And He Shall Reign For Ever and Ever
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, NASB
This edition of Today’s Word is authored by Ian Hodge
Shiloh – With the Passover almost upon us, these words of Scripture will ring in our ears from the performances of Handel’s Messiah. “Hallelujah! The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. And He shall reign for ever and ever.” Aren’t these words set to magnificent music that helps impress them on our minds? And there, embedded in our text under consideration, is the great theme of the Lordship of Yeshua HaMashiach.
In his TW article of July 29, 2011, Skip gave commentary on this same text, and the word Shiloh. Under the heading, Jacob’s Rest, Skip explored the meaning of Shiloh in its broad context of rest, or tranquility. My interest in this article is to explore the timing of that tranquility
It is quite often taken that Shiloh refers to the Messiah. The Messiah is the great Tranquility. Yeshua is man’s ultimate Sabbath – his ultimate rest or tranquility. But as I was reading this passage and exploring its meaning inGesenius’ Hebrew Lexicon, these words stood out. In explaining the phrase “Until Shiloh comes,” Gesenius suggests that “Judah shall not lay down the scepter of the ruler, until his enemies be subdued, and he shall rule over many people; an expectation belonging to the kingdom of the Messiah, who was to spring from the tribe of Judah.” Do those words and concepts sound familiar? They should. Here’s why.
When you get to the New Testament Sha’ul, the expert in the Torah, emphasizes in 1 Cor. 15:
22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (ESV)
There you have world history encapsulated. History has meaning and purpose, all relating to the kingdom of the Messiah. His is a kingdom without end and encompasses the whole of creation. So ask yourself, when does tranquility ultimately arrive not just for me, but for the whole of creation which has been “groaning . . . until now” (Rom 8:22)? And Sha’ul provides the answer to that question. The same idea is expressed in Heb. 1:8-13 when God refers yet again to the scepter. This time the perpetual scepter of uprightness which is in the hand of Yeshua HaMashiach, to whom God has said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
This thought occurs again when the writer of Hebrews says, “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet” (Heb. 10:12-13, ESV). Get the idea? The day is coming when everything will be made subject to the Messiah. In principle it is subject to him now, but in practice it is a work in progress.
Now ask the question again: When does Shiloh come? When does tranquility come? Only when Christ offered that single sacrifice for sins, at which time he sat down at God’s right hand, waiting from that time onward until all his enemies are subdued, the last one being death.
It is unfortunate that our text is often misconstrued to suggest that the scepter and the law are only until Shiloh (Messiah) comes on earth, and then the law stops. It is suggested that with the coming of Shiloh (Messiah) the law is no longer necessary, that the scepter and law are only a temporary arrangement, and that the coming of the Messiah somehow eliminates the need for Torah from that time forward.
The language of the New Testament, however, indicates otherwise. The Torah is permanent, proclaims the Messiah (Matt. 5:17ff), echoing Psalm 119. The scepter is a scepter of righteousness, tied to Torah because Torah is righteousness. And any scepter of righteousness can only be a permanent arrangement because righteousness does not change.
In the long run, however, true rest and tranquility are finally established when the voices of God’s people throughout history are joined with the hosts of heaven, who jointly proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” In other words, all enemies are now his footstool.
When does Shiloh come? Shiloh = Messiah = tranquility = consummation of the ages.
Gesenius correctly saw the Messianic significance of the meaning of Shiloh. May we too recognize it, and cry, Maranatha!
Topical Index: Genesis 49:10, Shiloh
Since coming into the realization of the vitality of the Law in the lives of believers. it seems that the Law, of Christ and the Law (one in the same) written on believers’ hearts is (and will be) the essence of Kingdom living. Heaven would not be such except that nothing outside the Law will rule and reign, therefore perfect peace will be the “rule of the day”. The evil inclination will be under complete and willful subjection and submission to the Law of YHWH by all in His Kingdom.
The Word of YHWH abides forever. It also seems that to do away with the Law at any point would be doing away with Christ Himself. I believe this is why the “revival” is coming about now due to the “resurrection” of the Law and it’s purpose in the lives of those wholeheartedly following Christ.
Good word, Ian.
But if a person looks closely into the perfect Torah, which gives freedom, and continues, becoming not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work it requires, then he will be blessed in what he does. – James 1:25
Blessings and shalom Ian.
Thanks Ian for the great teaching today. I’m pretty sure Skip approves. 🙂
The Torah or the tslav? Is this a “dividing point?” Is it “Law vs Grace?” or is it both? Maybe we might consider “purpose”..
What does the Law say? (in short) “be perfect- even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.. (Matthew 5.48)
Sinless perfection anyone? Who is game for this? Any takers? I sure would like to meet any man (or woman) “who is without sin..” Be ye perfect, and sin not.. and by the way “all ye keepers of the Law” how many of you (you alone know who you are) , don’t forget to tithe that mint plant! – oops!- I missed a leaf.. oh well.. there goes “perfection..” You just blew it- didn’t you! Ahh.. too bad, missed Heaven by one mint leaf. ~ Sin is transgression of the Law ~ Who has not “transgressed the Law?”
And did you know, or have your heard? ~ even the thought of foolishness is sin ~ Uhh..uhh.. Have I ever (all it takes is one, folks..) had one (only one) foolish thought? I can guarantee it.
What is then, the “purpose” of the Law? To absitively, posolutely confirm ~ all have sinned and come short of the glory of God ~ My dear (sinful) friends.. this is a scripturally confirmed “absolutely”- ~ ALL have sinned.. From Adam to Zacharias- including the creature who is currently furiously clacking the computer keyboard this morning.. My testimony? A sinner, one who has been (and is today) saved by grace..
~ For the Law came by Moses.. (the Law, we must know is just and pure and holy-) There is nothing, absolutely nothing at all “wrong” with the Law.. The Law of the LORD is pure -enduring forever.. however… (this is the turning point!) however.. by the works of the Law shall no flesh (Gentile flesh? or Jewish flesh? Black flesh? White flesh? Male flesh? Female flesh? – or…. “NO flesh” be justified.
What then is the purpose of the Law? To reveal to us, to reveal to ALL who draw breath.. (are you breathing today?), “just the facts,”- ALL have sinned.. Does anyone have any doubts as what “ALL” is? ~ that the “whole world” may become guilty before God. ~
The Jew, the Gentile- “ALL” are included in the long, long list of sinful men. Not only Adam, but every adam since Adam.. “ALL”. Just the facts- we are “ALL” sinners in need (moment by moment need) of a Savior. Are there any to announce and to remind us.. “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe?”
Full atonement, can it be? Hallelujah!- What a Savior! Is He the Savior of the Jew (only?) No, not at all. When shall we “get this?” Are we (he inquired) blind in one eye and can we even see out of the other? Friends, ~ Christ died for sinners of whom I am chief ~ and Sinners only are welcome here.
Do you qualify? Please take a good long look around and find for me, one “perfect man..” – I’ll wait right here and remain waiting for a good long while. Take your time.. and review history.. A lot of “good men” have lived and might even be living today..- some might be right in your own family- “he’s a good man,” but that is not what I’m looking for.. Find for me, (please) a Perfect Man.. A Just Man. One Righteous Man. Someone (anyone) who is “without sin.” There is, (after all is said and done) only One.
Some look to the Torah.. and some look to the tslav, the exectution stake. But what do the scriptures say? And what does our Savior say? Him who is fully revealed to be the (now) Living Word of God?
His invitation? ~ search the scriptures.. ~ Do it. Do it today. Search.. -and what do you find? What did He say? Are we listening? Listening intently?
These are they that testify concerning Me. (John 5.39) The mystery-ministry-mission and motive of the Messiah? ~ God was in Christ reconciling the Jew unto Himself? ~ God was in Christ reconciling the Gentile unto Himself? (oy!). ~ God was in Christ (the Anointed- the Messiah) reconciling “the world” unto Himself.. (2 Corinthians 5.18) And now “the reconciled” have become the reconcilers! Why?
Because God “so loved” the world that He gave the ultimate Sacrifice. There is (nor has even been, nor will ever be) a greater Love that this. There is no greater truth for this is the truth that transforms. This is the truth that makes the vilest sinner clean. And friends, I can confirm this with an amen and a glad hallelujah- for I know “Who” I have believed and I know He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.
Salvation is not a “what”- it is a “Who.” And we (all) know His Name,- the Name which is above every name. The King who is king of all kings. The LORD, who is LORD above all lords. The One, The Word who was (and is) God and Man. The One who became flesh and lived among us. The One who ate our food, and walked upon the same soil we walk upon today and breathed the very same air He created. The One Whom “we” crucified as a common criminal upon Calvary’s cross.
Who then (he inquired) may be saved? Is it the Jew (only?) Or the Gentile (only?) No, not at all. ~ Sinners only, are welcome here..
Again, are we listening? ~ and the blood of Jesus (who is the) Christ, (the Perfect propitiating Passover Lamb) cleanses from all sin ~ (1 John 1.7)
And again.. “whosoever will” (Does this invitation include the Jew? or Gentiles only?) Whosoever will may come and drink of the Water of life- freely.. ~ Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost ~ (Isaiah 55.1) ~ The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price ~ (Revelation 22.17)
And directly from the mouth of our Messiah and from the lovely lips of our LORD, Himself:
~ Come unto Me “all you who labor and are heavy laden and “I” will give you rest ~ Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for “I AM” meek and lowly of heart and you will find rest unto your souls ~ (Matthew 11.28)
~ For The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost ~ (Luke 19.10)
~ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.. ~ Ephesians 4.13)
~ For He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have One Source. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers.. ~ (Hebrews 2.11)
Here are the words (and witness) of Rabbi Sha’ul (the Apostle Paul):
~ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, (the “good news” of Christ!) for it is the power of God for salvation to “everyone” who believes, – to the Jew first and also to the Greek ~ (Romans 1.16)
~ and the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For today, The Savior has been born to you, who is THE LORD JEHOVAH The Messiah, in the city of David” ~ (Luke 2.10,11)
~May God be gracious to us and bless us, and make His face to shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations ~ (Psalm 67:1-2)
Hi Carl,
We have just had some blog comments that demonstrate that the Matthew 5:48 passage (usually translated “be perfect”) is a mistranslation of the Greek teleios. The reference is to Leviticus where the proper Hebrew is “holy” not “perfect.” This changes the game since there is no demand here for “sinless perfection,” but rather for full maturity is being set aside for His purposes, what Paul will later call “living sacrifice.” Thus, Matthew 5:48 can’t be used to drive a wedge between “law” and “grace” since it is not a command for perfect Torah obedience in the first place. In Hebrew thought, perfection is not about absolute correctness. It is about fulfilled purpose. God is perfect because He fulfills His purposes without exception. We are to be like Him, learning to be aligned with His purposes through our design so that there are no distractions or interruptions. This is what is means to be human from the Genesis perspective – to be one with the purposes of God.
Thank you Ian for your profound insights!
Good word, Ian!
Does anyone know if the Lamb that was slain actually resurrected before the foundations of the world? The resurrection of Christ tearing the veil and offering himself as the new King and our High Priest from the order of Melchizedek- Did all of this happen before the foundations of the world? I wonder since Jesus appeared in various forms throughout the scriptures, and you read death and resurrection together as if they are inseparable. But then how could it be a surprise to lucifer if it had already occurred before?
Anyway, He wasn’t a Son, and He wasn’t a man, He was a Lamb. Right?
A good point. Resurrection is the victory of life over death. Slain is a function of atonement. Why do we think of these as inseparable?
An OT description of the New Covenant.
And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Ezekiel 36:26–27)
It’s not rocket surgery!
Beautiful message Ian, thank you! Our family will use it during our remembrance seder this year.
Skip, thank you for clarifying the teaching on “perfection” because it is in this way that Y’shua fulfilled the Law and the Prophets. His perfection, his fulfilled purpose is to reveal the Spirit of the Torah. Hallelujah! I can rejoice each Pesach as I remember that the blood of the Lamb actively frees me from sin which is the transgression of the Law. I can actively accept the covenant and choose the life that Y’shua offers. I can actively repent and return to Yah’s Way which is written in the Torah by way of the renewed covenant that I accept in Y’shua’s blood. I can remember that the strong right arm of YHVH delivers me from confusion, ie: mitzraim, Egypt. I can receive the Holy Spirit, and be set apart. Once I am free from confusion, I can follow the instruction for obedience to the Torah in Spirit and Truth. Isn’t it magnificient that once I clearly understand His sacrifice I can walk in His resurrection daily. His Torah is alive within me causing me to walk out my sanctification with fear and trembling on this wilderness journey. I am tested and perfected. I am discovering the fullness of my purpose, and I glorify Him. I walk out this journey in the newness of life by the power of His resurrection. Death is no longer the penalty that I must pay for transgressing His Law. Here a little, there a little and in the twinkling of my eye I see the joy of my Y’shua and testify of salvation. That testimony is my perfectionand joy made complete. What a season to remember the real message of the One we serve.