SIMEON AND LEVI

9. What prompted Jacob’s words of disapproval to Simeon and Levi? (Genesis 49:5-7)

⁹ Read Genesis 49:5-7. Next, using strong words of disapproval, Jacob addresses Simeon and Levi. Years earlier, Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, had been raped by a Canaanite man named Shechem. Understandably, all of Jacob’s sons were very upset about what had happened to their sister, but Simeon and Levi became violent. They deceitfully promised to make peace with the men of Shechem if they all agreed to get circumcised. The men complied. While they were still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi “each took his sword and went into the unsuspecting city and killed every male.”​—Gen. 34:25-29.

10. How were Jacob’s prophetic words about Simeon and Levi fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

¹⁰ Jacob was deeply troubled by the violent actions of his two sons. He foretold that they would be dispersed and scattered throughout Israel. Those prophetic words came true over 200 years later when the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land. The tribe of Simeon received as its inheritance isolated portions of land inside Judah’s tribal territory. (Josh. 19:1) Levi’s inheritance consisted of 48 cities scattered throughout Israel.​—Josh. 21:41.

11. What good things did the tribes of Simeon and Levi do?

¹¹ The descendants of Simeon and Levi did not repeat the mistakes of their forefathers. The tribe of Levi showed great loyalty for pure worship. When Moses received the Law from Jehovah at Mount Sinai, many Israelites got involved with idolatrous calf worship but the Levites rallied to Moses’ side and helped him to clear out that badness. (Ex. 32:26-29) Jehovah chose to set the tribe of Levi apart, giving it the precious privilege of the priesthood. (Ex. 40:12-15; Num. 3:11, 12) Later, during the conquest of the Promised Land, the Simeonites valiantly fought alongside the Judeans, in line with Jehovah’s purpose.​—Judg. 1:3, 17.

12. What lessons can we draw from the examples of Simeon and Levi?

¹² What can we learn? Never allow anger to drive your decisions and actions. If you or a loved one have been mistreated, it is only natural to be upset. (Ps. 4:4) We need to remember, though, that Jehovah does not approve of words and deeds that reflect bitter anger. (Jas. 1:20) We deal with an injustice​—either inside or outside the congregation—​in harmony with Bible principles, thus avoiding the harm that uncontrolled anger causes. (Rom. 12:17, 19; 1 Pet. 3:9) Even if your parents are doing things that are not pleasing to Jehovah, remember that you are not obligated to follow their example. Do not conclude that you are a lost cause and that you cannot have Jehovah’s blessing. Jehovah will not fail to reward your efforts to move ahead and do what is right.