What is Shiloh? Is Shiloh related to a Messianic prophecy?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament references Shiloh, the geographic place, about thirty times.
• Shiloh, meaning "tranquility" or "rest," was in the hill country of Ephraim and served as a place of worship before the first temple was built in Jerusalem (Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 1:3).
• When Jacob blessed his sons in Genesis 49, he used "Shiloh" in a different way. Genesis 49:10 says: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, / nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, / until tribute comes to him; / and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." The phrase "until tribute comes to him" is often translated "until Shiloh comes" or "until he comes to whom it belongs." Either way, Jacob, who gave this prophecy, was referring to a person, not a place. Jacob, in this chapter, was telling each of his twelve sons, and the twelve tribes of Israel, about their future. By verse 10, he was talking about Judah. His prophecy was positive and powerful. Jacob said Judah would receive the praise of his brothers and would have power over his enemies (Genesis 49:8). He referred to Judah as a young lion (Genesis 49:9). King David came from the line of Judah and ruled over the kingdom, fulfilling this prophecy in part. These verses also refer to a future King who will rule over all people—the Messiah.
• Jacob continued to prophesy about the coming Savior, the Messiah, in verse 10. He said the power of the coming one would never cease and that this Ruler would be honored by all nations. The word "Shiloh" or "the one to whom it belongs" refers to the forever-Ruler. The "scepter" symbolizes power.
• In Joshua 18:1, Shiloh is mentioned in the context of the Israelites setting up the tabernacle there after they had conquered much of the land of Canaan.
• Shiloh is mentioned as the place where Joshua instructed the remaining seven tribes to set up their inheritances in the land (Joshua 18:8–10).
• Shiloh is mentioned as the location of the tabernacle and where the events involving the tribe of Dan and the idolatry of Micah's shrine took place (Judges 18:30–31).
• Shiloh is where the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, begins (1 Samuel 1:3, 9). She went there to pray for a child. When God answered her prayer, Hannah brought her son Samuel to Shiloh to serve in the house of the Lord (1 Samuel 1:24).
• Shiloh is where the Lord appeared to Samuel and revealed Himself to him (1 Samuel 3:21).

from the new testament

• In the New Testament, Jesus referred to Himself as "Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (John 17:3); Paul wrote that Christ "himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14); the writer of Romans told of the one who "arises to rule the Gentiles" (Romans 15:12). These descriptions all have roots in "Shiloh."
• Shiloh, the Messiah Jesus, fulfilled Jacob's prophecy. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, the lineage of King David. He appeared and performed miracles before multitudes. He died and was resurrected to life. Hundreds of people saw and interacted with Him after His death. When we put our faith in Him, we obey Him, not the Mosaic law. He is ultimately the Ruler of all. When He returns, all will confess He is Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).

implications for today

The biblical significance of Shiloh reminds us of the centrality of seeking God's presence in our lives, just as the tabernacle was established there. Shiloh means “tranquil,” “quiet,” or “calm.” God’s presence in our lives provides us the peace we need to be still, even in the midst of our circumstances. Further, Jesus described as Shiloh reminds us that He is our rest. It gives meaning to Jesus’ call in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Ultimately, understanding Shiloh leads us to rely on God's faithfulness, find hope in Christ, and live in peace, living obediently to His will.