Genesis 49:5-7 – Simeon and Levi
Simeon and Levi are next in age to Reuben, and they also have been a grief and shame to Jacob, when they treacherously and cruelly destroy the Shechemites for the sin of their prince in raping their sister (Genesis 34). Simeon and Levi have characters quite different from their father, Jacob, who is generally a peaceful man. They are passionate and revengeful, fierce and uncontrollable; their swords, which they should have only used as a weapon of defence, are used as weapons of violence to do wrong to others, not to save themselves from wrong.
A proof of their character is found in the murder of the Shechemites which Jacob deeply resented at the time and still continues to resent. They killed Shechem and many others, and in order to accomplish this they tore down a wall, plundered and destroyed the houses, and murdered the inhabitants. The best household heads cannot always restrain those under their charge from committing the worst sins.
Jacob curses the anger of these two sons that has led them to such wickedness. Anger is the cause and origin of a great deal of sin and exposes us to the curse of God and His judgement. We ought always to distinguish carefully between the sinner and the sin, so as not to love or bless the sin for the sake of the person, nor to hate or curse the person for the sake of the sin.
The descendants of Simeon and Levi will be divided. The Levites were scattered throughout all the tribes, and Simeon’s tribe dwindled in numbers so much, they were forced to settle in amongst other tribes.
Questions
- Who is next in line to be blessed?
- Why is Jacob displeased with them?
- How are their actions cursed?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would govern our anger.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.