Gen. xlix . 1. The Targum Pseudo-Jon. notes, that the end for which the Messiah would

come was not revealed to Jacob. A similar statement is found in the Midrash on the

passage (Ber. R. 98, ed. Warsh. p. 173 a), where it is said of Jacob and Daniel that they

saw the end, and yet it was afterwards hid from them. The passage quoted in the case of

Daniel is Dan. xii. 4.

Gen. xlix . 9. The expression 'lion's whelp,' is explained of the Messiah in Yalkut 160 (vol.

i. p. 49 c), no less than five times; while the term 'he couched,' is referred to the Messiah

in Ber. R. 98.

Gen. xlix . 10. This well-known prediction (on which see the full and interesting

discussion in Raym. Martini, Pugio Fidei) is in Yalkut, u. s., applied to the Messiah, with

a quotation of Ps. ii. 9. This expression 'Shiloh' is also applied to the Messiah, with the

curious addition, that in the latter days all nations would bring gifts to Him. Alike the

Targum Onkelos, Pseudo-Jonat han, and the Jerusalem Targum, as well as Sanh. 98 b, the

Midrash on the passage, and that on Prov. xix. 21, and on Lam. i. 16, where it is rendered

shelo, 'whose it is,' refer the expression 'Shiloh,' and, indeed, the whole passage, to the

Messiah; the Midrash Ber. R. (99, ed. Warsh. p. 178 b) with special reference to Is. xi.

10, while the promise with reference to the ass's colt is brought into connection with

Zech. ix. 9, the fulfilment of this prophecy being expected along with that in Ezek. xxxvi.

25 ('I will sprinkle clean water'). Another remarkable statement occurs in the Midrash on

the passage (Ber. R. 98, ed. Warsh. p. 174 b ), which applies the verse to the coming of

Him of Whom it is written, Zech. ix. 9. Then He would wash his garment in wine (Gen.

xlix. 11), which is explained as meaning the teaching of the Law to Israel, and His

clothes in the blood of grapes, which is explained as meaning that He would bring them

back from their errors. One of the Rabbis, however, remarks that Israel would not require

to be taught by the King Messiah in the latter days, since it was written (Is. xi. 10), 'to it

shall the Gentiles seek.' If so, then why should the Messiah. come, and what will He do to

the congregation of Israel? He will redeem Israel, and give t hem thirty commandments,

according to Zech. xi. 12. The Targum Pseudo-Jon. and the Jer. Targum also apply verse

11 to the Messiah. Indeed, so general was this interpretation, that, according popular

opinion, to see a palm- tree in one's dreams was to see the days of the Messiah (Berach.

57 a).

Gen. xlix . 12 is also applied to the Messiah in the Targum Pseudo-Jon. and the Jerusalem

Targum. So also is verse 18, although not in express words.

In Gen. xlix . 17, last clause, in its connection with ver. 18, the Midrash (Ber. R. 98) sees a

reference to the disappointment of Jacob in mistaking Samson for the Messiah.

In the prophecy of Gad in Gen. xlix . 19 there is an allusion to Messianic days, as Elijah

was to be of the tribe of Gad (Ber. R. 99, ed. Warsh. p. 179 a). There is, however, in Ber.

R. 71, towards the close, a dispute whether he was of the tribe of Gad, or of the tribe of