Judah has a very "deep" involved "blessing" given by Jacob in Genesis 49:8-12 for the "last days". So, let us unravel it slowly verse by separate verse. Verse 8:- "JUDAH THOU ART HE WHOM THY BRETHREN SHALL PRAISE; THY HAND SHALL BE IN THE NECK OF THINE ENEMIES: THY FATHERS CHILDREN SHALL BOW DOWN BEFORE THEE".

Remember reader, first and foremost these verses from Genesis are a summary of Judah the Jew, out of the Nation of Israel, in its "last days" history. The "last days" for the Jew were from the Roman era, when the Holy Land became closed to the Jew and on into our 20th century. When some of the Holy Land is now occupied once more by the Jew.

The Jew over the years have questioned the fact that the Messiah, did not come out of Judah, because Moses, said nothing concerning that priesthood, to which our Lord belongs, therefore, it was Levi's sons who had the priesthood and monarchy, and not Judah. (Hebrews 7:11-17).

The first words of verse 8. Genesis 49 says.

"JUDAH THOU ARE HE WHOM THY BRETHREN SHALL PRAISE".

These words were "not" fulfilled during the time of the Romans, when many of the Jews would have nothing to do with Jesus of that lineage of Judah. To whom this "praise" belongs.

During Roman times of power, it was Levi's tribe who held the reigns of priesthood,

monarchy, and praise, within the kingdom of Judaea. So, this prophecy of "praise" speaks towards fulfilment "after" the fall of Judaea and the dispersal of the Jew throughout the world, into our modern times.

Note, that verse 8 speaks of Judah's "brethren" that will praise him. That word "praise" means to honour, glorify with gratitude expressed, and praise to God. That sort of homage to Judah is not in the Jew himself, who has been spoken against and not praised. It is found only in one "man" of that lineage, who was beyond reproach in his life, and who would glorify God in His obedience and righteousness of living. That "praise" for Judah was found only in Jesus of Nazareth, whose life was without parallel within mankind, Who, gave us a Judo-Christian way of life that was to turn mankind on its head. Because of Jesus, of the lineage of Judah, a great mass of mankind has indeed thanked and taken note of Judah's lineage for such a son!

The "brethren" that is to "praise" Judah -because of Jesus,- were not just 2 other tribes of Levi and Benjamin, who make up the "House of Judah". but the larger part of Israel of 10 tribes, who are "outside" Jewry in other nations. It is these other tribes, who are Christians, who "praise" Judah because of Jesus. These Christians give glory to God, for sending us the Redeemer out of Judah.
In our world today man looks at this tiny strip of Holy Land, -where some of the Jews have returned,- and of the power it yields in the hearts and minds of millions of people. For its tiny size it plays an enormous part in their lives, and for such a small place, and such a tortured nation as the Jew; Everything that goes on in that land, good or bad, resounds around the world. It is for this type of reasoning that the next line of Genesis 49:8 refers.

"THY HAND SHALL BE IN THE NECK OF THINE ENEMIES".

This line in Genesis cements the fact that Jacob's "blessing" for Judah, was for our time in the 20th century, as the "last days".

secular and biblical histories (especially Daniel 11) will show that the Jews have suffered from its enemies around about him. He fell under the Romans and spent almost 2,000 years wandering from nation to nation never really sure where to lay his head. After the terrible circumstances under Hitler's Germany the Jew, began returning back to his land, and it is since 1948 that this sentence in Genesis was enacted out. Judah's "HAND (or power of the performance) SHALL BE (or what has to be atoned for certain) IN THE NECK. (Or not "on" the neck, but inside of, which makes Judah surrounded by people in this situation) OF THINE ENEMIES". (The enemies Judah is faced with, and is surrounded by today, are some of Esau's children in Arab-Jordan, Syria, Iraq (Babylon) etc; etc. However, Judah's children now will stand firm and face this situation with strength.

We often use the modern expression that so and so, will "cop it in the neck", which is to hurt someone. At the same time, the "body" who belongs to that neck in question can hit or kick out with arms and legs at the same time. This is "why" the meaning for Judah is that he's also "surrounded" with enemies.

The remainder of verse 8.

"THY FATHERS CHILDREN SHALL BOW DOWN BEFORE THEE".

This line is a pointer to the sixth kingdom to rule the earth, of Jesus Christ as King, which is to be set up. It has nothing to do with the "first advent" of our Lord coming during Roman times, as some scholars say. (The sixth kingdom is seen in the dream image of Nebuchadnezzar and is the "stone cut out of the mountain", noted therein).

Thy father's children of Genesis 49:8 are of course all the tribes of Israel sired by Jacob, with both Ephraim and Manasseh counted as Israelites. Though their progenitor was Joseph. (Genesis 48/5 and 16). When our Lord returns to this earth as a mighty king in Israel. Then all the sons of Jacob/Israel will bow down in homage to the son of God, son of the man Judah. As many have already done for centuries past in prayer!

Genesis 49:9
"JUDAH IS A LIONS WHELP: FROM THE PREY, MY SON, THOU ART GONE UP: HE STOOPED DOWN, HE COUCHED AS A LION, AND AS AN OLD LION: WHO SHALL ROUSE HIM UP"?

In the article called "The Path of Zion and Jerusalem and the Controversy", at the front of this book. It was necessary to quote these 2 verses of Genesis 49:8-9 and explain them. I make no excuses for explaining them again here.

"JUDAH IS A LIONS WHELP". The old "lion" is of course Jacob, his son who takes his name, and carries Jacob's bloodline is Judah. (Micah 5:7-9).

It must be stated here that though Judah has become a favoured son to Jacob, as written in Genesis. Judah "did not" take the "birthright" -as some scholars believe,- when the "birthright" was lost to Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, through their indiscretions. The "birthright" in the "last days" remains with Joseph, as it has done from the beginning.(1 Chronicles 5:1-2).

The word "whelp" written in Genesis for Judah is of a young male lion of Jacob, which will be used contemptuously in history.

Genesis 49:9.
"FROM THE PREY, MY SON, THOU ART GONE UP".

When Judah's children were "whelps" they were seized and devoured by others, they cried but were not strong enough to fight other nations.

"THOU ART GONE UP" means, though used contemptuously, sometimes as "prey", the Jew of Judah, will distance himself from the prey. He will be guided also and not always to be acknowledged as inferior. He will also rise himself within the nations to other heights.

Verse 9:- "HE STOOPED DOWN HE COUCHED AS A LION, AND AS AN OLD LION: WHO SHALL ROUSE HIM UP"?

Judah's children stooped down, which is the act of bending his body forward and downward, either in submission, or to hide. As the Jews journeyed through the nations, which went on decade after decade, he was a "young lion" making himself inconspicuous, close to the ground. Then the Jew after almost 2,000 years -since the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. -Eventually being experienced in the ways of the world; as an "OLD LION," he used wisdom.

"WHO SHALL ROUSE HIM UP?" This question is asked now of the Jew. If Judah has gone through all these stages of experience in lion hood, "who" amongst his people is going to excite, and drive him into action collectively?

The Jews whole existence has been to mourn Jerusalem with sad eyes and an aching heart, Yet, they had to drink the dregs of a bitter cup "as prey" under Hitler's Germany, and it seemed when Judah was at his weakest, that old "lion" stood upon his feet, roared, and fought. It was God who roused him up!

Genesis 49:10.
"THE SCEPTRE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH, NOR A LAWGIVER FROM BETWEEN HIS FEET, UNTIL SHILOH COME; AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE".

The "sceptre" is of course a baton borne by a monarch, as a symbol of authority.

That "monarchy" would not leave, nor go away from the Jew, no matter what happens in history, whether secular or biblical.

The House of Judah (Jew) for centuries has refused to accept Jesus the Christ, as King of the Jews. It's mainly because they are steeped in ritual, and fables, they, like the "House of Israel" have clung to man-made ideologies and vanities of thinking. Indeed, as the Law says, they are all "stiff necked" unable to bow to another truth of monarchy. (Exodus 32:9 Deuteronomy 10:16).

Out of the lineage of Judah, whether the Jew baulks at it or not, came the "monarchy" for all Israel, both houses.

Let us read what Micah 5:2 says.
"BUT THOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH, THOUGH THOU BE LITTLE AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, (Or such a small amount of people in the village of Bethlehem, compared with the rest of the multitude of Judah).YET OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME FORTH UNTO ME THAT IS TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL"; (Again, the Lord God in His wisdom, chose a small insignificant village to bring forth a monarchy that will govern "all" Israel, within Jew and Gentile alike. From Bethlehem came King David of Israel, whose lineage was forged for Jesus, son of Judah, to be "ruler". (1 Samuel 16 Matthew 2:1-6).

Whether Jew or the Gentile disproves of Jesus, as King, "He" has remained King since the time of His birth and anointing, and remains so, until man's evil days are over, and beyond.

Genesis 49:10.
"NOR A LAW GIVER FROM BETWEEN HIS FEET".

Meaning, though Judah was lost, and questions the lineage of the Levitical priesthood to govern himself throughout the centuries, and on into the "last days". Judah will always have Rabbi's to give him solace in his desire for a monarch and legislator, to give him a rightful manner in his thinking. Those "lawgivers" will be born down through the centuries from out of himself, as men. Born, according to, the precepts, of genetics. Which the expression between Judah's feet implies.
Verse 10:- "UNTIL SHILOH COME".

The word "Shiloh" has become a bit of football being kicked around by scholars, some say it has Messianic connotations; Others say Jacob's words should be altered for it to mean the mound and site of "Shiloh" in Canaan, where the tabernacle rested.

First and foremost, Jacob's dying prophecy, towards all his sons is for "the last days" -in our modern times,- and what will happen to them all. Therefore, the mention of "Shiloh" does not look back, to the city of Shiloh in Canaan, where the tabernacle rested, -which was before and after the prophet Samuel's time. Its picture is to fulfil Judah's historical prophecy, from when the Messiah came, almost 2,000 years ago.

Yes, one "can" say the 5 verses in Genesis 49 "are" Messianic, especially verses 10,11,and 12.

One does not stab at them in the dark and glibly say they are Messianic, because one must unravel the "meaning" of the words, "then" say they pertain to the Messiah and King of Judah.

Long before the city of "Shiloh" in Canaan/Palestine was set up by Joshua to house the ark within a tabernacle, (Joshua 18:1) Jacob, gave us the word "Shiloh" pertaining to the "last days" as a personal name. Shiloh as such, describes a "situation" of that person within Judah's lineage, and that "situation" is described fully in Genesis 49:10-12.

When the tabernacle was set up in the city of Shiloh in Canaan, all Israel "knew" that the Lord God dwelt with them. Not in person but in power of spirit. Because of God dwelling there with them the people were delivered from their enemies, and His "presence" redeemed man from sin. This act of redeeming is called "Salvation", so, Shiloh was a city of redemption or Salvation.

Since the ark at the city of Shiloh disappeared in ancient history, "Shiloh" reappeared as the Redeemer or "city of Salvation" coming out of Judah and was accepted in baptism and ceremony during Roman times and His name was Jesus Christ, "He" became the Salvation for all Israel.

This is "why" Dan's blessing in Genesis 49:18 emphasises the fact. "I HAVE WAITED FOR THY SALVATION, O LORD".

Dan is a judge in Israel, and in the "last days" he belongs with the "House of Israel" in the Christian Gentiles. His Redeemer (Shiloh) has come to him.

Judah, also will rejoice one day in this understanding, because Isaiah 26:1 tells us so. IN THAT DAY (Of knowledge and understanding of Jesus from Judah) SHALL THIS SONG BE SUNG IN THE LAND OF JUDAH. WE HAVE A STRONG CITY (Shiloh) SALVATION WILL GOD APPOINT FOR WALLS AND BULWARKS".

Or Shiloh is the Redeemer and deliverer from our enemies and sins, who is with us always, He being that city of strength and refuge.

The remainder of verse 10 of Genesis 49. "UNTIL SHILOH COME; AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE".

This last sentence is in 2 parts, the first part came into being when "Shiloh" (Jesus) came to the people during the times of the Romans. The second part shall be fulfilled when "He" returns, and the people of the 2 nations of Israel will "gather together" in truth and knowledge, to welcome their King.
One must also note in that sentence of verse 10, that "Shiloh" is a person, because it says "unto Him" shall the gathering be.

Genesis does not leave this involved situation until it explains "Shiloh" some more.

In verse 11 it states, "BINDING HIS FOAL TO THE VINE, AND HIS ASS'S COLT UNTO THE CHOICE VINE; HE WASHED HIS GARMENTS IN WINE, AND HIS CLOTHES IN THE BLOOD OF GRAPES".

This verse 11 is part of verse 10, because it's still clarifying the fact that the blessing is still speaking of one person, - he or his - called Shiloh.

We must go to both Old and New Testaments for the interpretation of this wonderful exacting prophecy. Which verse proves beyond all doubt, that scholars "must" face the fact that there are 2 nations and 2 remnants of Israel in the world today. Both, nations are more or less ignorant of that fact (With exception of a few people wise enough to accept it)!

The prophet Zechariah 9:9. "REJOICE GREATLY, O DAUGHTER OF ZION; (1 remnant of Israel) SHOUT, O DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM; (2nd remnant of Israel) BEHOLD THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE: (Jesus out of Judah) HE IS JUST, AND HAVING SALVATION; (Shiloh) LOWLY, AND RIDING UPON AN ASS (1 animal) AND UPON A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS". (2nd animal).

There is then 2 animals, a foal (ass) and ass's colt, which we read of in Genesis 49:11.

Let's read in Matthew 21:4-7.
Verse 4:- "ALL THIS WAS DONE, THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHET, SAYING," (The prophet being Zechariah).
Verse 5:- "TELL YE THE DAUGHTER OF SION, BEHOLD THY KING COMETH UNTO TO THEE, MEEK, AND SITTING UPON AN ASS, AND A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS".

Between Zechariah's prophecy, and Matthew's factual verses, the "daughter of Jerusalem" has disappeared, there is no mention of her either, with John 12:15, only the "daughter of Zion" receives her King.

If we go back to Genesis 49:11, we find that 2 vines are "bound" to 2 animals by a person out of Judah's lineage, namely Jesus. When one is "binding" something it is secured in place, it is a sewing up of the loose ends. Those 2 vines of Genesis are:-

1. Of the daughter of Zion, from the House of Israel.

2. Of the daughter of Jerusalem, of the House of Judah. (Jew).

The King Lord Jesus went into the city of Jerusalem -to fulfil every jot and tittle of the Law,- and to save those 2 remnants from out of the world, "Shiloh" was the Salvation for all Israel, to Redeem that which is lost.

Who are the "Vines" that Jacob speaks of in Genesis 49?

There are a number of verses to show us, but let Jeremiah explain.

Jeremiah 2:4,21.
"HEAR YE THE WORD OF THE LORD O HOUSE OF JACOB, (Judah is called Jacob's son endorsing this house), AND ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL". (Or the 10 tribes within the Gentile Christians).
Verse 21:-. "YET I HAVE PLANTED THEE A NOBLE VINE, WHOLLY A RIGHT SEED; HOW THEN ART THOU TURNED INTO THE DEGENERATE PLANT OF A STRANGE VINE UNTO ME"?

The "noble vine" of all the tribes came from noble Patriarchs.

Let us read where the "Choice" vine is? Peter was at Jerusalem amongst the Jews, and he said. (Acts 15:17). "AND WHEN THERE HAD BEEN MUCH DISPUTING, PETER ROSE UP, AND SAID UNTO THEM, MEN AND BRETHREN YE KNOW HOW THAT A GOOD WHILE AGO GOD MADE CHOICE AMONG US, THAT THE GENTILES BY MY MOUTH SHOULD HEAR THE WORD OF THE GOSPEL, AND BELIEVE".

Peter is telling us the "choice" of peoples to accept the Christ had been made by God, because the Jews at that time would reject Him. Therefore, "He" became a "light" unto the Gentiles only, and in them was the "lost sheep" of the House of Israel. (Luke 2:30-32).

The story of the whole "vineyard" called the House of Israel, is in Isaiah chapter 5, and the 2 vines of plants in verse 7.

"FOR THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD OF HOSTS IS THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL, AND THE MEN OF JUDAH HIS PLEASANT PLANT, AND HE LOOKED FOR JUDGEMENT, BUT BEHOLD OPPRESSION; FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS BUT BEHOLD A CRY".

These are the "2 vines" in Genesis 49. To whom the Lord Jesus took the 2 animals in Jerusalem for, namely, the House of Israel (The choice vine) and the House of Judah (Vine). -His clothes in the blood of Judah, from whom He came.

Genesis 49:11 states Shiloh (Jesus), bound the foal to the choice vine/House of Israel/daughter of Zion). -Forsaken Vine became Judah's line.

This "division" in vines and animals comes about because the "brotherhood" between Judah and Israel is "broken". (Zechariah 11:7-14).

Jesus (Shiloh) "rode" the 2 animals as Holy Scripture says.

Then Zechariah 9 says that the "daughter of Jerusalem" of the Jew would "shout", which they did! The people shouted, "Hosanna to the son of David", later they "shouted" crucify Him! (Matthew 21:9).

Zechariah also says "that" the daughter of Zion would, "rejoice greatly", or to gladden the heart to a high degree in experience generously and bravely, which they did, when becoming Christians within the Gentiles.

This is why "the daughter of Jerusalem" of the Jew is missing in Matthew and John, because their "shout" was short lived, and changed to crucify "Him", and so the "daughter of Jerusalem" hardened her heart against Him, receding back into Jewish legend and ignoring truth.

We must go back now to Genesis 49:11, and the latter part of the sentence.

"HE WASHED HIS GARMENTS IN WINE, AND HIS CLOTHES IN THE BLOOD OF GRAPES".

This strange expression means:- Shiloh, (Jesus the salvation of Israel) after performing the ritual in His entry into Jerusalem for the 2 remnants of the nation of Israel, which was required of Him, because of Prophecy. He also did something else. He performed an act of "ablution" upon His person, not with water but the juice and wine which is the act of standing a test for the 2 choice vines of Israel. Again, we have 2 types of clothing, - garments and clothes - for 2 separate people. His "garment" is an article of clothing like a gown or coat, and the "clothes" can be garments for the body or blankets etc.

Wine is of course an intoxicating liquor which can cause trouble for a person who is saturated through his "garments". Which result caused Jesus to die at the hands of the House of Judah, and the Romans. Who cast lots for His garments.

His "clothes in the blood of grapes", again, caused Him to be noticed and tormented throughout history, within the so-called Christian "House of Israel", but not as strongly as a fermentation of grapes made into wine, the "blood of grapes" can be imbibed without tragic results, if one is cautious.

Genesis 49:12. "HIS EYES SHALL BE RED WITH WINE, AND HIS TEETH WHITE WITH MILK".

Again, prophecy continues with the character of Shiloh (Jesus) and the 2 roles He played in His actions when He walked this earth, in the act of Redeeming both houses of Israel.

So much did the people immerse Him in doubt and terror -as if in a vat of wine drowning in torment and agony. That His "garments" were saturated, with the strange wine and it crept through His person into His eyes, until it all overwhelmed Him. The people had inflicted so much horror on Him he was stupefied because of it. His whole being was out of joint, being drunk with the pain! His cry went up to God, and the people cast lots for those garments and in a childlike innocent fashion He laid no blame but asked God to forgive them. (Psalm 22) - From His mouth came words of nourishment purity and simplicity. He was meek and mild and like milk over His teeth, as a babe, the innocent words came like food from the innocence of His inner being.

The depth of Judah's blessing from Jacob in Genesis, was far sighted, sad, and remarkable!