January 15

Until Shiloh come.—Genesis 49:10.

THE term Shiloh according to our best commentator signifies either "the Sent," or the "Peace Maker." In either case it is exceedingly appropriate when applied to Jesus, and there can be no doubt that he is distinctly alluded to in this prediction. At the very time of Christ's appearing, Judea was subject to the controul of a Roman governor, and their political power was so far gone, that they confessed that it was not lawful for them to put any man to death. (John 18:31.) Since that period the Jews have lost every vestige of power and authority, and are in a state of degraded vassalage almost to every kingdom under heaven. This prophecy must therefore have been falsified, or the Shiloh must have appeared. It is deserving of especial notice that in the appearing of the blessed Jesus, the whole body of ancient prediction, as to the person, birthplace, miracles, sufferings, kingdom, &c. of the predicted Shiloh were most minutely fulfilled. The life of Jesus was one great mass of evidence that he was the "Shiloh," the "Sent of God." One of the rulers confessed, that no man could have done the works he did, had not God been with him. Christ as the Shiloh was sent by the Father as his chosen elect messenger and servant. He was sent from heaven, the place of his original riches, authority and glory. He was sent into this, our world of wretchedness, sin, and woe, to be one of its inhabitants, and to mingle with its society. He was sent to illumine it by his doctrines, to redeem it by his death, and to restore its dignity and holiness, by the erection of his spiritual kingdom. He was sent to make it the field of conflict in which he should overcome the powers of darkness, and he was sent to make it the theatre of his wonders, and to unite it by his mediatorial influence in one spiritual society to the hierarchy of heaven. What love did the Father evince in sending his Son! What grace did the Son display, in freely coming into our world to save sinners! And under what deep and lasting obligations are its inhabitants to hail his appearance with joy, and to receive him with the greatest possible gratitude and love. To despise the Shiloh, is to treat the whole Godhead with iniquitous contempt, and to expose our souls to his most severe and aggravated displeasure.