When reading about the Apostle Paul, AKA Sha’ul haShaliach, his life and testimony how does he describe his lineage?

A. Israelite 
B. Hebrew
C. Jew (of the tribe of Yehudah), or 
D. Benjamite

What Sayeth the Word?

Romans 11:1, "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin."

Acts 22:3, "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day."

During this time period did the term "Jew" or "Yehudah" only applied to those who were born of the tribe of Judah? No. Nearly 700 years before Messiah was born the term became a generic term referring to anyone that was a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

And What about our Messiah Yeshua?

But our Messiah was not simply from the land of Israel or the region called Judah, AKA the Southern Kingdom. He was to be born in Bethlehem, the city of David from the lineage of David.

Prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:10, "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."

Further prophesied in Numbers 24:17, "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."

Who is the Sceptre that has risen out of Israel? Who is this Shiloh that is prophesied to come? And Who is also called "a Star" out of Jacob? What is meant by "a lawgiver" in Genesis 49?

All of these are answered in the Word. Can you search them out?

You will need a reference Bible, or Strong's Concordance to dig these things out. There are also many FREE (I like FREE) online sites (Blue Letter Bible or Bible Gateway) and downloads such as e-Sword or Bible Analyzer that can help you in your studies.

To help out we're going to skim the surface and leave the "deep-sea-diving" to the serious students of the Word. We will do so by using a form of Hebraic engagement called D'rash or Midrash. This is using questions to ask and as answers in order to cause us to dig deeper.

What is meant by "Judah is my Lawgiver" in Psalm 60:7 and 108:8? Is Judah ruling with God (Hosea 11:12)? And Who does Isaiah 33:22 say is our Judge, Lawgiver, and King?

What is heralded by the 7th angel in Revelation 11:15? Who is worshiped and Who is the Governor is Revelation 22:27-28?

Daniel Speaks of One being given "an everlasting dominion" in chapter 7:14; Who is this? How does this affect the saints in verses 18 and 27? A King that governs forever?What is His Sceptre called in Hebrews 1:8?

Who is prophesied of in Zechariah 2:11? Whose Name is "one" in Zechariah 14:9? Where shall He rule from? (Micah 4:7)

What city is called "the city of David?" See Matt 2) Who is called "the Son of David" in Matthew 1? What did Messiah call Himself in Revelation 22:16?

Who's throne will Messiah sit upon? What are we told in 2 Samuel 7? Who's seed shall "endure forever" in Psalm 89:36? In Psalm 132:11 Who is the fruit of David's Body?

Why is Messiah declared to sit upon David's throne in Isaiah 9:6-7? Is He the seed of David? (See Romans 1:3 and Revelation 1:3) And who is the prophet being spoken about in Acts 2:30?

When you have answered these questions, can you reply in D'rash by answering and asking more questions?

Happy Digging!

Shalom Aleichem,
Ro'i u'Moreh (Pastor and Teacher) Larry