Shiloh

Shiloh is a name that I have always loved. I have known of churches that have Shiloh in their name. One is the Shiloh Hills Baptist Church in Kenesaw, GA., and is pastored by a dear friend of mine. A few years ago, in our area, there was a church that relocated from Lilburn to Bold Springs, who when they moved changed their church name to Shiloh Church.
I often dream about, and even often pray about, having a large piece of property out in the Georgia country, complete with a lot of woods, a pond, and some pasture. In my mind, I can see hundreds of kids having the time of their lives in a rural space with the Word of God being preached to them each summer. I see families from good churches that come together for fall and winter retreats, with the Word of God preached to them, strengthening their homes from the attacks of Satan. I see a place where a preacher and his wife can get away for a few days, walking and talking about the Lord’s direction in their lives. I dream about the name of that place being Shiloh. Why?
From the time of Joshua’s conquest of the Promise Land, until the time of Samuel, the Tabernacle, along with the Ark of the Covenant, was housed at Shiloh. It is an actual place that is located approximately 20 -25 miles north of Jerusalem. The name Shiloh isn’t around on a city limit sign, but archeological digs have identified the location. Today we hear often about the “west bank” in Israel. That is the location of ancient Shiloh. It was within the land allotment for the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua 18:1, “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.” For the children of Israel, it was, and still is, part of the land mass God promised them. For us, Shiloh is something more.
1. It was a place where Israel “came to meet with God.” It was a place where sacrifices were made during feasts and festivals, i.e., “holy days.” One of the wonderful privileges we have as Christians is having access to the presence of God wherever we are. We don’t have to make a trek to a sacred location in order to speak with the Lord. Our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, constantly makes intercession on our behalf. Romans 8:34 teaches us this marvelous truth. But I must say that there are places that seem to make meeting with the Lord easier. When Moses was looking at the burning bush, the place was “holy ground.” The piece of ground David bought from Araunah would become holy ground for the Temple. Personally, for me, there are a few places where walking with the Lord is easier. First and foremost are early mornings. My mind is clearer and all is quiet on the Western Front (old people know that phrase). Second, is our church. Just walking around the campus, seeing the blessings of God, spending time giving thanks for everything just connects me in a special way with the Lord. Third, would be Savannah, GA. That’s where it all began for me the day I trusted Jesus. I can take you to the spot of land when my new life began. I love walking on that land. Fourth, “The Land.” That’s what a preacher from San Antonio, TX used to call the land of Israel. I first met this man and his wife in 2013 on my first trip. It is special to walk and see the exact places our Lord Jesus walked and watch the Bible open up in special ways.
2. It was a “central location” where everyone could participate in those “holy days.” During those days it was an effort to worship. Many from distant tribes would walk for days just to be able to come to the house of the Lord. Then they’d have to walk back home. That’s the reason a central location was important. Today, in the United States and Europe, Christians will drive two hours to eat dinner but won’t drive 20 minutes to worship the Lord. People will spend three hours watching a movie and can’t stay focused on the preacher who preaches 40 minutes. In the early days before the Temple court yards, (remember Jesus twice turning over the money changers tables), these people coming to worship would bring their offerings with them on a rope. Sheep, goats, and bullocks would make the trek along with the pilgrim. Overcoming hardships wasn’t a problem because God’s Word and His presence is what they sought with their whole heart.
3. It was also a place for “caution.” A few years ago, I preached through I & II Samuel. (It took a long time, and the sermons are still on our church website and/or YouTube). It is my belief that something significant happened in I Samuel 4. The rebellious sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were going to battle and decided they needed and a “good luck charm” with them. The item they took was the Ark of the Covenant. These two heathens thought the Ark ensured them victory. It didn’t, they died and the Ark was captured by the Philistines. Ultimately the Ark would be returned by those same Philistines because of God’s judgment on them physically. The Bible says the Philistines were inflicted with death and “emerods” (our word is hemorrhoids). You can read this story in I Samuel 5 and 6. Later Jeremiah would say, “But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. 13 And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; 14 Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh” (Jeremiah 7:12-14). Our relationship with the Lord can be exactly like Israel. They neglected their responsibility and we have many brothers and sisters who make the same mistake.
One final thought: Genesis 49:10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, not a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” What does that little phrase mean? Scholars and commentators debate their various positions ad nauseam. I personally think it can be narrowed down to two. First, the word Shiloh means peace, tranquility, or rest. It had to do in those OT times with God’s provision for His people. The second thought if you look at the verse is the word, Shiloh. It is capitalized. Shiloh is a person that will bring peace, tranquility, and rest when he comes. Not a doubt in my mind that Shiloh is the Lord Jesus. Genesis 49:10 is a prophecy about the coming of Messiah. When Jesus walked on this earth, hurting and sick people found peace and rest. Blinded eyes were given sight, dead ears given hearing, and Jesus was always breaking up funeral processions. He still works today giving peace, rest for the weary, and every time a sinner accepts His salvation, they are raised from the dead. Shiloh was special in old times, and it is still special in our times and who knows, perhaps one day there will be a place called Shiloh where God’s people can come for peace, tranquility, and rest. My space is gone.