Translations
Original
Notes
This verse anticipates the kingship in Judah (compare 17:6, 16; 35:11). Although Joseph received the birthright blessing, Judah would provide Israel's rulers (see 1 Chronicles 5:1–2). Many kings from Judah would hold the scepter, the symbol of rule. The final king would be the one to whom the scepter belongs, the promised Messiah (see 2 Samuel 7:4–16; Psalms 2, 45, 60; Isaiah 11; Ezekiel 21:26–27; Zechariah 9:9; Revelation 5:5).
from between his feet: This is a poetic way to refer to reproductive organs.
until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his: This wording reflects a long-standing way of understanding a difficult Hebrew phrase. Other translations include until the coming of the one to whom it belongs or until tribute is brought to him and the peoples obey.
The right to rule Israel belongs to Judah’s descendant through David’s line (2 Samuel 7:8–16). He will eventually rule all nations, as shown by the bringing of tribute (see Psalms 68:29; 72:8–11; Isaiah 2:2–4; Ephesians 4:8–10).
The blessing for Judah is the most notable. In this message, Jacob said that Judah would be strong like a lion and would defeat his enemies. His brothers would also honor and praise him (compare 29:35; see, for example, Ruth 4:11–12; 1 Samuel 18:6–7; Psalms 2, 45, 72; Isaiah 11:1–13).
By faith, and as one who speaks for God, Jacob looked ahead to Israel’s future in the land and beyond to a greater future still.
At the end of the time of the patriarchs (the early fathers of Israel), he spoke about what would happen to each tribe. He did this as he considered each of his sons, one by one, just as Noah had done earlier (compare 9:25–27).
The character and actions of each ancestor affected the lives of their descendants (Exodus 20:5–6; 34:6–7; Numbers 14:18; Jeremiah 32:18).
Egypt Jacob Judah Blessing Symbolic Numbers The Promise of Dynasty
People
Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Shiloh: A name in Jacob's blessing on Judah
Glossary
Birthright Book of Exodus Concubinage, Concubines Genesis, Book of History of Israel Jacob Judah (Person) Judah, Tribe of Lion Lion of the Tribe of Judah Patriarchs, Period of the Poetry, Biblical Scepter Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
Topics
Children: Male: Received the Blessing of Their Father Before his Death Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Death: Scenes of Death of Jacob Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Judah Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Shiloh Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Coming of Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Jesus, the Christ: Unclassified Prophecies Concerning the Kingdom of Judah: Son of Jacob: Prophetic Benediction of his Father Upon Messiah Parents: Paternal Blessings of Jacob Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Blessing and Cursing Their Children Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Coming at a Set Time Scepter (Sceptre): Figurative Shiloh: A Name of Jesus The Jews: Christ: Promised To the Tribe of Judah: Predictions Respecting The Tribes of Israel: Predictions Respecting Each of Titles and Names of Christ: Shiloh Tribe of Judah: Prophecies Concerning