Shiloh Comes
Scripture Reading: Genesis 49:10
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
As Jacob approached death, he spoke to his sons about their future and the plans God had for their offspring. He was speaking, not only as a father to his sons but as a prophet of God. To some of his sons, his words were no more than a sentence or two, but to Judah, he had much to say.
Verse ten stands out for its prophetic significance. Judah would be a ruling tribe until a Great King came from him. The phrase, “Until tribute comes to him,” (ESV) is often translated as “Until Shiloh comes.” “Shiloh” is often interpreted as “the one to whom it belongs,” or as “the one who brings peace.” Both of these were considered to be Messianic concepts. Further, that verse ends by saying, “To him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” This portends that the Messianic figure spoken of here would be recognized as a world ruler, not merely one more king in the lineage of Israelite kings.
These elements are all fulfilled in Jesus, who came through the line of Judah and is the last and Great King to Whom every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
