Judah Blest Concerning Shiloh

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Genesis 49:10
Psalters: 265, 253, 179, 196
  1. The setting.
    1. Judah is the first son to receive a rich and unmixed blessing, with emphasis on the kingly part of the birthright blessing.
    2. There is a prophetic play on the word “praise.”
      1. Leah named him “Judah” as “praise” and gratitude to God (29:35).
      2. Now Jacob applies the meaning of the name to Judah himself – he will be the object of the praise of his brothers (8).
    3. Why is Judah worthy of praise? Was he more worthy than the older three? No!
  2. The content of Jacob’s blessing of Judah.
    1. Judah will have the rule and dominion among the tribes of Israel.
      1. The “scepter” is the symbol of royal authority and command (cf. Ps. 45:6); a symbol of executive authority.
      2. The “lawgiver” is really the ruler’s staff.
    2. In His kingship Judah gained victories over enemies, for which he receives praise.
    3. Till “Shiloh” come. “Shiloh” is derived from a word which means “to be at rest, without cares.”
    4. Jacob used this word as a proper name most fitting for law-giver and applied to His being King, King of the church.
  3. This position of kingship would “not depart from Judah.”
    1. Consider the place of Judah in history.
    2. It is not the case that “till” means that Judah would rule until Jesus came, and then Judah’s pre-eminence would end.
      1. The Headship portion of the birthright blessing given to Judah continued in his descendant: the Messiah.
      2. When the Son of David comes, and the scepter will never depart from Him; He holds it forever.