The text in question is Genesis 49:10 — “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes,
And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” (NASB)
So, what is Shilo?
There are various interpretations afoot and here are some examples:
“until tribute comes to him” (ESV, NRSV)
“until he to whom it belongs shall come” (NIV,RSV)
“until there comes the things stored up for him” (LXX)
There are arguments to support each of these, as well as other interpretations, but none are particularly convincing. The approach by the NASB, to evade the question and punt, may be the better part of valor.
However, I think there is one suggested interpretation that has special merit: that Shiloh can mean “tranquility”, as the word is closely related to shalom. If one takes a canonical approach, giving priority to NT theology, then this would be the preferred understanding. Such a hermeneutical approach seems appropriate in a verse like this where it is clearly and widely accepted as Messianic, and where there is so much uncertainty in the exegesis of the Hebrew text.
Some relevant associated texts are:
Psalm 110:1 “The Lord says to my Lord:
‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’”, which is quoted in Acts 2:34-35.
Hebrews 10:12-13 — “He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet”
1 Corinthians 15:24-28 — “then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, ‘All things are put in subjection,’ it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.”
An interpretation of Genesis 49:10 consistent with the above texts would be that Judah (the Lion of the tribe) is continuing to this day to hold the scepter, as the Messiah who presently reigns; and this reign will continue until all His enemies are destroyed. There shall then be peace (Shiloh will come), and He will then lay aside the scepter, but not before. I believe we should regard this as the promise revealed in Jacob’s blessing.