The answer is: His lawgiver

Genesis 49:10 - In Psalm 60:7 and 108:8, David refers to Judah as God's "lawgiver," emphasizing the tribe's royal lineage and its significance in God's plan. Notably, it was from Judah that Jesus descended (Matthew 1:2-3), reinforcing Jesus' identity as the fulfilment of God's promises to Israel.

David’s reference to Judah as “God’s lawgiver” shines a fascinating light on the role this tribe played, not just in his time but throughout biblical history. This term denotes more than authority; it hints at the foundational role that Judah held in the establishment of guidelines for how community and faith functions together. Judah's significance can also be traced back to Jacob’s blessing over his sons in Genesis 49:10, where he states that the scepter will not depart from Judah—an imagery laden with royal connotations.

To grasp the essence of Judah’s prominence, consider that it isn’t just about lineage; it carries echoes of leadership and divine purpose. David, a Judahite himself, ruled over all Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the city of God—all these encapsulated symbolic of unity, inheritance, and divine order.

Additionally, the genealogy presented by Matthew in chapter 1 reinforces that by tracing Jesus back to Judah, it situates him within the ongoing narrative of promise and covenant which scripture unpacks throughout the Old Testament. People often overlook that the name "Judah" translates to "praise," impacting how this tribe has become synonymous with gratitude and collective identity within Israel's heritage. So, next time we see “Judah” pop up in scripture, remember it’s a little kingdom of significance, echoing through ages from ancient heirs to our understanding of spiritual legacy today!