“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” — Genesis 49:10
This blessing from Jacob to Judah is one of the clearest early prophecies of the coming Messianic King. Long before Israel had a monarchy, God had already declared that the ruler of His people would come through the line of Judah.
1. Judah and the Royal Line
Judah wasn’t Jacob’s firstborn, yet he received the promise of kingship. The “scepter” symbolizes royal authority. From Judah’s line would come David, and from David’s line would come the Messiah.
“For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah.” — Hebrews 7:14
This prophecy laid the foundation for all later messianic expectations tied to the Davidic line.
2. “Shiloh” — A Messianic Title
The word “Shiloh” here has been interpreted in different ways, but many ancient Jewish commentators and early believers understood it as a reference to the coming Messiah.
Shiloh can be rendered as “He to whom it belongs” or “the one who brings rest.” It points to a rightful ruler; not just any king, but the King to whom all nations will one day give obedience.
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