11 Binding his foal unto the vine, he washed his garments in wine, and his and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; clothes in the blood of grapes. e1 Kings 4:20,25. 2 Kings 18:32. Joel 3:18. Mic. 4:4. Rev. 7:14. consider it, more and more every century. Compared with the astonishing prophecy before us, it undeniably shews that SHILOH is come; that JESUS the Son of Mary was he; and that the Jews filled up the measure of their national guilt by crucifying Him, and have ever since been left, as wretched outcasts dispersed through the nations, to be a living demonstration, that "the Scriptures cannot be broken."-The inspired Patriarch added, "To him shall the gathering of the people be."-If we understand this of Judah, its exact accomplishment has been already shewn. The other tribes gathered to that of Judah, during their encampments in the wilderness; they collected themselves as one body to make David king; and afterward they came from all the other tribes, to attend his courts, and form his armies, and those of his son Solomon. After the revolt of Jeroboam and Israel, vast multitudes from other tribes left their for Israel, properly speaking, was no more the law, and the prophets, and other Scriptures, divided into tribes, than governed by kings: but why the Jews are thus smitten in this captivity it was thus prophetically intimated that Judah 'wherein we are; which may be properly called, would shortly acquire authority, not only as the PERPETUAL ANGER OF GOD, because it hath a distinct tribe, but likewise over his brethren. 'no end. For it is now above 1000 years since -The word rendered "lawgiver," in general we were carried captive by Titus; and yet our signifies a ruler or judge; and implies, that ru- 'fathers who worshipped idols, killed the prophlers and magistrates, descended from Judah, or 'ets, and cast the law behind their back, were called by his name, would succeed each other only punished with a seventy years' captivity, for a length of time. This authority in Judah, and then brought home again; but now there is however assailed, or changed as to external'no end of our calamities, nor do the prophets form, should not finally depart till SHILOH came, 'promise any.' S. Moraccanus, in Bp. Patrick. on whom the legislative and judicial authority-This inquiry must press the Jews, if they duly would devolve; and in this, compared with the preceding part of the prophecy, it is implied, that the regal dominion would be exercised by SHILOH however previously interrupted: for as Shiloh, to whom "the gathering of the people would be," was to descend from Judah; the meaning evidently is, that the authority would remain with Judah, till he came, whose right it was, and with him it would thenceforth remain for ever. 'As to the time of his coming, it is 'foretold clearly, that it should be before the 'sceptre and lawgiver should depart from Ju'dah, or about that time. And it is at least hint'ed that it would not be long before that de'parting of civil policy from Judah; and that it would be after its departure from the other 'tribes: for if it was to continue with them, as well as with Judah, till Shiloh came, the patriarch's words would not be suitable to the obvi'ous design of them.' Maclaurin. We have seen how the sceptre and the authority remain-possessions to join themselves to Judah. The ed with Judah till the captivity.-Even in Babylon the Jews seem to have been under some internal government, exercised by the family of David. After their return from Babylon, Zerubbabel, of David's race, was their leader; and the tribe of Judah, and those who incorporated with them, had regular magistrates and rulers from among themselves, under the kings of Per-But the clause seems more immediately to refer sia and Syria, and afterwards under the Ro- to SHILOH. After his coming, when the sceptre mans.-The Sanhedrim, constituted in great departed from Judah, the gathering both of Jews measure of the tribe of Judah, and the other and Gentiles was to Him, as their Prince and courts dependent on it, possessed great author- Savior. It has continued to be so even to this ity till the coming of Christ, according to the present time; and we are taught to expect that concurrent testimony of ancient writers. The this will be the case, more and more, till "the tribe of Judah likewise was preserved distinct, earth shall be filled with his glory;" and that the and could trace back its genealogies without very Jews, now without prince or sceptre, will difficulty. In all respects, the sceptre, though ere long be gathered to him as his willing peogradually enfeebled, did not depart; nor was the ple. (Note, Hos. 3:4,5.) But, "when the Son of exercise of legislative and judicial authority, Man shall come in his glory, and all his holy anthough interrupted, finally suspended, till after gels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of that event. The word SHILOH may mean, He|| his glory; and before him shall be gathered all who is sent, or The Seed, or the Peaceable, or nations." And, finally, the unnumbered millions Prosperous One; but all allow that the Messiah of the redeemed shall be gathered to him into was intended, who was sent into the world, as his heavenly kingdom, to behold his glory, and the promised Seed, to be "the Prince of Peace." to rejoice in his love for ever.-Some render the Till his coming, Judah possessed considerable clause, "To him shall the obedience of the peoauthority: but shortly after his crucifixion, this ple be:" and if this translation should be preferauthority was vastly abridged; and within that red, it may easily be seen, that the accomplishgeneration, according to his express predictions, ment in all respects has answered the predicJerusalem was destroyed, the whole civil and tion in this sense, as well as in the other. Inecclesiastical state was subverted, and all dis-deed, for what purpose did the people gather tinctions among the poor harassed remnant either to Judah, to David and his royal race, or were confounded; they were scattered abroad to Jesus Christ, but in order to submit to them, over the face of the earth; and to this day, after and render them willing, loyal, and cordial obealmost 1800 years, they have been more desti-dience?-Before the coming of Christ, the Jews, tute of sceptre and lawgiver, than even during the Babylonish captivity. This consideration so perplexed a learned Jew, above 700 years ago, that he wrote thus to his friend: I would 'fain learn from thee, out of the testimonies of people gathered to Judah, both in serving under the kings of David's race, attending on the courts of justice, and even in celebrating their solemn feasts. After the captivity, many out of the other tribes joined the Jews, and were gradually incorporated among them; and the whole nation has ever since been called after Judah. under their greatest difficulties, had a government of their own: but since that time, they have had none; except as Christ, of the tribe of Judah, is the Prince of Peace and the King of Glory, to whom both Jews and Gentiles are re 16 ¶ Dan TM shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. 17 Dan" shall be a serpent by the way, ven of the sea: and he shall be for an ha-* an adder in the path; that biteth the ven of ships; and his border shall be unto horse-heels, so that his rider shall fall Zidon. backward. being satisfied with the pleasantness of a re mote part of the country, he little intermed dled with the affairs of the state, or of war; of with maritime affairs as Zebulun did.-Accordingly, this tribe is seldom mentioned in the subsequent history. There is, however, one remarkable exception. (1 Chr. 12:32.) V. 11, 12. These verses relate to the lot of V. 16, 17. Dan signifies judgment: and JaJudah in Canaan, and the advantages which cob foretold that, though he was the son of one they would enjoy, along with the other tribes, of his concubines, and the first of them whoi until the coming of SHILOH. It was foretold, he mentions, he should be the head of a sepathat Judah's inheritance should abound in vines rate tribe, and have a share in public affairs; so strong, that they would tie their young asses even as if he had been descended from Leah or to them, and so fruitful, that their garments Rachel.-What follows is a sketch of the charwould be stained with the juice of the grape.-acter of the Danites, as subtle and mischievous, They would have plenty of wine for exhilara-like serpents and vipers; and of their success tion, which would sometimes be abused in in- || in stratagems and the propriety of these emtemperance, so that their eyes would be "red blems would probably appear to us far more with wine;" and "their teeth white with milk," striking, if we knew their history.-Samson with which also their lot should abound, the pas-was of this tribe, who unexpectedly buried the ture-ground being very fertile and luxuriant.-Philistines in the ruins of the temple of Dagon; We have seen much of the preceding prophecy applied to Christ, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," terrible to his obstinate foes, but merciful to those who submit: and we may also observe that he is "the true Vine;" that wine is the appointed symbol of "his blood, which is drink indeed," as shed for sinners and applied in faith; and that all the blessings of his gospel, are "wine and milk, without money and without price," to which every thirsty soul is welcome. as the viper, which lies on the sandy road, causes the horse to throw his rider: and indeed all his previous successes had been obtained in the same unexpected and extraordinary manner. The tribe of Dan, in general, seems to have excelled more in stratagems than in open war. V. 18. Many expositors imagine, that Jacob here meant to offer up his prayers, with reference to the conflicts and victories which he had predicted: but it is far more natural to suppose, that being exhausted with speaking to his V. 13. According to this prediction, the tribe of Zebulun had a portion assigned to it, which extended nearly, if not entirely, from the seasons, he here paused, and spake unto the Lord, of Galilee to the Mediterranean sea, on which by way of refreshing his spirits in the recollecsome think, it had sea-ports. The maritime tion of the near approach of that complete salsituation in which this tribe was placed, tended|| vation, for which he had so long waited. (Note, greatly to enrich it, both by fisheries and com- 48:16.) Mr. Henry on the passage observes, merce; (Note, Deut. 33:18,19.) and its inherit- That the pious ejaculations of lively devotion ance reached to the borders of that country, of may sometimes appear incoherent, but ought which Zidon was the capital.-As the land of never to be censured as impertinent.'-Old Canaan was long after this divided by lot, it was age is the time for "the patience of hope" to the more surprising, that Jacob should thus ex-bear its richest fruits: and a pleasant thing it actly describe the situation of the tribes. Zeb-is to see this and other graces in full bloom, ulun was younger than Issachar, yet Jacob while the powers of nature are falling into dementions him first; and accordingly his inherit- cay.' Fuller. ance was first allotted to him. (Josh. 19:10-17.) V. 19. Gad signifies a troop; and both the V. 14, 15. Issachar is described under the charaeter and situation of this tribe are here emblem of a strong ass, as Judah had been un- described. The Gadites were renowned for der that of a fierce lion. This implied that the valor: (1 Chron. 12:8.) and, having their inhertribe of Issachar would be industrious and un-itance beyond Jordan eastward, they lay open ambitious; bearing labor or tribute peaceably, of which burdens others grievously complained. The expression, "couching down between two burdens," is variously interpreted; but it certainly denotes a quiet, persevering industry. He was sensible that rest, not from labor, but from war and contention, was profitable; and, to incursions from troops of Ammonites, Moabites, Syrians, and others, by whom doubtless they were frequently annoyed: but they maintained their ground, gained decisive victories, and under David and his posterity they subjugated their enemies.-This blessing aptly describes a Christian's conflict: he is overcome in [179 22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall. 23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him. 25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee, and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. e 26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors, unto the utmost bound of the 24 But his bow abode in strength,everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. and the arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob: (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) many combats, but is more than conqueror in the final event of the war. V. 20. Asher signifies blessed; and Jacob, by the Spirit of prophecy, assigned him a plentiful country, yielding abundance for himself and others; even royal dainties, to supply the table || of kings, at home and abroad. His inheritance bordered on Carmel, which was fruitful to a proverb. (Josh. 19:24-26. Is. 35:2.) h 27 Benjamin shall b 23:13. 43:23. Deut. 33:13,17. d Deut. 28:2-12. Ps. 84:11. e 27:27-29,39,40. 28:3,4. f Deut. 33:15. Jon. 2:6. Hab. g 37:28. Ps. 105:17-22. raven as a shall devour h 35:18. Deut. 33:12. i Judg. 3:15-29. 20. 1 Sam. 11: 4-11 14: 15: Acts 8:3. 9:1. Phil. 3:5. k Jer. 5:6. Ez. 22:25,27. Zeph. 3:3. Matt. 7:15. 10:16. Acts 20:29. exertions, were strengthened to use them by the power of the God of Jacob; who in providence outwardly protected and prospered him, and by his Spirit endued him inwardly with such strength of faith and of grace, as produced invincible courage, resolution, and persever ance: and thus he was enabled to stand his ground, and to repel every attack of his eneinies. His life was preserved, his reputation V. 21. This may be considered as a sketch of was cleared, his integrity remained unimpeachthe character of this tribe. Unlike the labori-ed: when he rose superior to all opposition, his ous ox and ass; affecting ease and liberty; in- brethren sued to him, and became dependent sinuating and affectionate; active but volatile; on him; and all his enemies bowed before him more noted for despatch, than for steady labor and sought his favor. By the divine assistance and perseverance; and more disposed to exult and blessing, and through all these trials and in national blessings, than to fight in defence troubles, he at length became "the shepherd of of them; like the hind which flees from the ene- Israel," to sustain his father and family, and to my, not like the lion who faces and overcomes take care of them with all their flocks and him; like the suppliant, who with goodly words herds; and "the stone of Israel," the foundacraves mercy, not like the warrior who dis- tion and strong support of their interests. In dains to ask or even accept of quarter; yet in these respects, as in many other things, he was this way maintaining his ground, as the hind a remarkable type of the good Shepherd, and stands firm even on the craggy and steep rocks. tried Corner-Stone, of the whole church of God. -Barak and many of his soldiers were of this-Indeed, though the royal dignity, and the tribe, and, though at last they fought successfully, at first they were very timorous. I recollect no other warriors of this tribe. (Notes, Judg. 4: 5:) honor of being the progenitor of Christ, were conferred on Judah, yet Joseph was the especial type of the Savior among Jacob's sons, and all that is here spoken of him ought to be considered as descriptive of the great Antitype. He too was greatly grieved, shot at, and hated; but his bow abode in strength: and by the power of the Holy Spirit, he will not fail nor be discouraged, till his enemies are put under his footstool, and his brethren are brought to be with him where he is, to behold and share his glory. Thus Joseph, being helped by the God of his father Jacob, was personally, and in his posterity, triumphant over all his enemies.-It was also predicted, that God would bless his posterity with a temperate climate, a fruitful V. 22-26. Part of what Jacob says concerning his beloved Joseph is historical, and relates to his past life: much however is prophetical. He is here called "a fruitful bough,' or young tree planted by the water-side: he had no more than two sons, yet from them sprang two very numerous tribes; but his prosperity was preceded by base injuries and heavy afflictions. "The archers," or such as were most skilful in the use of the bow, "had sorely grieved him, shot at him, and hated him." His brethren pursued him with unrelenting envy and enmity, and spared his life only to sell him for a slave. Pot-soil, the treasures that are dug from the bowels iphar's wife tempted and then slandered him; Potiphar condemned and imprisoned him; and though we do not read of it, it is a singular case indeed, if some of the Egyptians did not revile and envy him. This part may likewise be considered as prophetical of the terrible wars, which his descendants waged, especially with the kingdom of Judah.-His weapons, however, in this warfare failed him not, as a broken or weakened bow would have done: and his hands and arms, notwithstanding the most fatiguing of the earth, a numerous and healthful progeny, and extensive and durable blessings of every kind; being like the mountains, which shall endure as long as the earth itself, and as precious as their most desirable productions. All these benefits were typical of the vast and everlasting blessings, that are conferred upon the spiritual seed of Christ.-Thus Jacob blessed all his sons, more particularly, copiously, and clearly, than Abraham and Isaac had done: the prom ises also drew nearer to their accomplishment the prey, and at night he shall divide the cave that is in the field of Ephron the the spoil. Hittite, 28 All these are m the twelve tribes 30 In the cave that is in the field of of Israel: and this is it that their father Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the spake unto them, and blessed them; eve- land of Canaan, P which Abraham bought ry one according to his blessing he bless-with the field of Ephron the Hittite, for a ed them. possession of a burying-place. n 29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people; bury me with my fathers, in 15:15. 25:8,17. 35:29. Heb. Num. 23:24. Esth. 8:11. Ez. 39:10. Zech. 14:1 -7. m Ex. 28:21. 1 Kings 18:31. Acts 25:7. Jam. 1:1. Rev. 7:4. 12:23. o 47:30. 2 Sam. 19:37. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife: and there I buried Leah. p 23:16-20. 50:13. Acts 7:16. q 23.19.25:9. 35:29. Joseph have been far more celebrated, than those of Jacob's other sons; which in the history, as well as in this prophecy, are comparatively obscure. The tribes of Judah and Ephraim have eclipsed all the other tribes, by giving names to the two grand divisions of the nation; and Ephraim has been far more illustrious than Manasseh. This is precisely what might have been supposed, even on a cursory reading of these chapters as prophecy: and how can it be accounted for, that events, through remote futurity, should so accord to this ancient book, if it had not been divinely inspired? Let those who deny or doubt its divine inspiration solve this difficulty if they are able. and his Seed were multiplying very fast. But V. 27. According to the emblem here used, the character of this tribe would be fierceness and cruelty; which especially appears in the history of the Levite's concubine; when after the wickedness was committed, the Benjamites singly withstood all the other tribes, and had the advantage in two battles; nor did they yield till almost entirely destroyed. (Notes, Judg. 19: 20:) Ehud, the second judge, and Saul the first king, were of this tribe.-In the former part of the history, we read frequently of the Benjamites as a warlike people; and in the latter times they joined themselves to the tribe of Judah, and thus divided the spoil, and shared with them in their privileges.-Paul was of this tribe, who, as it were, in the morning of his life, ravened as a wolf, and devoured the prey in persecuting the Christians; but in the evening of his days, as a preacher of the gospel, he shared the blessings with Judah's Lion, assisted in his victories, and thus divided the spoil.-Benjamin was peculiarly dear to Jacob, yet little is spoken of him in this blessing; and there is nothing of the tender and fervent affection, which marks the blessing pronounced on Joseph: for Jacob spake by the Spirit of prophecy.-The tribe of Benjamin did not join itself to the descendants of his brother Joseph; but to those of Judah. V. 28. Every one, &c.] That is, according to the blessing, which God intended in after times to bestow upon them.-Though some of Jacob's sons were reproved and disgraced, yet none of them were excluded (as Ishmael and Esau had been) from the promised land, and the peculiar privileges of Abraham's seed; and when we compare their situation with the Gentile nations, it clearly appears that they were all indeed bless V. 29, 30. Jacob charged all his sons in this matter, as he had done Joseph before. One design seems to have been, to draw off their thoughts from Egypt, to weaken their attachment to that country, and to lead them to fix their hearts upon Canaan, as their promised inheritance. V. 31. By burying Leah, and wishing to be buried himself, not where his beloved Rachel lay, but where Abraham and Isaac lay, Jacob expressed his faith in the God of Abraham and Isaac, and his desire of having his portion with them beyond the grave. (Notes, 23:) Of Leah's death and burial, nothing further is recorded. V. 33. Thus Jacob, having been enabled to finish all for which he wished to live, lay down and died with the utmost serenity and compo sure. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-7. In severely animadverting on the sins of atrocious criminals, we must take care neither to condemn whole families or collective bodies indiscriminately, nor to magnify every offence into a crime of deep malignity. Notwithstanding defects, some persons merit our commenThe gracious consolations and aids of the dation: and though all are not of the same disHoly Spirit can make men forget pain, raise position or alike prosperous, God dispensing to them above the feeling of an exhausted frame, men variously as he pleases; yet he blesses all and enable them to speak on a death-bed, with with many unmerited mercies, and especially pleasure to themselves and profit to others. But those who live under his ordinances, and enjoy views into futurity, except as they respect the the means of grace.-But praise is chiefly due felicity of heaven, would afford us little satis- to him who sprang from Judah, in whom the faction. Had not Jacob looked forward to the most opposite excellencies harmonize. As "the coming of SHILOH, and "waited for his sal- Lion of the tribe of Judah," he will terribly vation," he could have rejoiced but little in avenge upon his enemies his slighted love; and, these prophetical benedictions of his family, as "the Lamb of God," "by the sacrifice of himwith respect merely to this present world: so self" "he taketh away the sin of the world.” vain is the best state of earthly bliss!-What- He stretches forth his sceptre of grace from ever therefore tends to draw off our affections the mercy-seat, and invites us perishing sinners from things below, and raise them to things to draw near, and accept of his salvation, that above; whatever tends to cement our union we may not feel the stroke of his iron rod: and with the people of God, and to disunite us from "if his wrath be kindled, yea, but a little, blessthe world; must be good for us. And such ined are all they who trust in him." Assuredly, general is the tendency of the admonitions, and the Messenger of Peace is come, and unbelieveven rebukes, of pious parents, especially at ing Jews without sceptre or governor are his the close of life, and when mixed with prayers unwilling witnesses.-But may they and the fulfor their children's welfare.-Sins long since ness of the Gentiles be gathered unto him, and committed, if not washed away in the blood of with us enjoy blessings, incomparably better Christ, will at last rise up against us to our con- than the richest fruit of the vine and the corndemnation: and, even when repented of and field, and all royal dainties; than treasures dug pardoned, we may be reminded of them, by the from mines, gained by commerce, or seized by correction of our merciful Father, the rebukes conquest; blessings more firmly secured, than of kind friends, and the upbraidings of unkind the foundations of the hills, and more durable enemies; and in many ways be made to bear than creation itself; even everlasting felicity. the reproach, and to "possess the iniquities of With the earnests of this happiness comforting our youth," in our circumstances, constitutions, our hearts, "his yoke will be easy, and his burand reputations. We should therefore remem- den light;" nor will the hardest service, or the ber them for our humiliation, and that we may heaviest tribute, which he imposes, prevent our bear such rebukes with patience and meekness: finding rest for our souls; his grace will be suffor if our violations of the divine law do not ex-ficient for us; so that we shall conquer our clude us from heaven, we shall have great most powerful, and supplant our most subtle cause for thankfulness; and if we be truly pen- foes. We may indeed be grieved and galled itent, our very sufferings will be converted by the arrows of temptation and slander, but into blessings to ourselves and others.-Those "no weapon formed against us shall prosper, who are of eminence in the profession of reli- and every tongue that ariseth against us in judg gion, should be peculiarly stedfast in protest-ment, we shall condemn;" because Jacob's God ing against the wickedness of other professors; will be on our side.-Under the care of the and in wiping away every suspicion of conniv- Shepherd of Israel, we shall lack nothing: built ing at their sins, though it should leave infamy upon the Rock of salvation, we shall abide imupon their nearest relations: for it is far better moveable, until our work be finished; and then, that they should bear the reproach, than that it breathing out our souls into his hands, for should rest upon the gospel.-Revenge or sen-whose salvation we have waited, we shall desual pleasure may be sweet at the time, but part in peace, and leave a blessing on our chil will leave a lasting sting behind: such men as dren after us. |