SHILOH

When blessing his fourth son Judah, Jacob refers to the coming of Shiloh. It is generally believed that he is prophesying the Messiah. This is the only time that this title is used in this way, although Shiloh was also the name of the centre of worship in the days of Joshua and the Judges, situated about nine miles north-east of Bethel. The Philistines eventually overcame this place, when the Ark was captured, 1 Sam. 4, an event recalled as God’s judgement in Jeremiah chapter 7. What a contrast the Shiloh of Genesis 49 makes to this temporary place of failure.

Jacob is delivering his last words to his sons and has, so far, heavily criticised Reuben, Simeon and Levi. But when he comes to Judah his words confirm this son’s tribe as the chosen one for rule. He would be praised by his brothers and subdue all his enemies, a prophecy no doubt partially fulfilled in the days of David and Solomon. However, the Spirit of God looks far beyond this and confirms that the tribe of Judah would hold rule and law giving until the Messiah, ‘Shiloh’, comes.

There is some debate over the exact meaning of the Hebrew word but it seems to involve peace, tranquillity and rest. This is confirmed by the passage, which views Judah as a lion that is now resting having overcome its prey. The lion is the usual symbol of Judah and, of course, is also used of the Lord Jesus whose descent is from Judah, Heb. 7. 14. How fitting is this picture to describe our Saviour’s current position. He has defeated, judged and made an open show of the prince of this world. Now He is at rest, seated at the right hand of God until the manifestation to all of His great victory, Heb. 1.13.

This truth also confirms a rest to those who have trusted in him, Matt 11. 28. We can be assured we are resting on a finished work. We are on the side that has already won. Now we are awaiting the final fulfilment of Jacob’s words. God brought David to the throne, even though the first king, Saul, was from Benjamin. He preserved David’s line when the kingdom divided. He preserved both Joseph and Mary’s descent through hundreds of years of captivity and He will deliver all into the hand of ‘the Lion of the tribe of Juda’, Rev. 5. 5.