The Tribe of Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after and descending from the Patriarch Judah, the son of Jacob. This tribe was very significant for several reasons. All of David's ancestors and descendants, including most of the Kings of Israel were from this tribe; consequently Jesus Christ was as well. The Tribe of Judah also separated from the rest of Israel, along with the Tribe of Benjamin (and would later be joined by the half tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim) to form the Nation of Judah.