Shiloh, Muhammad, and the Muslim Community (Ummah)

Genesis 49, verse 10, reads “The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes;
and to him will be the obedience of the people.”

In this verse, it seems to be implied that Shiloh (Messiah) should be outside of the clan of Judah. What is the explanation for this argument?

The interpretation of Genesis 49, verse 10, particularly the term "Shiloh," has been a subject of considerable debate among scholars and theologians for centuries. The passage is part of Jacob's blessings to his sons, where he makes prophetic statements about their futures and the destiny of their descendants.

The verse is traditionally understood as a messianic prophecy within both Jewish and Christian traditions, although interpretations of who or what "Shiloh" represents may vary. The verse indicates that the scepter, which symbolises rulership, and the lawgiver, who represents the law, shall remain with Judah until “Shiloh” comes.

"Shiloh" is often interpreted as a reference to the Messiah, although the exact identity and meaning of the term are not clear from the text itself.

Several scholars believe that the word "until" in the verse indicates the time at which Judah's authority ended.

Therefore, Shiloh (Messiah) does not descend from David's lineage, which is traced back to Judah.

Some believe that the statement "and unto him shall the gathering of the people be" in Genesis 49, verse 10, refers to the replacement of the Jewish nation by new nations, specifically pointing to the Muslim community as a whole. Muhammad is regarded as a "Shiloh". This interpretation is supported by Matthew 8, verse 12. Can you explain this interpretation further?

The verse from Genesis 49, verse 10, is part of the blessings Jacob gave to his sons before he died, where each son's blessing contained prophecies about their descendants. The verse in question is traditionally ascribed to Judah:

"The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be."

"Shiloh" is a term that has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries. In Jewish interpretation, it is often understood as a reference to the Messiah from the line of Judah, who would be a ruler over Israel. Christianity interprets Jesus as this Messiah, and thus as "Shiloh."

However, some Muslim scholars interpret "Shiloh" as a prophecy of Muhammad. In this view, the verse is seen as a prediction that rulership (the scepter) and religious authority (the lawgiver) would remain with the descendants of Judah until a new prophet (Muhammad) arises, and to him, the obedience of the peoples would turn. This interpretation thus sees the Muslim community as the fulfillment of this prophecy, with Muhammad being "Shiloh," and the Muslim ummah (community) as the gathering of the people.

Matthew 8, verse 12, on the other hand, is a part of the New Testament where Jesus says:

"But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

This verse is often interpreted in a Christian context to mean that those who were originally chosen (the Jewish people) but do not accept Jesus as the Messiah will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Some Muslim interpreters might use this verse to support the idea that there is a new chosen community (the Muslims) that has replaced the old (the Jewish people) due to their acceptance of the final prophet Muhammad, as prophesied in Genesis.

It's important to note that this interpretation is not a traditional or mainstream understanding within Judaism or Christianity. Both religions typically do not see Muhammad as prophesied in their scriptures. Jewish tradition does not recognize either Jesus or Muhammad as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies, and Christianity does not recognize Muhammad as a prophet.

However, there is the Quranic message of the Surah 2, verse 133, to the Jews and Christians:

“Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, and he said to his sons, “What will you worship after Me?” They said, “We will worship your God, and the God of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac; One God; and to Him we submit.

Two covenants: Abrahamic and Sinai covenants from an Islamic perspective

Genesis 49, verse 10, reads:

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”

The verse implies that Judah's offspring will govern Israel until the arrival of "Shiloh," who holds all royal power. Here, Shiloh, similar to "the Seed" in Genesis 22, verse 18, refers to the future Messiah.

From an Islamic perspective, the word “Shiloh” in Genesis 49, verse 10, is connected to the Abrahamic covenant through Ishmael, who, not Isaac, is believed to be nearly sacrificed. Conversely, the terms "scepter" and "lawgiver" mentioned in Genesis 49, verse 10, are associated with the Sinai covenant. How is their argument articulated?

From an Islamic perspective, the interpretation of Genesis 49, verse 10, and its connection to the Abrahamic covenant through Ishmael involves several key arguments:

1. Shiloh as Muhammad:
Some Islamic scholars interpret "Shiloh" as a reference to Prophet Muhammad. They argue that the prophecy indicates a shift in divine authority away from the line of Judah to a descendant of Ishmael.

2. Abrahamic Covenant through Ishmael:
Islamic tradition holds that it was Ishmael, not Isaac, who was nearly sacrificed by Abraham. This is seen as a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, establishing Ishmael's line as the inheritors of God's promise.

3. Scepter and Lawgiver:
The terms "scepter" and "lawgiver" in Genesis 49, verse 10, are associated with the Sinai covenant given to Moses. Islamic interpretation suggests that these symbols of authority and divine law would remain with the descendants of Judah until the coming of "Shiloh" (Muhammad).

4. Transfer of Authority:
The verse is interpreted to mean that the religious and political authority ("scepter" and "lawgiver") would depart from Judah's line when Shiloh (Muhammad) comes. This is seen as a prophecy of the transition of divine guidance from the Israelite tradition to Islam.

5. Gathering of the People:
The phrase "unto him shall the gathering of the people be" is interpreted as referring to the universal message of Islam brought by Muhammad, which would unite people from various nations and backgrounds.

6. Continuation of Abrahamic Legacy:
Islamic scholars argue that Muhammad, as a descendant of Ishmael, fulfills this prophecy by bringing the final revelation that completes and supersedes previous covenants, while still maintaining continuity with the Abrahamic tradition.

7. Non-Judahite Messiah:
Some interpretations suggest that the verse implies the coming of a messianic figure from outside the tribe of Judah, which aligns with the Islamic view of Muhammad's lineage through Ishmael.

It's important to note that this interpretation is specific to Islamic theology and is not accepted in Jewish or Christian exegesis. The Islamic perspective sees this verse as one of many biblical passages that they believe foretell the coming of Prophet Muhammad and the establishment of Islam as the final Abrahamic faith.