Genesis 49:8

Judah. Jacob’s fourth son was the first to receive a rich and unqualified blessing, one which bestowed upon him supremacy and power. Though not expressly so stated by Jacob, Judah received the right of the first-born to leadership, forfeited by Reuben because of emotional instability, and by Simeon and Levi because of their cruelty.

Thy brethren shall praise. According to ch. 29:35 the name Judah means “the praised one.” By a play on words, so dear to the Oriental heart, Jacob assured Judah of the praise of his brethren. Judah had shown a noble character. Even in the dark hour when Joseph’s brothers were plotting to kill him, Judah had proposed a solution that saved Joseph’s life (ch. 37:26, 27). The excellency of his character was illustrated, moreover, in the offering of his own life as a pledge for that of Benjamin, and also when he pleaded with Joseph on Benjamin’s behalf, to save him from slavery (chs. 43:9, 10; 44:16-34). It had been apparent even earlier, in his conduct toward Tamar (ch. 38:26), though originally he seems to have been a rather wild and reckless individual (see on ch. 38:7-26). His own personal strength of character, acquired by stern victories over natural tendencies, was reflected in the virility of the tribe that bore his name.

Thy father’s children. Having prophesied that Judah would put his enemies to flight, and subdue them, Jacob asserted once more that Judah’s brothers also would do homage to him. It is noteworthy that not merely the sons of his mother were to do so (see Gen. 27:29; Judges 8:19), that is, the tribes descending from Leah, but “the sons of his father,” or all the tribes of Israel. This came true when David was crowned king over all Israel (2 Sam. 5:1, 2).