“Now after the death of Joshua… the children of Israel asked the Lord… ‘Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first?’ And the Lord said, ‘Judah shall go up…’” — Judges 1:1–2

We see the same principle again in Judges 20:18 when it was time for battle, Judah went up first.

This is a prophetic picture of how we are to face life’s battles.

I don’t know what battle you are facing, but here is a prophetic truth:

Do not enter the battle alone let Judah go first. Let praise go first.

Do Not Begin with Complaining

Do not enter prayer complaining and grumbling to the Lord about your problems or situations.

Let Judah go first praise Him first.

You see, Judah was fourth in his family, yet in God’s order, he became first.

Maybe you don’t feel like praising God.

Maybe you feel there is nothing to praise God for in your life.

Praise Him anyway.

He is worthy of all praise.

Praise as a Weapon of Victory

In 2 Chronicles 20, when King Jehoshaphat faced a vast army like the sand, he knew the battle was beyond his strength. So he sought the face of God.

Do you know how he entered into that impossible battle?

“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes… and they were defeated.” — 2 Chronicles 20:22

Praise was not the result of victory

Praise was the strategy for victory.

Let Praise Flow Like Living Water

I am not aware of what battle you are facing. It could be:

Sickness
A court case
A client problem
A society issue
A long-standing family dispute

Whatever it is, let the praises of God go forth from your mouth.

Let the praises of God flow like rivers of living water from your belly (John 7:38).

You will go through this season with a song on your lips.

Jesus Was Introduced with Praise

Even the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, was introduced on this earth with praise.

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord… And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God…” — Luke 2:11, 13

From the very beginning, heaven announced Jesus with praise.

If you want to see God move in your life…

If you want victory in your battles…

Let Judah go first.

Let praise rise before the problem.

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 14-15

Let Judah Go Up First

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