Hello Beloved,

As we have exhaustively surveyed the names and epithets of God in the last series of this newsletter, I will be turning to write on the names of Jesus. This series will primarily follow the work of Elmer Towns’ The Names of Jesus.

The first name given of Jesus in the Old Testament comes from a passage we recently studied on Sunday morning, Genesis 49:10. You may recall that Jacob prophesied Judah’s descendants would experience praise from his brothers, and he would exhibit power over his enemies. Judah is described as a lion who will receive the symbol of rule, the scepter. Jacob states, "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” Genesis 49:10 (NASB).

Admittedly, the name of “Shiloh” does not appear in many of the translations, like the ESV and NIV. However, I believe it is best to translate the word from this passage by using the Hebrew transliteration, which is “Shiloh.” There are several debated meanings for this word, including “the sent one,” “son,” “peace” or “peace-giver” (the name Towns adheres to), “tribute,” and “he to whom it belongs.” We know that whatever it means, the name clearly refers to Jesus. At the heart of this prophecy, the nations of the world will be gathered to “Shiloh.” (Not to be confused with the place in Israel where the tabernacle was placed in the time of the Judges.)

Many ancient Jewish and Christian commentators agree that the passage of Genesis 49:10 must refer to the coming Messiah. Shiloh is a portrait of strength and power and will rule during a period of prosperity. Immediately following the given name of Shiloh, Jacob declares several metaphors that signify abundance during Shiloh’s reign. Jacob states, "He ties his foal to the vine, and his donkey's colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are dull from wine, And his teeth white from milk” Genesis 49:11-12 (NASB). During this period, grape vines are so numerous, one could tie his or her animal to them. Wine is so abundant; one uses it to wash clothes. Further, dark eyes and white teeth are indicative of health. Could this picture of worldwide dominion and prosperity be a portrait of the coming Millennium in which the Christ King (Shiloh) will reign? I believe it is! Yes, it is to Shiloh, the one to whom it belongs, that will have the rule and reign over such a kingdom. However, before this reign, further revelation from God’s Word communicates that Messiah must die and pay the penalty for our sins. William Billings captures this truth in his poem “Shiloh.”

Let all your fears be banish'd hence
Glad tidings I proclaim
For there's a Saviour born today
And Jesus is his name

Lay down your crooks and quit your flocks
To Bethlehem repair;
And let your wand'ring steps be squar'd
By yonder shining star

Seek not in courts or palaces
Nor royal curtains draw;
But search the stable, see your God
Extended on the straw

Then learn from hence, ye rural Swains
The Meekness of your God
Who left the boundless Realms of Joy
To Ransom you with blood

The Master of the Inn refus'd
A more commodious Place;
Ungenerous Soul of Savage Mould
And destitute of Grace

Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”