Genesis Part 076
Judah, who is also the primary occupant of modern-day Israel, has a special role to play until Christ returns. The role of scepter bearer was ordained by God in Genesis.
Genesis 49:10 says,
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes...”
This is the one and only time this word “Shiloh,” is used in the Bible. Because of that, it is difficult to determine the exact meaning. Both Strongs and Brown-Driver-Briggs record that it comes from a root word meaning “tranquil.” Some have then concluded that this use of the word in the noun form means “Peaceable One” or “Peacemaker.” Another proposed meaning is “He whose it is” or “that which belongs to Him,” referring to the “rod/scepter.” From these words, and in connection with verse 8, it is clear that Judah is being given authority to rule (“rod/scepter”), and to make and record law (lawgiver), for a period of time until the One will come who will bring Judah’s military power and rule to an end—the Peacemaker.
“About binding his foal unto the vine, and his donkey's colt unto the choice vine, which may be understood either of the tribe of Judah, and signify that vines should grow in such plenty, and so large and strong, that a man might fasten his donkey to one of them, and if it ate and destroyed it, it would give no great concern, since the country abounded with them, or else of Shiloh the Messiah, which some interpret literally of him, when the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 was fulfilled, as is recorded in Matthew 21:2 but others better, figuratively, of Christ's causing the Gentiles, comparable to a donkey's colt, for their impurity, ignorance of, and sluggishness in spiritual things, to cleave to him the true vine, John 15:1 in the exercise of faith, hope, and love, or to join themselves to his church and people, sometimes compared to a vine or vineyard.
And he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes.
This is an hyperbolical expression, setting forth the great abundance of wine in this tribe, of which there was such plenty, that if they would, they might have used wine instead of water to wash their clothes in; and may denote the great quantity of spiritual blessings flowing from the love of God which come by Christ, and of his word and ordinances which are comparable to wine and milk and are a feast of fat things, also of wine on the lees, well refined (Isaiah 26:6) and may be applied to Christ, to the garment of his human nature, which, through his sufferings and death, was like a vesture dipped in blood, and he became red in his apparel (Isaiah 63:1), or to his church and people which cleave to him as a garment and whose garments are washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, Revelation 1:5.”
His eyes shall be red with wine, “as applied to the Messiah, the antitype of Judah, and who was of this tribe, it may denote not so much the beauty of His eyes, as the Targums paraphrase it; as the joy and pleasure that sparkled in His eyes when He shed his blood on the cross, enduring that, and despising the shame of it (Hebrews 12:1–2), for the joy of the salvation of His people; or the clearness of His sight in beholding the actions of His enemies, and especially of the fierceness and fury of his wrath against them, whose eyes are said to be an flames of fire, Revelation 1:14.”
His teeth white with milk, “denoting the fruitfulness of His land, producing fine pastures, on which flocks and herds fed, and gave abundance of milk, “may respect Christ and His people, and be expressive of the purity of His nature, life, and doctrine, and of the holiness of His members, their faith and conversation.”
These descriptions of the descendants of Judah indicate power as a nation and wealth as a people. There is also a promise that authority will not depart from them until peaceful times. While there is much animosity projected toward Israel in the education system, social and mainstream media, and in divisive partisan politics, we can trust that God has ordained the structure that exists and will ensure that it fulfills His purpose.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
