Genesis 49 Devotional

A King from Judah

“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.”Genesis 49:10 (BSB)

On his deathbed, Jacob gathers his twelve sons and tells them what will happen to them. His words are honest. Reuben loses the place of the firstborn because he defiled his father's bed, and Simeon and Levi are rebuked for their violence at Shechem (49:3-7). Past sins have consequences.

Then Jacob turns to Judah, the son who once sold his brother and later offered himself in his brother's place. To Judah he promises the scepter, a ruler's staff, that will not depart until the one comes to whom the obedience of the nations belongs (49:10). From Judah came King David, and from David's line came Jesus, whom Revelation calls the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Jacob also blesses Joseph richly, speaking of the Mighty One of Jacob and the Shepherd who made him strong (49:24). Then he gives instructions for his burial and dies. God's plan to bless the nations runs straight through flawed sons toward a King who will reign forever.

To think about: How does knowing that Jesus is the promised King shape what you hope for?