Judah

Judah (Yehudah = "Praise"), the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. He interceded for the life of Joseph with his brethren, and was the most influential of Jacob's sons. As such he treats with his father concerning Benjamin, and is sent to prepare the land of Goshen for the reception of Jacob. His tribe also took the foremost place, and the most important part of Palestine was assigned to it for territory. Caleb and Othniel were exceptionally favoured in the division. The territory of Judah was about 45 miles long and 50 miles broad. David reigned first over this tribe at Hebron; and after his death it had a separate existence as a kingdom.