Until Shiloh Comes

When the patriarch Jacob was on his deathbed, all his children were made to appear before him. He blessed each one and prophetically revealed certain details about the men and those who would come from their family lines. The prophetic message regarding the fourth son, Judah, is especially significant. It has long been regarded, among Jews and Christians, as being centered on the Messiah. Let’s examine some of what is found here.

Genesis 49:10

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.”

The scepter was a symbol of authority and power, especially as held by a king. All the rights and responsibilities of making laws, enforcing order, and administering justice belonged to the one holding the scepter. This sign of regal command we sometimes imagine as a short stick, perhaps with a decorative, stylized orb on top. However, scepters in some of their early forms were much larger. A ruler would hold this long staff, allowing the bottom of the scepter to touch the ground in front of him as he sat upon his throne. Thus, Jacob clearly reveals that this symbol of authority and power, resting between the ruler’s feet, belongs to one from the tribe of Judah.

As we look for the fulfilment of this prophecy, we first turn to David. As a member of the tribe of Judah and the second king of Israel, we find a lot that fits. However, this divine promise extends far beyond David. The Bible records King David being told by God about his “seed.” This is the promise of a kingly line coming from David being kept pure, being raised up after him, and being God’s plan for establishing his house and kingdom forever (2 Sam 7:12-16). Of course, Jesus is from Judah and a descendant of David (Matt 1:1-17). God gave Him the throne of His father David to reign on in an eternal kingdom (Luke 1:32-33).

The last part of Jacob’s message to Judah provides additional notes. The word for “obedience” in the original language describes gathering, that is, coming before some figure in submission and willing obedience. The word for “people,” which can also be translated nation, is plural here. This prophecy speaks to a time when the Messiah will have reign over His kingdom, made up of willing subjects from all the earth – both Jewish and Gentile (Gen 22:18; Isa 2:2; Dan 2:44; Matt 8:11; Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:28).

Finally, we can discuss the title found in Jacob’s prophecy. The term “Shiloh” describes the sovereign ownership of God. It can also be translated as “the one whose right it is” or “the one to whom it belongs.” The scepter belongs to Christ! This is a Messianic Prophecy speaking to the coming of Jesus. The King of Kings delivered the word we will be judged by (John 12:48; 1 Tim 6:13-16). May we appreciate the beauty of God’s plan and obey the teaching of the Messiah.