Genesis 49:8-12 ASV

So, after Reuben, Simeon and Levi lose out on the firstborn birthright, it comes to the #4 son, Judah. For the most part, Judah stays out of the type of trouble that the other boys got into. Not only that but it was him who was willing to become a slave in the place of Benjamin.

Judah will have the largest piece of land with the largest population. From his line will be the scepter, or royal lineage.