Until Shiloh Comes

A Reflection on Hope, Kingship, and the Faithfulness of God

What would you say if you knew these were your final words?

In Parashah Vayechi, Jacob’s last moments are not filled with fear or regret. Instead, they are marked by faith. As he gathers his sons around him, the Torah tells us that Jacob speaks of אַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים (acharit hayamim)—the latter days. His words are not rooted in nostalgia, but in prophecy. He looks forward, beyond his own life, and speaks of redemption.

At the center of Jacob’s final blessing is one remarkable promise, a promise of a coming King. And Jacob gives that promise a name:

“Until Shiloh comes.”

Jacob’s Last Words: A Vision of Hope

Many people’s last words look backward reflecting on what has been lost or left undone. Jacob’s last words look forward. Even at the end of his life, he sees God’s purposes unfolding. He sees kingship, peace, and restoration. He speaks hope into the future of Israel and, ultimately, the world.

This reminds us that biblical prophecy is not a collection of isolated predictions. It is part of an unfolding, organic whole. God’s eternal plan revealed across generations. The promise of Messiah does not appear suddenly; it grows clearer over time, narrowing in focus and deepening in meaning.

The Promised King from Judah

In Genesis 49:10, Jacob declares that the scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes; the one to whom kingship truly belongs.

The word Shiloh has caused much discussion, but the context makes one thing clear: Jacob is not speaking about a place. He is speaking about a person. The verse describes rulership, authority, and the obedience of the peoples. Shiloh is revealed as the rightful King, the bearer of authority and peace.

This blessing narrows Israel’s hope to the tribe of Judah and sets the trajectory for the Davidic line. Over time, the promise becomes unmistakable: the Messiah would come from Judah, rule in righteousness, and establish a kingdom marked by justice and shalom.

A Scepter That Would Not Fail

Jewish tradition has long connected the “scepter” not only to kingship but also to judicial authority. When Jewish self-governance was removed under Roman rule and the Sanhedrin lost its authority, something profound had occurred. The scepter had departed from Judah.

The tragedy was not that Jacob’s prophecy failed, but that it had already been fulfilled. The Messiah had come, yet many did not recognize Him.

Jacob’s words had come to pass: the scepter would remain until Shiloh comes.

The Promised Peoples: Hope for the Nations

Jacob’s prophecy does not end with Israel alone. He declares that to Shiloh will belong the obedience of the peoples. This is a stunning revelation of God’s heart for the nations.

Israel’s Messiah is not only Israel’s hope; He is the hope of the world. Redemption flows outward: from Judah, to Israel, and from Israel to all peoples. The nations are not an afterthought; they are invited into covenant blessing through the Messiah.

History itself bears witness to this unfolding plan. Even moments of global upheaval, wars, exile, and restoration serve as reminders that God’s purposes continue, often in ways unseen at the time.

A Present Call: How Will We Respond?

Jacob did not speak these words merely to inform future generations. He spoke them to invite a response.

Prophetic words are never given only to be heard. They are given to be received.

As Jacob blessed his sons in faith, leaning on his staff and worshiping God at the end of his life, he modeled what it means to finish well—trusting fully in God’s promises. His life reminds us that even when one season ends, God’s purposes do not.

A Shabbat for New Beginnings

This message was shared on a deeply meaningful Shabbat: the first Shabbat of a new civil year.

The world marks a new year by looking back or making resolutions. Shabbat invites us to do something deeper: to rest in God’s faithfulness and entrust the year ahead to Him.

Jacob’s final words remind us that hope does not fade with time. At the end of his life, he spoke of the coming King. At the beginning of a new year, that same promise speaks to us.

Do you sense the Lord inviting you to begin this year by renewing your trust in Him, returning with a whole heart, or resting again in His redemption? This is a holy moment—quiet, personal, and real.

Until Shiloh Comes

As we step forward into the days ahead, we do so with confidence. Not in ourselves, but in the faithfulness of the God of Israel.

We choose faith over fear. Trust over striving. Hope over uncertainty.

And we walk forward together—until Shiloh comes.