Juda (same as "Judah") is placed first in the list by virtue of Jacob's prophecy following Reuben's failure as eldest son (Genesis 49:8-12; 3-7), as well as the cruelty of Simeon and Levi.

Source:

KJV Defenders Study Bible, by Dr. Henry Morris, Ph.D.
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Language: English
DEF 10 ISBN 0-529-10444-x
DEF 10-1 ISBN 0-529-10445-8