Christ in the Old Testament

Genesis 49:10

The scepter will not depart from Judah,
    nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until he to whom it belongs shall come
    and the obedience of the nations shall be his. (NIV)

Today’s Reading: Genesis 49:1-12, Matthew 11:28-30 and Revelation 5:5

In this passage, Jacob is dying. He has called his twelve sons together so he can tell them what will happen “in days to come.” In other words, Jacob is going to give them a prophecy of what will happen when the Messiah comes. That phrase could also be translated “in the last days” which we commonly refer to Christ’s second coming. Note that this is not a blessing from Jacob. This is a prophecy. So let’s dig in!

He starts with Reuben which is all bad news for him. Then he tells Simeon and Levi their future and also bad news. But then he gets to Judah. Judah gets five verses of prophecy and it’s all good for him. Since we know that Jesus would come from the tribe of Judah, let’s look at these verses more closely.

• “Your brothers will praise you” speaks to the rule of Judah. Great kings and leaders came from Judah. It could also be a reference to Christ. Yesterday we read Revelation 7 where all the tribes of Israel praise Jesus.
• “Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies” speaks to the dominance of Judah. The tribe of Judah was known for its military prowess. King David was a descendant of Judah and was a great warrior.
• “Your father’s sons will bow down to you” again speaks to Judah becoming the ruling tribe. The capital city of Jerusalem would be located in the land of Judah and would produce King David and ultimately Jesus, the King of Kings.
• Verse 9 is all about the symbolism of Judah being like a lion’s cub, a lion and a lioness. Revelation 5:5 says “Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Jesus is the lion.
• “The scepter” refers to the kingly line. Kings would carry around a scepter as a sign of their authority. The kingly line “will not depart from Judah.”
• “Between his feet” indicates again that authority will be passed down through Judah’s descendants.
• “Until he to whom it belongs shall come” is a fascinating phrase. This can also be translated “until Shiloh comes.” It seems to best be translated as “until the Messiah comes, to whom the kingdom belongs.” Also interesting to note that Galatians 4:4 says, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.”
• “And the obedience of the nations shall be his” speaks to the universal reign of the one who is to come. People from every nation will come to worship and serve Him.
• Verse 11 speaks to the peace and prosperity that will come through Judah. It indicates a time of great joy and divine favor, where blessings overflow beyond normal expectations. It also contains strong symbology to Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross speaking of his robe and garments washed with blood.
• Verse 12 again speaks to blessings and prosperity. Wine is often associated with blessings and divine favor. The land of Canaan is often referred to as “flowing with milk and honey” meaning prosperity and riches.

There’s a lot we could take away from this prophecy. I think for me, I love the symbology of Jesus being like a lion. Lions are often associated with strength, courage, majesty, justice, and military might. The lion is the king of the jungle. It is strong and courageous and a predator. But it’s also a protector and can be gentle.

Who dares rouse a sleeping lion? Why would you invite the terror that would ensue? Let the sleeping lion sleep! This passage says Judah (Jesus) is like a lion that “crouches and lies down.” When a lion sleeps it gives us an image of peace and security. The lion is no longer threatened. Its victory is won and its work is done. Time to rest and enjoy.

Jesus said in Matthew 11, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He said we would “find rest for your souls.” I love that promise. In this world we live in today, this is exactly what we need.

Today’s Prayer: Jesus thank you for being gentle and humble but also strong and powerful so that I can find rest for my soul. Help me find my strength in you today.