Jacob on his deathbed blesses his son Judah that his sons will be kings over the Jewish people “until Shiloh comes.” What is the meaning of Jacob’s blessing?
Bereshit – Genesis
The Torah begins with God creating the universe and mankind. Though God is concerned with all of mankind, He eventually chooses Avraham and his family to be His messengers to the world.
Genesis 47:7-10 – Jacob Meets Pharaoh
Genesis 46 tells how Jacob and his family were reunited with Joseph in Egypt. A short time later, Joseph brings his father to meet with Pharaoh.
Genesis 42:9 – Joseph and His Family
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and became a slave in Egypt. Then he became the second in command in Egypt. Why didn’t he ever contact his family?
Genesis 37:15-17 – A Man Helps Joseph
God told Abraham that his offspring would be oppressed in a foreign land (Genesis 15). In Genesis 37 Jacob sends Joseph to meet his brothers. That encounter begins the process of Jacob’s family descending down to Egypt.
Genesis 32 – Jacob’s Thigh
Jacob is alone on the night before he is going to meet his brother. Suddenly, a man appears and wrestles with him. Ramban explains the deeper meaning behind this strange event.
Genesis 26:5 – Abraham Observed the Torah
God blesses Isaac and tells him to stay in the Land of Israel. He also reveals to Isaac that his father Abraham observed the Torah.
Genesis 25:7,8,17 – Death of the Righteous
The Torah records the death of Abraham and just 9 verses later the death of Ishmael. There are lessons we can learn from the wording of these verses.
Genesis 19:5 – Sodom’s Worst Sin
The people of Sodom were not pleased with Lot’s behavior.
Genesis 12:10-13 – Abraham Comes to Egypt
Abraham and Sarah are faced with a famine shortly after moving to the Land of Canaan. Ramban claims that Abraham commits two unintentional sins at this time.
Genesis 6:1-13 – Corruption and Violence
God tells Noah that He is going to destroy the world. But the sin that has lead to this decree seems too minor compared to other things going on at that time.