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Genesis 49:10 - Messianic kingship endures forever

Genesis 49:10 - בראשית 49:10

Hebrew Text

לֹא־יָסוּר שֵׁבֶט מִיהוּדָה וּמְחֹקֵק מִבֵּין רַגְלָיו עַד כִּי־יָבֹא שילה [שִׁילוֹ] וְלוֹ יִקְּהַת עַמִּים׃

English Translation

The staff shall not depart from Yehuda, nor the sceptre from between his feet, until Shilo come, and the obedience of the people be his.

Transliteration

Lo-yasur shevet mi-Yehuda u-mekhokeik mi-bein raglav ad ki-yavo Shilo ve-lo yikhat amim.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־יָס֥וּר שֵׁ֙בֶט֙ מִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וּמְחֹקֵ֖ק מִבֵּ֣ין רַגְלָ֑יו עַ֚ד כִּֽי־יָבֹ֣א <span class="mam-kq-trivial">שִׁילֹ֔ה</span> וְל֖וֹ יִקְּהַ֥ת עַמִּֽים׃
לֹֽא־יָס֥וּר שֵׁ֙בֶט֙ מִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וּמְחֹקֵ֖ק מִבֵּ֣ין רַגְלָ֑יו עַ֚ד כִּֽי־יָבֹ֣א שִׁילֹ֔ה וְל֖וֹ יִקְּהַ֥ת עַמִּֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse "לֹא־יָסוּר שֵׁבֶט מִיהוּדָה וּמְחֹקֵק מִבֵּין רַגְלָיו עַד כִּי־יָבֹא שִׁילוֹ וְלוֹ יִקְּהַת עַמִּים" (Bereishit 49:10) is part of Yaakov Avinu's blessings to his sons before his passing. This particular blessing is directed toward Yehuda, signifying the eternal leadership of the tribe of Yehuda in Klal Yisrael.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • שֵׁבֶט (Shevet) – Rashi explains this as a "rod of authority," symbolizing kingship and leadership. The tribe of Yehuda would retain rulership over Israel.
  • מְחֹקֵק (Mechokek) – This refers to a lawgiver or legislator, indicating that Yehuda's descendants would establish laws and governance (Ramban).
  • שִׁילוֹ (Shilo) – Interpreted in multiple ways: some say it refers to Moshiach (Sanhedrin 98b), while others explain it as a reference to the Davidic dynasty (Rashi). The Targum Onkelos translates it as "until Moshiach comes."
  • יִקְּהַת עַמִּים (Yikhat Amim) – This denotes the gathering or submission of nations, meaning that Yehuda's descendants will command respect and authority among nations (Ibn Ezra).

Traditional Interpretations

According to Rashi, the verse means that Yehuda's descendants will always retain leadership until the coming of Moshiach, who will be from the Davidic line (descended from Yehuda). The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 11:1) cites this verse as proof that the monarchy must remain within Yehuda's lineage.

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:8) connects this prophecy to King David and the future redemption, emphasizing that Yehuda's leadership is everlasting. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 5a) discusses how this verse establishes Yehuda's supremacy in halachic and political matters.

Halachic and Messianic Implications

This verse is foundational in Jewish thought regarding the Davidic monarchy and the eventual coming of Moshiach. The Rambam emphasizes that any future king of Israel must be from Yehuda’s lineage, reinforcing the permanence of this blessing.

The phrase "עַד כִּי־יָבֹא שִׁילוֹ" is understood by many commentators as a reference to the Messianic era, when the ultimate ruler from Yehuda’s line will restore Israel’s sovereignty and bring universal recognition of Hashem’s kingship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 98b
The verse is discussed in the context of the coming of the Messiah, with interpretations of 'Shiloh' as a reference to the Messiah.
📖 Berakhot 12b
Mentioned in a discussion about the future redemption and the role of the tribe of Judah.
📖 Megillah 11a
Referenced in a discussion about the historical continuity of Jewish leadership from Judah to the Messianic era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 49:10 mean?
A: Genesis 49:10 is part of Yaakov's blessing to his son Yehuda before his passing. It means that the leadership (symbolized by the 'staff' and 'scepter') will always remain with the tribe of Yehuda until the coming of Moshiach (referred to as 'Shiloh'). Rashi explains that this verse guarantees that kingship will remain with Yehuda's descendants forever, ultimately leading to the Davidic dynasty and the future redemption.
Q: Why is Genesis 49:10 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes Yehuda's tribe as the rightful leaders of Israel and promises the eternal Davidic monarchy. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 11:1) cites this verse as proof that Moshiach must come from the lineage of David and Yehuda. It assures us that despite exile, Jewish leadership will never fully depart from Yehuda's descendants.
Q: Who or what is 'Shiloh' in Genesis 49:10?
A: Traditional Jewish sources interpret 'Shiloh' as referring to Moshiach. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 98b) states that this name signifies that kingship belongs to him ('shelo' - 'to him'). Rashi explains it means 'until the Messiah comes, to whom the kingdom belongs.' This is a prophecy about the future redeemer who will come from Yehuda's line.
Q: How does Genesis 49:10 apply to Jews today?
A: This verse gives Jews hope during exile that the Davidic monarchy will be restored with Moshiach's coming. The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 99:8) connects this to our prayers for redemption. It reminds us that despite current circumstances, Hashem's promise to Yehuda remains intact, and we await the fulfillment when 'the obedience of the people will be his' - when all nations will recognize Hashem's sovereignty.
Q: What does 'the obedience of the people' mean in Genesis 49:10?
A: Rashi explains this phrase ('yikhas amim') means that nations will gather to Moshiach, bringing offerings and showing submission. The Rambam (Melachim 11:4) describes this as the time when all nations will serve Hashem together. The Talmud (Pesachim 119b) interprets it as nations bringing gifts to Moshiach, symbolizing universal recognition of Hashem's kingdom.