What “Shiloh” is to the Broken and Hopeless (when He is leading)
In the Hebrew language, "Shiloh" has multiple meanings, including "peaceful one" or "he whose it is". and can refer to a sort of (1) sleepy hollow of a town where the Tabernacle was housed, or to the (2) Messiah in prophecy.
There is always a debate concerning usage and origin, but interpretations often connect to ideas of peace, rest, and the ultimate ownership of power and lineage. Does that link your mind to anyone in particular? Here is a little more information about the usage of the name “Shiloh”.
Peaceful One: Hebrew word for "peace," suggesting a peaceful or tranquil figure.
He Whose It Is: It derives from a phrase meaning "he to whom it belongs," pointing to the Messianic prophecy in Genesis 49:10.
Tranquil Town: It was also the name of a significant ancient city where the Israelites established the Tabernacle, a place for rest and meeting GOD.
A Prophetic Title: In Genesis 49:10, Jacob prophesied that the scepter would belong to the tribe of Judah "until Shiloh come". This "Shiloh" is understood as the coming Messiah, the Bringer of peace and Ruler of the nations.
A Place of Rest: The city of Shiloh housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the primary place of focused worship of their Elohim for the Israelites for a period.
I have always found it an amazing revelation when I learn of another euphemism, synonym or code word that refers to the returning King of the world.
Shiloh was more than a location—it was a spiritual heartbeat for early Israel. It reminded them of GOD’s promises, their shared purpose, and the importance of faithful worship.
Let’s take a MILE LONG step back to see our societies from a broader view.
It would not be a mistake to see and understand that GOD (Shiloh) has been intentionally left out of the worship focus and lifestyles of those who say they follow and serve Him. Undoubtedly, if we look at our churches, we will honestly have to ask ourselves, why have the leaders allowed the apostacy to rule the pulpit and extended areas?
How difficult would it be to miss the societal and personal fallout? Consider the human oppression of the land back then. There is little to zero difference in today’s service and spiritual oppression. GOD warned that human kings would exploit the people—taking their sons, daughters, land, and labor (1 Samuel 8:11–17). This came true under rulers like Saul and Solomon. It is even more accurate when we look at the pastoral care and amoral (dishonorable, unscrupulous, unprincipled and immoral) stances coming from the men of GOD today. What truth is being espoused today? We here watered down versions of Scripture, if any is used at all.
I know, not all the leaders of today have been corrupted by sex, power and money. However, “absolute power, corrupts absolutely.”
HISTORICAL ETYMOLOGY: The phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely" means that when a person holds unchecked power, they are likely to become corrupt or abuse their authority. This saying, attributed to John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton, a British politician, suggests that as a person's power increases, their moral sense diminishes, leading to self-serving behavior and potential abuse of power.
Essentially, it warns that those in power often prioritize their own interests over the common good, resulting in moral decay.
That has been the way of man for years, but when man loses or ditches his moral compass, the waywardness takes on a who new and extremely different persona.
Consider also the Idolatry and Injustice of how we are leading from the front of the house of GOD.
Either He still King, or He is not.
Without divine kingship, Israel often fell into cycles of idol worship, injustice, and national instability. <gulp> We are not any better. Do I need to say more?
Jeremiah referenced Shiloh as a metaphor for judgment, warning that Jerusalem could become "like Shiloh" if the people of Judah did not repent. This comparison highlights the potential consequences of unfaithfulness, as Shiloh was destroyed due to the Israelites' disobedience, symbolizing the judgment that would come to Jerusalem if the same fate were to befall them. The prophecy underscores the seriousness of GOD's warnings and the importance of genuine worship and adherence to His covenant.
The statement "If GOD does not judge the USA, He would owe Sodom and Gomorrah an apology" is often attributed to Billy Graham's wife, Ruth Graham. It reflects a concern about the moral decay and sinfulness of the United States, suggesting that if GOD does not intervene, He may have to apologize to the biblical cities for their actions. I understand that this statement is cheeky and forward, but would you consider it as coming from a position of arrogance or accuracy. …only to make a point. Is there not a need for divine judgment? Is not our world (USA) in the middle of upholding the seriousness of moral issues in its societies?
Shiloh played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual, communal, and national identity of the Israelites. Its significance goes far beyond geography—it was a symbol of divine presence and unity.
We can’t even agree the Bible was written by GOD’s inspiration and it is the Infallible Word of His Authority.
Shiloh was where tribes assembled to distribute land and celebrate religious festivals, fostering unity and shared identity. What are we doing with what we have been given? We have millionaire evangelists and “leaders”, and we can’t take care of the widows and truly struggling in our assemblies.
When the chosen ones “sons of Jacob” and great-grandchildren of Abraham and grandchildren of Isaac became complacent and disobedient, Shiloh’s prominence faded after the Ark was captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4), serving as a warning about taking GOD's Presence for granted.
What have we done? How then have we sinned?
When we dwell in God's presence, we don’t just experience a moment—we step into a transformative reality. His Presence isn’t passive; it’s active, healing, guiding, and empowering.
We see even less of these today. I wonder why?