The answer is: Judah

Genesis 49:10 - Bethlehem, a key city in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus, belongs to the tribe of Judah. This fulfilment of prophecy underscores Judah's significance as it is linked to both royal authority and messianic expectation, further highlighting God’s redemptive plan through these ancestral lines.

Bethlehem’s connection to the tribe of Judah makes it a truly special place in biblical history! While we often think of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus, it also plays a significant role in the story of King David. David was born in this little town, often called "the City of David," putting Bethlehem right in the heart of God's unfolding plan.

Did you know that the name "Bethlehem" actually means "House of Bread"? This is quite fitting given the profound messages woven throughout Scripture. It reminds us of the Bread of Life that Christians celebrate in communion, connecting the Old Testament prophets even to the New Testament.

Jacob's prophetic blessing on Judah, where he indicates that this tribe would be the leader, cleanly sets the stage for Jesus' lineage. When we look back to Genesis 49:10, it beautifully foreshadows the ideal leader and “Shiloh,” which implies peace. Historical figures like Ruth, a Moabite woman who famously pledged loyalty to her Jewish mother-in-law, also hail from this area and further enrich the lineage leading to David and, ultimately, Jesus.

Intriguingly, Bethlehem historically had a reputation for its sheep due to its proximity to good grazing land, which contributes to the imagery in the narrative of Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” So through Bethlehem’s humble origins, we see the connection between the mundane and the divine, forever intertwining hope, heritage, and redemption!