CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

"To [Shiloh] the obedience of the peoples will belong." -GENESIS 49:10.

OBEDIENCE to Jehovah has often involved obedience to his representatives.  These have included angels, patriarchs, judges, priests, prophets, and kings. the throne of the kings of Israel was even called Jehovah's throne.  (1 Chronicles 29:23) Sadly, though, many of Israel's rulers disobeyed God, bring woe upon themselves and their subjects.  But Jehovah did not leave his loyal ones without hope; he comforted them with a promise to install an incorruptible King, whom the righteous would delight in obeying. (Isaiah 9:6, 7) The dying patriarch Jacob prophesied about this future ruler, saying:  "The scepter will not turn aside from Judah, neither the commander's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong." -Genesis 49:10.

"Shiloh" is a Hebrew term meaning "He Whose It Is," or "He to Whom It Belongs." Yes, Shiloh would inherit nothing less than the right to rulership, as symbolized by the scepter, and the power to command, as represented by the commander's staff. Moreover, his royal rule would embrace, not just the descendants of Jacob, but all "peoples."  This is in line with Jehovah's promise to Abraham:  "Your seed will take possession of the gate of his enemies. And by means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves." (Genesis 22:17, 18) Jehovah confirmed the identity of this "seed" in 29 C.E., when he anointed Jesus of Nazareth with holy spirit. -Luke 3:P21-23, 34; Galatians 3:16.  

Next time: Jesus' First Kingdom

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002