Genesis 49 11 says binding his foal unto the vine and his asses coat unto the choice vine. He washed his garments in wine and his clothes in the blood of grapes. We spent some time going over the previous verse in Genesis 49. That verse sets the context for verse 11. And if you listen to our studies for long, you'll hear us emphasize the importance of context. So let's read these together. Genesis 49, 10 and 11 says, 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. Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's coat unto the choice vine, he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes. We understand that Shiloh is a reference to the coming Messiah at that time, and he came. And we know that when he showed up, the Messiah was known as Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus lays claim to the scepter as a descendant of Judah. And now we come to verse 11, which says, binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's coat unto the choice vine. So Shiloh, or Jesus, is binding his foal unto the vine and his ass's colt unto the choice vine. What does that mean? Well, in Judah, the vines were to be so strong and thick that people could tie their asses, or donkeys if you prefer, and their mules to those vines without worrying that they would break away. Now that's not actually typically done. I've never lived near areas where grapes were grown in a large scale like you find in places like Erie, Pennsylvania or out in California and elsewhere, but some folks locally have small vineyards and tying your donkey or mule like be like tying a horse or a cow to one of those vines wouldn't really be a smart thing to do. Those vines would be too weak to hold down your mule if he started to buck and tried to run off. So this is a promise of prosperity and of extraordinary blessing. And it's obvious that this is referring to the time when Shiloh, in the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel, will rule and reign in Israel. Therefore, it doesn't find its fulfillment until the Millennial Kingdom. But the vine here is representative of something. In one sense, Israel is the vine and is called the vineyard, and is portrayed that way at various times in scripture, including Psalm 80, verse 8. Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt. Thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it. Israel is the vine brought out of Egypt. Even though Jesus was rejected by all but a remnant of the Jews in 30 AD when they orchestrated his death by crucifixion, he remains committed to his role as Messiah of Israel and will one day rule and reign as King of Israel, who will also be King of all kings. Interestingly, when the Messiah came to Israel, he said in John 15, 1, I am the true vine, and my father is the husbandman. This tells us that Israel was chosen, but not because they're something wonderful. Israel was chosen because it was through Israel that God would bring the one himself who is called wonderful. As Isaiah 9, 6 says, for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called wonderful. counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Vine begets vine. The vine, Israel, begat the vine, the true vine, Jesus. That's why he said this in John 15, 5, I am the vine. ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. For without me ye can do nothing. binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine. Jesus is the vine produced by Israel, the vine. And God's not done with Israel, as we'll discuss in our next couple of About Jesus devotions. Lord willing, and the church don't rise.