Gen 49:7 | KingComments | STEP | Jacob has a word about Simeon (meaning ‘heard’) and Levi (meaning ‘attachment’). After Reuben’s sin, which shows the characteristic of corruption, Jacob speaks of the sin of his next two sons. Another characteristic of sin emerges: violence. Jacob refers to the violence of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34 ( ). He clearly distances himself from the actions of his sons. He does not speak to them, but about them in the presence of all his sons. All of us, including ourselves, must learn from it. These two have been brothers in evil. Jacob rejects any connection with them. He does not want to be involved in their council. Jacob will not be in such company, nor do we belong there ( ). He does not protect his children and does not justify their sin, but calls it by its name. He curses their anger and wrath, not them personally. The consequences of their actions do not fail ( ). Instead of staying together – they have been together in evil – they will be dispersed and scattered in Israel. Not much will remain of Simeon as a tribe ( ; ). They will live in the land largely in the midst of Judah. The scattering of Levi is changed into a blessing by the grace of God. By their scattering they come amidst the whole people, so that they can teach the whole people the laws of God.

‏ Genesis 49:7

Simeon and Levi

Jacob has a word about Simeon (meaning ‘heard’) and Levi (meaning ‘attachment’). After Reuben’s sin, which shows the characteristic of corruption, Jacob speaks of the sin of his next two sons. Another characteristic of sin emerges: violence. Jacob refers to the violence of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34 (Gen 34:5-29). He clearly distances himself from the actions of his sons.

He does not speak to them, but about them in the presence of all his sons. All of us, including ourselves, must learn from it. These two have been brothers in evil. Jacob rejects any connection with them. He does not want to be involved in their council. Jacob will not be in such company, nor do we belong there (Psa 1:1).

He does not protect his children and does not justify their sin, but calls it by its name. He curses their anger and wrath, not them personally. The consequences of their actions do not fail (Gal 6:7-8). Instead of staying together – they have been together in evil – they will be dispersed and scattered in Israel.

Not much will remain of Simeon as a tribe (Num 1:23 ; Num 26:14; Jos 19:1-9). They will live in the land largely in the midst of Judah. The scattering of Levi is changed into a blessing by the grace of God. By their scattering they come amidst the whole people, so that they can teach the whole people the laws of God.